Buy Used Metal Drums in Jacksonville

Where to Find Used Metal Drums in Jacksonville, FL

You'll save money and help the environment by buying used metal drums instead of new ones. This guide shows you exactly where to find quality used drums in Jacksonville and what to look for when buying them.

Why Buy Used Metal Drums?

Used metal drums cost 50-70% less than new ones. You can use them for:

• Storing water for your garden
• Making compost bins
• Industrial storage needs
• DIY projects like planters or fire barrels

Local Places to Buy Used Drums

Drum Specialty Stores

Jacksonville has several stores that focus on selling used drums:

• Local barrel retailers - These shops clean and inspect drums before selling them
• Industrial surplus stores - Often have drums from closed businesses
• Container specialty shops - Carry both steel and plastic options

Most local stores offer:

• 55-gallon steel drums (most common size)
• Both open-top and closed-top styles
• Cash discounts (usually 5-10% off)
• Help loading drums into your truck

Recycling Centers

Recycling facilities are great for finding cheap drums in bulk:

• Jacksonville Household Hazardous Waste Facility - Sometimes has clean drums available
• Local metal recycling centers - Call first to ask about drum availability
• Construction waste facilities - May have drums from job sites

Tip: Recycling centers often sell drums for $10-20 each, but you need to inspect them carefully.

Online Options

RePackify

RePackify offers used drums with:

• Detailed condition reports
• Shipping to Jacksonville
• Bulk pricing for multiple drums
• Quality guarantees

General Online Marketplaces

• Craigslist Jacksonville - Check the "for sale" section daily
• Facebook Marketplace - Search "metal drums" or "steel barrels"
• eBay - Good for specialty drums, but factor in shipping costs

What to Check Before Buying

Safety First

Ask these questions:

• What was stored in the drum before?
• Has it been cleaned?
• Are there any dents or rust spots?
• Does it have a tight-fitting lid?

Avoid These Drums

Never buy drums that held:

• Pesticides or chemicals
• Motor oil or fuel
• Paint or solvents
• Unknown substances

Safe bet: Look for drums that held food products, soap, or water.

Physical Inspection

Check for:

• Rust - Small surface rust is okay, but avoid deep rust or holes
• Dents - Small dents are fine, but large dents can weaken the drum
• Lid condition - Make sure it seals properly
• Interior cleanliness - Should smell neutral, not chemical-y

Getting the Best Price

Bulk Buying

• Buy 5+ drums for better pricing
• Split a bulk order with neighbors or friends
• Ask about volume discounts

Timing Matters

• Spring and fall are peak seasons (higher prices)
• Winter often has better deals
• End of business quarters may offer surplus inventory

Negotiation Tips

• Bring cash for immediate payment
• Offer to pick up multiple drums at once
• Ask about slightly damaged drums at lower prices

Transportation and Storage

Getting Drums Home

• Pickup truck - Fits 2-3 drums standing up
• Trailer - Better for bulk purchases
• Delivery service - Some sellers offer delivery for $20-50

Storage Tips

• Store drums off the ground on pallets
• Keep lids on to prevent water accumulation
• Store in a dry area if possible
• Stack no more than 3 high for safety

Common Uses for Used Drums

Home and Garden

• Rain water collection - Add a spigot near the bottom
• Compost bins - Cut ventilation holes in the sides
• Planters - Cut in half for large containers
• Burn barrels - Check local fire regulations first

Small Business

• Parts washing - For automotive or mechanical work
• Waste collection - For recyclables or scrap
• Mixing containers - For concrete or other materials
• Storage - For dry goods or materials

Final Tips

Start simple: Buy one drum first to test the seller and learn what to look for.

Build relationships: Good suppliers will call you when quality drums come in.

Safety first: When in doubt about what was in a drum, don't buy it.

Plan ahead: Quality used drums go fast, especially in spring gardening season.

Finding good used metal drums in Jacksonville takes some effort, but you'll save significant money compared to buying new. Start with local recycling centers for the best deals, then check specialty drum retailers for higher-quality options. Remember that patience pays off - the perfect drum at the right price will come along if you keep looking.