Buy Used Metal Drums in Boone, IA
32 listings · Available Listings near Boone, IA
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32 Metal Drums listings within 500 miles of Boone, IA. Prices range from $9.60 to $14.40 per unit.
About Boone
Boone Supplier & Recycler of Used Metal Drums
Save Money on Metal Drums: Your Complete Guide to Buying Used in Boone, IA
What you'll get from this guide: Learn where to find quality used metal drums at great prices, how to check if they're safe, and tips to make them last longer. Perfect for anyone needing drums for water storage, gardening, or projects.
Why Buy Used Metal Drums?
Used metal drums cost much less than new ones. You can find good 55-gallon drums for $20-50 instead of $100+ for new ones. Plus, you're helping the environment by reusing materials.
How to Check if a Drum is Safe
Outside Check
Look for these problems:
Deep rust spots
Dents that could cause leaks
Damaged rim or lid
Inside Check
Use a flashlight to look for:
Holes or cracks
Strange smells
Leftover chemicals or residue
Ask These Questions
What was stored in this drum?
Has it been cleaned?
Is it safe for my planned use?
Common Uses for Used Metal Drums
Water Storage
Great for collecting rainwater for gardens. A 55-gallon drum can water a small garden for days.
Planters
Cut in half, they make excellent large planters for vegetables or flowers.
Storage
Perfect for storing animal feed, tools, or seasonal items.
Projects
Use them for burn barrels, compost bins, or art projects.
Cleaning Your Used Drum
For Non-Hazardous Drums
Rinse with water
Add dish soap and scrub
Rinse thoroughly
Let dry completely
For Unknown Contents
Don't clean it yourself
Take it to a professional cleaner
Cost: $30-60 per drum
Making Your Drum Last Longer
Prevent Rust
Keep it dry when not in use
Paint the outside every few years
Store in a covered area
Check Regularly
Look for new rust spots
Test for leaks
Clean out debris
What to Avoid
Don't buy drums that:
Held dangerous chemicals
Have holes or major dents
Smell bad even after cleaning
Cost more than 60% of a new drum's price
Getting the Best Deal
Timing Matters
Spring: Higher prices (gardening season)
Fall/Winter: Better deals
End of month: Yards want to clear inventory
Negotiation Tips
Buy multiple drums for bulk discount
Point out minor flaws for lower price
Ask about delivery for large orders
Final Tips
Start with one drum to test your supplier. If it works well, go back for more. Always inspect before you buy - a few minutes of checking can save you from problems later.
Remember: The goal is finding a drum that's safe for your use and will last. Don't just buy the cheapest option if it won't do the job right.
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.