Buy Used Metal Drums in Ludlow, MA
39 listings · Available Listings near Ludlow, MA
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39 Metal Drums listings within 500 miles of Ludlow, MA. Prices range from $0.01 to $39.56 per unit.
About Ludlow
Ludlow Supplier & Recycler of Used Metal Drums
Get Quality Used Metal Drums in Ludlow, MA - Save Money on Industrial Storage
What you'll get: Find reliable sources for used 55-gallon steel drums at low prices, plus tips to buy smart and avoid common mistakes.
Why Buy Used Metal Drums?
You'll save 60-80% compared to new drums while getting the same storage capacity. Used drums work great for:
Water storage for farms and gardens
Waste collection at job sites
Parts cleaning in workshops
Emergency fuel storage
Best Places to Buy in Ludlow
RePackify - Your Top Choice
Stock: 80 drums ready now in Ludlow, MA 01056
Price: $5 per drum (you pay shipping)
Condition: Cleaned steel drums, ready to use
How to buy: Contact RePackify directly for quotes and pickup
What to Check Before You Buy
Drum Condition
Look for rust, dents, or holes
Check the lid fits tight
Smell inside - bad odors mean poor cleaning
Drum Type
Open-head drums: Have removable lids. Best for solids or thick liquids
Tight-head drums: Have small openings with caps. Best for thin liquids
Safety Marks
Look for UN/DOT stamps if storing chemicals
These marks mean the drum passed safety tests
Smart Buying Tips
Start Small
Buy 2-3 drums first to test quality. If they work well, order more.
Ask Questions
What was stored in the drum before?
Has it been pressure tested?
Do you guarantee no leaks?
Compare Total Cost
A $5 drum plus $20 shipping costs $25 total. A local $15 drum you pick up costs $15 total.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't skip inspection: Always check drums in person when possible
Don't ignore previous contents: Drums that held chemicals need special cleaning
Don't forget transportation: Factor in pickup truck rental or delivery costs
Next Steps
Contact RePackify first - they have the best local inventory
Call local scrap yards for backup options
Visit to inspect drums before buying
Start with a small order to test quality
Remember: The cheapest drum isn't always the best deal. Focus on condition and total cost including delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are standard 55-gallon drum dimensions?
A closed-head 55-gallon steel drum is 22.5" in diameter and 33.5" tall and weighs 38 to 48 lbs empty; the open-head version is about 34.75" tall because of the bolt ring and weighs 45 to 55 lbs. A 30-gallon drum is 19" x 28.5" (22 to 30 lbs) and a 16-gallon drum 15" x 26.5" (15 to 20 lbs). The 85-gallon overpack, 27" x 39", is for containing a damaged drum.
What is the difference between open-head and tight-head drums?
A tight-head drum has a sealed top with 2" and 3/4" bungs and is for liquids. An open-head drum has a removable lid held by a bolt ring or lever lock and is for solids, pastes, and anything you scoop out. Lined drums add an epoxy or phenolic interior for corrosive or food-grade contents.
What is a reconditioned drum?
A reconditioned drum has been professionally cleaned, tested, and certified for reuse, and is the grade to buy when the drum will hold product again, provided the new contents are compatible with what it held before and any hazmat use has a valid UN marking from a DOT-certified reconditioner. Used drums are sold as-is, with prior contents disclosed when the seller knows them, and suit non-critical storage. Damaged drums are sold for scrap value only; grade says nothing about head type, so check the 33.5" closed-head or 34.75" open-head height separately.
Can a used steel drum hold food or drinking water?
Only a lined, reconditioned drum that was previously food-grade and that the reconditioner certifies for food or potable use; the grade alone is not enough. An unlined drum that held oil, solvents, or chemicals cannot be made food-safe by cleaning. Listings state the last contents when the seller knows them, so filter by prior contents before buying a 55-gallon drum for potable use.
How many drums fit on a truck?
Empty 55-gallon drums: a 53-foot dry van carries 104 single-tier on 26 drum pallets of 4, 208 double-stacked, or 200 or more loose and tight-packed. Filled with water, weight governs: about 84 drums on 21 pallets reach the 45,000-lb payload. An 85-gallon overpack is 27" across, so only 2 fit on a 48" drum pallet.