Buy Used Metal Drums in Maryland

Save Money on Metal Drums: Your Complete Maryland Buying Guide

What you'll get from this guide: Learn how to find quality used metal drums in Maryland at great prices, avoid common mistakes, and choose the right supplier for your needs.

Used metal drums cost 50% less than new ones and work just as well for most jobs. This guide shows you exactly where to find them and what to look for.

Why Buy Used Metal Drums?

Here's what you gain:

• Save 50% compared to new drums
• Help the environment by reusing materials
• Get drums that work just as well as new ones
• Find specialty sizes that aren't made anymore
• Access local suppliers with fast delivery

What Used Metal Drums Are Good For

People use these drums for many things:

• Storing water, chemicals, or food ingredients
• Shipping products safely
• Collecting rainwater
• Storing farm supplies like fertilizer
• Waste management and cleanup jobs
• Art projects and creative uses

Types of Used Metal Drums

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

• Solid materials like powders or pellets
• Thick liquids you need to mix
• Easy access to contents

Tight-head drums have permanent lids with small openings. Use these for:

• Liquids that need to stay sealed
• Hazardous materials
• Long-term storage

Common sizes:

• 30 gallons (compact, easy to move)
• 55 gallons (most popular size)
• 85 gallons (for bulk storage)

Industrial Supplier

These companies clean and test drums before selling:

RePackify locations:

• Laurel and District Heights
• Open-head and tight-head steel drums
• 30 to 85-gallon sizes
• Cleaning and reconditioning services
• Buy-back programs available

What they offer:

• Inspected and cleaned drums
• Better condition guarantees
• Technical support
• Delivery services

How to Choose the Right Drums

Step 1: Know What You Need

Ask yourself:

• What will you store in the drum?
• How much space do you have?
• Do you need food-grade quality?
• Will you transport the drums?

Step 2: Check the Condition

Look for:

• Rust or dents in the metal
• Cracks or holes
• Working lids and seals
• Clean interior
• Readable labels and markings

Step 3: Verify Safety Requirements

Make sure drums meet your needs:

• Food-grade lining if storing food products
• UN/DOT ratings for shipping hazardous materials
• EPA compliance for waste storage
• Local permit requirements

Pricing Guide

Scrap-grade drums: $6-15 each

• Need cleaning and inspection
• Buy in bulk for best prices
• Good for non-critical uses

Reconditioned drums: $30-60 each

• Cleaned and inspected
• Often come with certifications
• Ready to use immediately

Specialty drums: $60+ each

• Food-grade or chemical-resistant
• Special sizes or materials
• Custom features

Questions to Ask Suppliers

Before buying, ask:

• What was stored in these drums before?
• Are they cleaned and inspected?
• Do you offer delivery?
• What's your return policy?
• Are there quantity discounts?
• Can you provide certification documents?

Delivery and Pickup Options

Free pickup services:

• Many suppliers offer free pickup for large orders
• Usually need a full truckload
• Save on transportation costs

Drop trailers:

• Suppliers leave trailers at your site
• Fill them over time
• Good for ongoing needs

Self-pickup:

• Lowest cost option
• Need appropriate vehicle
• Inspect drums before loading

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't buy drums that:

• Previously held dangerous chemicals you can't identify
• Have holes or major damage
• Smell bad or have residue you can't clean
• Don't meet your local regulations
• Are priced too low (usually means problems)

Do:

• Inspect drums before paying
• Ask about previous contents
• Get certificates when needed
• Compare prices from multiple suppliers
• Plan for transportation costs

Environmental Benefits

Using reconditioned drums helps by:

• Keeping metal out of landfills
• Reducing need for new metal production
• Lowering carbon footprint
• Supporting local recycling businesses

Getting Started

Step 1: Decide how many drums you need and what size

Step 2: Contact 3-5 suppliers for quotes

Step 3: Visit suppliers to inspect drums

Step 4: Compare total costs including delivery

Step 5: Place your order and arrange pickup/delivery

Final Tips

• Buy from established local suppliers
• Always inspect drums before buying
• Keep records of drum sources and contents
• Plan for ongoing drum needs
• Consider RePackify's buy-back programs for future disposal

Used metal drums offer excellent value when you know what to look for and where to shop. Start with this guide, contact local suppliers, and you'll find quality drums that meet your needs and budget.