Buy Used Metal Drums in Alpharetta, GA

51 listings · Available Listings near Alpharetta, GA

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51 Metal Drums listings within 500 miles of Alpharetta, GA. Prices range from $1.20 to $84.00 per unit.

Metal Drums Prices in Georgia

What buyers pay by condition

ConditionAvg. PriceAvailable Qty
New$58.020
Reconditioned$38.290
Used$11.473
Damaged (Salvage)$4.060

Prices reflect current market averages for metal drums in Georgia, with 3 units available across all conditions. View full price index

About Alpharetta

Alpharetta Supplier & Recycler of Used Metal Drums

Save Money on Metal Drums: Your Complete Guide to Buying Used in Alpharetta, GA

What you'll get from this guide: Learn how to find quality used metal drums in Alpharetta at 50-70% less than new drums, plus avoid costly mistakes that could waste your money.

Why Buy Used Metal Drums?

Used metal drums offer real savings without sacrificing quality. Here's what you get:

  • Save 50-70% compared to new drums

  • Get the same storage capacity

  • Help the environment by reusing materials

  • Find drums faster than waiting for new orders

For example, a new 55-gallon steel drum costs around $80-120. A used one in good condition? Just $25-45.

What to Look For When Buying Used Drums

Before you buy, check these key things:

Drum condition:

  • Look for dents, rust, or holes

  • Check if the lid closes tight

  • Make sure there are no strange smells

  • Test that it doesn't leak

Your needs:

  • What size do you need? (30, 55, or 85 gallons are common)

  • What will you store? (Water, chemicals, or dry goods)

  • Do you need food-grade drums?

  • How many drums do you need?

Supplier basics:

  • Do they clean the drums?

  • Will they deliver to your location?

  • What's their return policy?

  • Can you inspect before buying?

Where to Find Used Metal Drums Near Alpharetta

Local industrial suppliers often have the best selection. They know local businesses and can match you with drums that fit your needs.

Online marketplaces give you more options but require careful checking. You can't touch or smell the drums before buying.

Direct from businesses sometimes works well. Local manufacturers or food companies may sell their used drums directly.

Smart Buying Tips

Start with these simple steps:

Call ahead - Make sure they have what you need in stock

Ask about delivery - Factor in transport costs to your total price

Buy in bulk - Most suppliers offer discounts for 5+ drums

Inspect everything - Don't buy drums you can't see first

Red flags to avoid:

  • Sellers who won't let you inspect drums

  • Prices that seem too good to be true

  • Drums with strong chemical odors

  • Sellers with no return policy

Making Your Purchase

Once you find the right supplier:

Before you pay:

  • Get a written quote including all fees

  • Confirm delivery date and method

  • Ask about their cleaning process

  • Verify drum capacity and condition grade

During pickup or delivery:

  • Check each drum matches what you ordered

  • Note any damage immediately

  • Keep all paperwork and receipts

  • Test a few drums if possible

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't buy drums that previously held unknown chemicals - This could contaminate whatever you store and create safety risks.

Don't skip the inspection - One buyer saved $200 on drums but spent $400 fixing leaks that weren't disclosed.

Don't forget about transport costs - A "great deal" on drums 100 miles away might cost more than local options after delivery.

Getting the Most Value

The best deals come from building relationships with local suppliers. They'll call you when good drums come in and often offer regular customers better prices.

Consider these extras that add value:

  • Professional cleaning service

  • Delivery included in price

  • Guaranteed drum condition

  • Ability to return drums that don't work

Final Thoughts

Buying used metal drums in Alpharetta can save you significant money when done right. Focus on finding a reliable local supplier, inspect everything before buying, and factor in all costs including delivery.

The key is patience - don't rush into the first deal you find. Take time to compare options, and you'll find quality drums that serve your needs for years to come.

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.