Buy Used Metal Drums in Marshalltown, IA

35 listings · Available Listings near Marshalltown, IA

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35 Metal Drums listings within 500 miles of Marshalltown, IA. Prices range from $1.20 to $14.40 per unit.

About Marshalltown

Marshalltown Supplier & Recycler of Used Metal Drums

Save Money on Metal Drums: Your Complete Marshalltown Buying Guide

What you'll learn: How to find quality used metal drums in Marshalltown, IA for less money, where to buy them, and how to avoid costly mistakes.

Why Buy Used Metal Drums?

You can save serious money. New 55-gallon steel drums cost $50-80 each. Used ones in Marshalltown average just $6.67. That's 90% savings.

Used drums work great for:

  • Storing chemicals safely

  • Collecting rainwater

  • Mixing concrete or feed

  • Waste collection

  • DIY projects like smokers or planters

What Types Can You Find?

Open-head drums have removable lids. Good for:

  • Loading solid materials

  • Easy cleaning

  • Converting to mixers

Tight-head drums have sealed tops with small holes. Better for:

  • Storing liquids

  • Preventing spills

  • Chemical storage

Condition levels:

  • Reconditioned = cleaned, tested, often repainted

  • Functional = some dents or scratches but works fine

  • As-is = cheapest option, inspect carefully

Where to Buy in Marshalltown

RePackify - Online platform with various used drums. Request quotes and choose shipping options.

How to Inspect Before Buying

Check these things:

Rust spots - Small rust is okay, but avoid deep holes

Dents - Light dents are fine, but big ones can cause problems

Smell test - Sniff for chemical odors

Lid fit - Make sure lids seal properly

Bottom condition - Look for leaks or weak spots

Ask the seller:

  • What was stored in it before?

  • Has it been cleaned?

  • Any safety documentation?

Transportation rules:

  • Even empty drums may need hazard labels if they held chemicals

  • Get documentation about previous contents

  • Use proper tie-downs when hauling

Disposal options:

  • RePackify helps with recycling programs

Creative Ways to Use Old Drums

Popular projects:

  • Rain barrels - Add a spigot for garden watering

  • Compost tumblers - Cut door and add handles

  • BBQ smokers - Local shops can modify them

  • Concrete mixers - Add mixing blades

  • Storage containers - Perfect for garages or farms

Money-Saving Tips

Buy in bulk - Better prices for multiple drums

Check condition carefully - Avoid expensive repairs later

Consider "as-is" drums - Great for projects that don't need perfect condition

Ask about delivery - Some sellers offer free local delivery

Trade old drums - Some places give credit for your old containers

Getting Started

Your action plan:

Decide what you need drums for

Figure out how many you need

Call 2-3 local suppliers for quotes

Inspect drums before buying

Arrange safe transportation

Questions to ask suppliers:

  • What's your best price for the quantity I need?

  • Can I inspect before buying?

  • Do you offer delivery?

  • What documentation comes with the drums?

  • What's your return policy?

Bottom Line

Used metal drums in Marshalltown offer huge savings for businesses and DIY projects. At $6.67 average price, they're 90% cheaper than new ones. Just inspect carefully, follow safety rules and buy online through RePackify.

Start with one drum to test your project, then buy more when you know what works. Your wallet will thank you.

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.