$12.98/ metal drum at pickup
Buy Used Metal Drums in Colorado
3 listings · Available listings in Colorado
- $12.07/ metal drum at pickup
- $10.38/ metal drum at pickup
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Check a metal drum price in Colorado
Per unit, picked up, before freight.
Metal Drums Prices in Colorado
What buyers pay by condition
| Condition | Avg. Price |
|---|---|
| New | $65.76 |
| Reconditioned | $43.40 |
| Used | $12.50 |
| Damaged (Salvage) | $4.60 |
About Colorado
#1 Supplier of Used Metal Drums Across The State of Colorado
How to Find Cheap Used Metal Drums in Colorado
What you'll get from this guide: Save money on quality 55-gallon steel drums for your storage needs. Learn where to buy, what to look for, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Why Buy Used Metal Drums?
Used drums cost 50-80% less than new ones. A new 55-gallon steel drum costs $40-60. Used drums start at $6-7 each.
You get the same storage capacity and durability. Most used drums are cleaned and tested before sale.
Where to Buy Used Drums in Colorado
RePackify (Best Overall Choice)
Locations: Boulder, Longmont, Fort Collins
Drum types: Steel drums with tight-head or open-head designs
Condition: Cleaned and reconditioned
Price: Starting at $6-7 per drum
Why choose them:
Bulk discounts of 10-20% for orders of 10 or more drums
Delivery available for $1-3 per drum
Food-grade certification available
Pressure-tested drums for safety
What Type of Drum Do You Need?
Tight-Head Drums (Closed Top)
Best for: Storing liquids
Why: Sealed design prevents leaks
Example: Water storage, liquid chemicals
Open-Head Drums (Removable Lid)
Best for: Storing solids or bulk materials
Why: Easy access for filling and emptying
Example: Grain storage, dry chemicals
Note: Requires clamp ring to secure lid
How to Check Drum Quality
Before You Buy
Look for dents: Small dents are okay, large ones weaken the drum
Check for rust: Surface rust is fine, holes are not
Inspect welds: Look for cracks in seam welds
Ask about cleaning: Confirm previous contents were removed
Food-Grade vs Industrial-Grade
Food-grade: Safe for storing food or drinking water
Industrial-grade: Only for non-food items
Price difference: Food-grade costs $5-10 more per drum
How to Save Money
Buy in Bulk
10+ drums: Get 10-20% discount
Example: 20 drums at $7 each = $140, with 15% discount = $119
Consider Delivery Costs
Pick up yourself: Save $1-3 per drum
Delivery: Worth it for large orders (10+ drums)
Time Your Purchase
Spring/summer: Higher demand, higher prices
Fall/winter: Lower demand, better deals
Step-by-Step Buying Process
Decide how many drums you need
Choose drum type (tight-head or open-head)
Determine if you need food-grade
Contact RePackify for a quote
Ask about bulk discounts
Arrange pickup or delivery
Inspect drums before final payment
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not checking certification: Always verify food-grade status if storing food
Ignoring delivery costs: Factor delivery into your budget
Buying wrong head type: Tight-head for liquids, open-head for solids
Skipping inspection: Always check drums before buying
Final Tips
Start with RePackify for the best combination of price, quality, and service. They have multiple Colorado locations and offer the reliability you need.
For very tight budgets, check local recycling centers, but plan extra time for cleaning and inspection.
Always buy a few extra drums beyond your immediate needs. Having spares saves money on future delivery charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are standard 55-gallon drum dimensions?
A closed-head 55-gallon steel drum is 22.5" in diameter and 33.5" tall and weighs 38 to 48 lbs empty; the open-head version is about 34.75" tall because of the bolt ring and weighs 45 to 55 lbs. A 30-gallon drum is 19" x 28.5" (22 to 30 lbs) and a 16-gallon drum 15" x 26.5" (15 to 20 lbs). The 85-gallon overpack, 27" x 39", is for containing a damaged drum.
What is the difference between open-head and tight-head drums?
A tight-head drum has a sealed top with 2" and 3/4" bungs and is for liquids. An open-head drum has a removable lid held by a bolt ring or lever lock and is for solids, pastes, and anything you scoop out. Lined drums add an epoxy or phenolic interior for corrosive or food-grade contents.
What is a reconditioned drum?
A reconditioned drum has been professionally cleaned, tested, and certified for reuse, and is the grade to buy when the drum will hold product again, provided the new contents are compatible with what it held before and any hazmat use has a valid UN marking from a DOT-certified reconditioner. Used drums are sold as-is, with prior contents disclosed when the seller knows them, and suit non-critical storage. Damaged drums are sold for scrap value only; grade says nothing about head type, so check the 33.5" closed-head or 34.75" open-head height separately.
Can a used steel drum hold food or drinking water?
Only a lined, reconditioned drum that was previously food-grade and that the reconditioner certifies for food or potable use; the grade alone is not enough. An unlined drum that held oil, solvents, or chemicals cannot be made food-safe by cleaning. Listings state the last contents when the seller knows them, so filter by prior contents before buying a 55-gallon drum for potable use.
How many drums fit on a truck?
Empty 55-gallon drums: a 53-foot dry van carries 104 single-tier on 26 drum pallets of 4, 208 double-stacked, or 200 or more loose and tight-packed. Filled with water, weight governs: about 84 drums on 21 pallets reach the 45,000-lb payload. An 85-gallon overpack is 27" across, so only 2 fit on a 48" drum pallet.