Buy Used Metal Drums in Kentucky

Save Money on Steel Drums: Your Complete Guide to Buying Used Metal Drums in Kentucky

What you'll gain from this guide:

• Save 30-60% on drum costs compared to new ones
• Find reliable local suppliers in Kentucky
• Learn what to check before buying used drums
• Avoid costly mistakes and safety issues
• Help the environment by reusing containers

Why Buy Used Metal Drums?

Used metal drums cost much less than new ones. A new 55-gallon steel drum costs $100-150. A used one costs $30-80. That's real money saved, especially if you need many drums.

Here's what makes used drums a smart choice:

• Save money - Cut costs by half or more
• Get them fast - No waiting for manufacturing
• Help the environment - Reuse instead of waste
• Same quality - Properly cleaned drums work like new

Types of Metal Drums You Can Buy

Open-head drums have removable lids. Use these for:

• Solid materials like chemicals or food ingredients
• Thick liquids like paint or oil
• Anything you need to scoop out

Tight-head drums have sealed tops with small openings. Use these for:

• Thin liquids like solvents or water
• Materials you pump in and out
• Shipping liquids safely

Common sizes:

• 30 gallons - Good for smaller jobs
• 55 gallons - Most popular size
• 85 gallons - For big storage needs

Where to Find Used Drums in Kentucky

Local Supplier RePackify

RePackify in La Grange offers used steel drums in 30, 55, and 85-gallon sizes. They clean drums properly and will buy back your empty drums.

What to Look For

Good suppliers will:

• Show you the drums before you buy
• Give you cleaning certificates
• Explain what was stored in the drums before
• Offer delivery or easy pickup

What to Check Before Buying

Outside the Drum

• No big dents - Small dings are okay, but avoid drums with major damage
• No rust holes - Surface rust is fine, but holes mean trouble
• Good handles - Make sure lifting rings aren't bent or cracked
• Readable labels - You should be able to see what was stored inside

Inside the Drum

• Clean interior - No leftover product or strong smells
• Smooth walls - No pitting or rough spots
• Good coating - If the drum has a liner, it should be intact

Example: A Good vs. Bad Drum

Good drum: Light surface rust, small dents, clean inside, readable label saying "vegetable oil" Bad drum: Rust holes, major dents, strong chemical smell, missing label

Safety Rules You Must Follow

Know What Was Stored Before

• Food products - Usually safe after cleaning
• Chemicals - Need special cleaning and testing
• Unknown contents - Don't buy these drums

Get the Right Cleaning

• Food-grade cleaning - For storing food or drinks
• Chemical cleaning - For hazardous materials
• Basic cleaning - For non-food storage

Legal Requirements

If you're storing hazardous materials, your drums need:

• UN markings (numbers like "UN 1A1")
• Proper testing certificates
• Documentation of what they held before

How Much You'll Pay

Typical prices in Kentucky:

• 30-gallon drums: $25-50
• 55-gallon drums: $30-80
• 85-gallon drums: $50-120

Factors that affect price:

• Condition (better condition costs more)
• What was stored inside (food-grade costs more)
• How many you buy (bulk discounts available)
• Location (delivery adds cost)

Environmental Benefits

When you buy used drums, you:

• Save steel from being wasted
• Reduce energy used to make new drums
• Keep drums out of landfills
• Support local recycling businesses

Example: One reused drum saves the energy equal to powering a home for 3 days.

Common Uses for Used Drums

Agriculture:

• Store feed or fertilizer
• Collect rainwater
• Mix livestock supplements

Manufacturing:

• Store raw materials
• Collect waste materials
• Ship products

Home and Garden:

• Rain barrels
• Compost bins
• Storage containers

Red Flags to Avoid

Don't buy drums that:

• Have no labels or history
• Smell strongly of chemicals
• Have rust holes or major damage
• Come from unknown sources
• Are priced too cheap (probably damaged)

Getting Your Drums Delivered

Pickup options:

• Drive your truck to the supplier
• Rent a trailer for multiple drums
• Have them delivered (extra cost)

Delivery costs:

• Local delivery: $50-150
• Per-drum delivery: $10-25 each
• Full truckload: Better rates

Making the Deal

Questions to ask:

• What was stored in these drums?
• Are they cleaned to food-grade standards?
• Do you have certificates?
• Can I inspect before buying?
• What's your return policy?

Negotiating tips:

• Buy in bulk for better prices
• Ask about pickup discounts
• Check for seasonal sales
• Compare prices from multiple suppliers

Bottom Line

Used metal drums offer great value if you know what to look for. Start with reputable suppliers like RePackify, inspect drums carefully, and make sure they're properly cleaned for your needs. You'll save money while helping the environment.

Next steps:

Decide what size and type you need

Contact 2-3 suppliers for quotes

Visit to inspect drums in person

Negotiate price and delivery

Get cleaning certificates

Start saving money on your storage needs