Buy Used Metal Drums in Bridgeport

Save Money on Metal Drums: Your Complete Guide to Buying Used in Bridgeport, CT

What you'll gain from reading this: You'll learn exactly where to find quality used metal drums in Bridgeport, how to avoid costly mistakes, and get the best deals for your specific needs.

Why Buy Used Metal Drums?

Used metal drums cost 50-70% less than new ones. A new 55-gallon steel drum might cost $200-300, while a good used one costs $75-150. You get the same storage capacity and durability.

Common uses include:

• Water storage for gardens
• Oil and chemical storage for shops
• Waste collection for businesses
• DIY projects like planters or fire barrels
• Emergency preparedness supplies

What Types of Used Metal Drums Can You Find?

Open-head drums have removable lids. Think of them like giant buckets with tight-fitting covers. Use these for:

• Solid materials like grain or pellets
• Semi-solid waste
• Items you need to scoop out

Tight-head drums have permanent tops with small screw openings. Picture a large metal bottle. Use these for:

• Liquids like water or oil
• Hazardous materials
• Anything that might spill

Drum conditions you'll encounter:

• Reconditioned: Professionally cleaned, tested, and repainted. Like a refurbished car.
• Salvage: Sold as-is with dents or rust. Good for non-critical uses.
• Food-grade: Safe for storing edibles. Has special inner coatings.

Most drums hold 30-55 gallons. A 55-gallon drum is about 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide.

What to Check Before You Buy

Condition matters most. Here's what to look for:

• No holes or cracks (obvious, but check anyway)
• Minimal rust (surface rust is okay, deep rust isn't)
• Dents that don't affect the rim or bottom
• Clean interior (no strong odors or residue)

For business use, check compliance:

• UN markings for hazardous materials
• DOT ratings for transport
• FDA approval for food storage
• These markings are stamped on the drum head

Example: If you're storing motor oil for your shop, you need a tight-head drum with chemical resistance. If you're making a rain barrel, a salvage open-head drum works fine.

Pricing Guide

Salvage drums: $25-50 each

• Good for: Rain barrels, planters, DIY projects
• Condition: Dents, rust, sold as-is
• Where: Scrap yards

Reconditioned drums: $75-150 each

• Good for: Business storage, food use, chemicals
• Condition: Cleaned, tested, certified
• Where: Specialized dealers

Bulk pricing: 24+ drums often get 15-30% discounts

Delivery costs:

• Local pickup: Free
• Local delivery: $25-75 per trip
• Shipping: $15-35 per drum

How to Get the Best Deal

Buy in bulk: Even 5-10 drums can get you better pricing.

Pick up yourself: Save $25-75 in delivery fees.

Know your needs: Don't pay for food-grade if you're storing paint.

Check multiple sources: Scrap yards for cheap drums, dealers for quality.

Ask about returns: Some dealers accept drums back for credit.

Safety and Legal Requirements

For hazardous materials:

• Must have UN markings
• Need proper labeling
• Follow grounding procedures for flammables
• Keep documentation

For food storage:

• Must be FDA-approved
• Check for proper inner coatings
• Avoid drums that held chemicals

General safety:

• Wear gloves when handling
• Check for sharp edges
• Use proper lifting techniques (55-gallon drums are heavy)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't buy the first drum you see. Compare prices from 2-3 sources.

Don't ignore condition for savings. A $30 drum that leaks costs more than a $75 good one.

Don't skip compliance checks. Fines for improper storage can be thousands of dollars.

Don't forget transport. A 55-gallon drum weighs 40+ pounds empty. Plan how you'll move it.

Getting Started

Step 1: Decide what you need drums for

Step 2: Determine how many you need

Step 3: Choose condition level (salvage vs. reconditioned)

Step 4: Contact 2-3 suppliers for quotes

Step 5: Arrange pickup or delivery

Step 6: Inspect drums before paying

Quick example: You need 5 drums for waste oil storage at your shop. Contact RePackify for reconditioned tight-head drums with chemical resistance. Compare with local scrap yards for salvage options. Factor in delivery costs vs. pickup savings.

Bridgeport offers good options for used metal drums whether you need one for a home project or dozens for business use. Start with your specific needs, compare local sources, and you'll find quality drums that fit your budget.