Buy Used Metal Drums in Scarborough

Save Money on Quality Used Metal Drums in Scarborough, Maine

What you'll get: Learn where to find reliable used metal drums at $45-55 each, how to inspect them properly, and avoid costly mistakes when buying.

Why Buy Used Metal Drums?

Used metal drums offer these benefits:

• Cost savings of 50-70% compared to new drums
• Proven durability from industrial-grade construction
• Immediate availability without waiting for orders
• Environmental benefits from reusing materials
• Perfect for storage, rain collection, and DIY projects

What Types Are Available?

Sizes you'll find:

• 30-gallon drums (smaller, easier to handle)
• 55-gallon drums (most common, best value)
• 85-gallon drums (large capacity for bulk storage)

Two main styles:

• Open-head drums: Removable lid, good for solids or thick liquids
• Tight-head drums: Fixed top with small openings, better for regular liquids

Materials:

• Carbon steel: Lower cost, good for most uses
• Stainless steel: More expensive but resists rust better

Where to Find Used Drums in Scarborough

Local recycling centers:

• Call ahead to check current stock
• Prices often lower but selection varies
• You'll need to transport drums yourself
• Example: A recycling center might have 20 drums one week, none the next

Waste management companies:

• Sometimes sell drums recovered from commercial customers
• Usually cleaned and inspected before sale
• May have DOT markings for shipping compliance

Hardware stores:

• Smaller selection but convenient
• Can special order specific types
• Good source for drum accessories like pumps and wrenches

How to Inspect Used Drums

Check the outside:

• Look for rust spots or holes
• Ensure the bottom isn't dented badly
• Check that lids fit properly and seals are intact

Check the inside:

• Shine a flashlight inside to look for rust or residue
• Smell for chemical odors that won't wash out
• Food-grade drums should have clean, smooth interiors

Verify markings:

• UN markings show the drum meets safety standards
• DOT markings mean it's approved for shipping
• Example: "UN1A2/Y1.8/100" means it's a reconditioned open-head steel drum

Pricing Guide

Typical prices in Scarborough:

• Open-head carbon steel drums: $40-50
• Tight-head drums: $45-55
• Stainless steel drums: $75-100

Ways to save money:

• Buy 10 or more drums for bulk discounts
• Accept minor cosmetic flaws that don't affect function
• Pick up drums yourself instead of paying delivery
• Build relationships with suppliers for early access to new stock

Legal Requirements

Important rules to follow:

• Drums that held hazardous materials need professional cleaning
• Some uses require DOT certification
• Maine environmental laws apply to chemical storage
• When in doubt, ask the seller about the drum's history

Safe approach:

• Only buy from reputable sellers
• Get documentation of cleaning if drums held chemicals
• Use drums only for their intended purpose

Storage and Handling Tips

Store drums properly:

• Keep upright on pallets to prevent water damage
• Store in covered areas to protect from sun and rain
• Use spill containment under drums with liquids
• Example: A simple wooden pallet keeps drums off concrete floors

Move drums safely:

• Use drum dollies for heavy drums
• Two people for drums over 100 pounds
• Drum clamps for forklifts in commercial settings
• Never roll drums down ramps or stairs

Maintain your drums:

• Check monthly for rust or damage
• Clean spills immediately
• Replace worn seals and gaskets
• Keep spare bung caps for tight-head drums

Common Uses for Used Drums

Popular applications:

• Rain water collection for gardens
• Bulk storage of animal feed
• Mixing concrete or compost
• Emergency water storage
• Workshop storage for tools or materials

What to avoid:

• Storing drinking water without food-grade certification
• Using damaged drums for any liquids
• Storing flammable materials without proper ventilation

Getting Started

Your action plan:

Decide what size and type you need

Call 3-4 local suppliers to check availability and prices

Visit to inspect drums in person

Ask about the drum's history and any cleaning done

Negotiate price for multiple drums

Arrange pickup or delivery

Questions to ask suppliers:

• What did these drums previously contain?
• Have they been cleaned or reconditioned?
• Do you offer any warranty or return policy?
• Can you provide bulk pricing?
• Do you have drum accessories like pumps or spouts?

Used metal drums in Scarborough offer excellent value for storage needs when you know what to look for. Focus on reputable suppliers, thorough inspection, and proper handling to get years of reliable service from your purchase.