Buy Used Metal Drums in Olathe

Where to Find Quality Used Metal Drums in Olathe, KS - Save Money and Help the Environment

What you'll gain from reading this: You'll discover the best places to buy used metal drums in Olathe, save money on industrial containers, and learn how to choose drums that meet your specific needs safely and legally.

Why Buy Used Metal Drums?

Used metal drums offer three main benefits:

• Cost savings: You'll pay 50-70% less than new drums
• Environmental impact: You're keeping steel out of landfills
• Immediate availability: No waiting for manufacturing or shipping delays

Types of Used Metal Drums Available

Standard Sizes

• 30-gallon drums (smaller projects)
• 55-gallon drums (most common choice)
• 85-gallon drums (bulk storage needs)

Two Main Styles

Closed-head drums:

• Sealed with small openings (bungs)
• Best for liquids
• Example: storing chemicals or oils

Open-head drums:

• Removable lid with locking ring
• Good for both liquids and solids
• Example: storing grain, parts, or thick materials

Construction Materials

• Carbon steel (most common and affordable)
• Stainless steel (for food or chemical applications)
• Various protective coatings to prevent rust

Where to Find Used Metal Drums in Olathe

Regional Suppliers

RePackify (Lawrence, KS) RePackify serves the Olathe area with:

• New and used steel drums in all sizes
• Custom solutions for specific needs
• Cleaning and reconditioning services
• Buy-back programs for your old drums
• Online quote system for easy ordering

Local Recycling Centers

• Olathe Community Recycling Center (Hedge Lane)
• Overland Park Drop Off Recycling Center (Hardy Street)
• Olathe Transfer Station

These centers sometimes have drums from clean-up events. You can inspect them before buying.

What to Expect from Local Sources

• Lower prices than commercial suppliers
• Ability to inspect drums in person
• Smaller quantities available
• May require more cleaning or repair

How to Choose the Right Used Drums

Inspection Checklist

Before buying any used drum, check for:

• Deep dents or cracks
• Rust spots or corrosion
• Damaged seals or fittings
• Previous contents (ask what was stored inside)

Safety Considerations

• Never use industrial drums for food or drinking water
• Drums that held hazardous materials need special cleaning
• Check for proper labeling and documentation
• Ensure UN rating if transporting hazardous materials

Examples of Good vs. Poor Choices

Good choice: A drum that held cooking oil, has minor surface scratches, and intact seals

Poor choice: A drum with unknown contents, rust holes, or damaged fittings

Legal Requirements in Kansas

State Regulations

Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) requires:

• Proper cleaning of drums that held hazardous materials
• Valid testing certificates for UN-rated drums
• Appropriate labeling for contents

City of Olathe Rules

• Proper labeling of stored materials
• Hazardous waste manifest numbers when required
• Compliance with local environmental ordinances

Buying Strategies

For Small Quantities (1-20 drums)

• Visit local recycling centers first
• Contact RePackify for cleaned, certified drums
• Inspect each drum individually

For Large Quantities (50+ drums)

• Order bulk deliveries to save on transportation
• Plan deliveries to avoid peak traffic times
• Consider freight consolidation with other businesses

Seasonal Considerations

• Spring: Higher demand from farms and landscaping
• Fall: Good availability from harvest clean-up
• Winter: Best prices due to lower demand

Maintenance Tips

Extending Drum Life

• Clean drums immediately after use
• Store in dry locations
• Apply rust-preventing coatings annually
• Replace worn gaskets and fittings

When to Replace vs. Repair

Repair if: Minor dents, surface rust, worn gaskets

Replace if: Structural damage, deep corrosion, compromised seals

Cost Expectations

Typical Prices in Olathe Area

• Used 55-gallon drums: $15-40 each
• Cleaned and reconditioned: $25-50 each
• Food-grade drums: $30-60 each
• Bulk orders: 10-20% discount

Additional Costs to Consider

• Delivery fees for small orders
• Cleaning services if needed
• Replacement parts (gaskets, bungs)

Getting Started

Your Next Steps

Determine how many drums you need and what size

Decide if you need food-grade or industrial-grade

Contact RePackify for a quote on cleaned, certified drums

Check local recycling centers for budget options

Inspect drums carefully before purchase

Arrange for proper transportation and storage

Questions to Ask Suppliers

• What did the drums previously contain?
• Are they cleaned and certified?
• What's the return policy?
• Do you offer delivery to Olathe?
• Are replacement parts available?

Conclusion

Finding quality used metal drums in Olathe is straightforward when you know where to look. Start with RePackify for professional-grade, cleaned drums, then explore local recycling centers for budget options. Always inspect drums carefully, follow safety guidelines, and ensure compliance with local regulations. With proper selection and maintenance, used drums can serve your needs for years while saving money and supporting environmental sustainability.