Buy Used Metal Drums in Hilo, HI

24 listings · Available Listings near Hilo, HI

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3 Metal Drums listings within 500 miles of Hilo, HI. Additional nationwide listings follow the nearby results. Prices range from $10.38 to $16.87 per unit.

Metal Drums Prices in Hawaii

What buyers pay by condition

ConditionAvg. Price
New$70.44
Reconditioned$46.50
Used$12.89
Damaged (Salvage)$4.93

Metal Drums price index for Hawaii

About Hilo

Hilo Supplier & Recycler of Used Metal Drums

Where to Buy Used Metal Drums in Hilo, Hawaii: A Simple Guide

You'll save money and find exactly what you need by knowing where to look for used metal drums in Hilo. This guide shows you the best places to buy, what to expect for prices, and how to avoid common mistakes.

Why Buy Used Metal Drums?

Used metal drums cost 50-70% less than new ones. A new 55-gallon steel drum costs about $50. Used drums start at $15. That's real savings.

You can use these drums for:

  • Water storage for your garden

  • Making barbecue smokers

  • Storing animal feed

  • Building rain collection systems

  • Industrial storage needs

Best Places to Buy in Hilo

Online: RePackify

RePackify lists up to 70 used drums in Hilo. Their prices are clear:

  • Used drums: $15 each

  • Reconditioned drums: $30 each

  • New drums: $50 each

You can request quotes online. This saves time calling around.

What Types of Drums to Look For

55-gallon steel drums are most common. They come in two types:

Open-head drums have removable lids. Good for:

  • Storing dry goods like feed

  • Making planters

  • Building smokers

Tight-head drums are sealed. Good for:

  • Water storage

  • Liquid chemicals

  • Transport

Check the Drum's History

Ask what was stored in the drum before. Avoid drums that held:

  • Toxic chemicals

  • Paint or solvents

  • Unknown substances

Food-grade drums are safest for water storage and gardens.

Pricing Guide

  • Scrap yards: $10-20 per drum (negotiate)

  • Online platforms: $15-30 per drum (fixed prices)

  • Hardware stores: $25-40 per drum (convenience premium)

Buy more drums to get better prices. Five drums might cost $12 each instead of $15.

Moving Heavy Drums

A full 55-gallon drum weighs over 400 pounds. Empty drums weigh about 40 pounds.

Get help moving them:

  • Use a drum dolly (wheels make it easy)

  • Ask for forklift loading at pickup

  • Bring a friend to help lift

Don't try to move full drums alone. You'll hurt your back.

Safety Rules

Check these before buying:

  • No big dents or rust holes

  • Lid fits tight

  • No strange smells

  • UN markings (if you need certified drums)

Clean used drums before using them:

Rinse three times with water

Use dish soap for stubborn residue

Let dry completely

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't buy the first drum you see. Call three places and compare prices.

Don't ignore the drum's history. A cheap drum isn't worth it if it's contaminated.

Don't forget transport costs. Factor in gas money or delivery fees.

Don't skip the inspection. Look for rust, dents, and leaks before buying.

Getting Started

Decide how many drums you need

Call three suppliers for prices

Ask about the drums' previous contents

Arrange pickup or delivery

Inspect drums before paying

Start with RePackify for online quotes. Then call local scrap yards for comparison. This takes 30 minutes and can save you $100 on a five-drum purchase.

Environmental Benefits

Buying used drums keeps them out of landfills. Steel drums can be reused many times before recycling. You're helping the environment while saving money.

Used metal drums in Hilo are easy to find when you know where to look. Start with the cheapest options first, then move to convenience options if needed. Always inspect before buying, and get help moving heavy drums safely.

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.