Buy Used Metal Drums in Chalmette

Find Quality Used Metal Drums in Chalmette, LA - Save Money and Get What You Need

What you'll get from this guide: Learn where to buy used metal drums in Chalmette, how much you'll pay, and what to check before buying. This will save you time and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Why Buy Used Metal Drums?

Used metal drums cost 50-70% less than new ones. You can use them for:

• Storing water or chemicals
• Collecting rainwater
• Industrial waste storage
• DIY projects and planters
• Emergency food storage

What to Check Before Buying

1. Drum Condition

Look for these problems:

• Deep dents (can cause leaks)
• Rust holes
• Damaged threads on openings
• Bent or missing rings

2. Previous Contents

Safe options:

• Water
• Food products (oils, syrups)
• Soap or detergent

Avoid drums that held:

• Chemicals
• Paint or solvents
• Unknown substances

3. Drum Type

Open-top drums: Easy to fill with solid materials

Closed drums: Better for liquids, have small openings

4. Size You Need

Common sizes:

• 15 gallons: Good for small projects
• 30 gallons: Medium storage needs
• 55 gallons: Most common size

How Much You'll Pay

Salvage yards: $10-30 per drum

Container suppliers: $30-60 per drum

Hardware stores: $40-80 per drum

Money-saving tips:

• Buy multiple drums for bulk discounts
• Visit salvage yards weekly for new stock
• Ask about upcoming inventory

Safety Rules

Always:

• Wear gloves when handling drums
• Check for chemical residue
• Wash drums before use
• Ensure good ventilation when cleaning

Never:

• Use drums that held hazardous chemicals for food storage
• Ignore strong odors
• Buy drums with unknown previous contents

Getting Started

Step 1: Decide how many drums you need and your budget

Step 2: Call local salvage yards to check current stock

Step 3: Visit in person to inspect drums

Step 4: Negotiate price if buying multiple drums

Step 5: Plan transportation (drums are heavy)

Pro tip: Bring a flashlight to inspect drum interiors and a magnet to test if the drum is steel or aluminum.

This guide helps you find quality used metal drums while avoiding common mistakes that cost time and money.