Buy Used Metal Drums in Northampton

Find Quality Used Metal Drums in Northampton, MA - Save Money and Get What You Need

What you'll get from this guide: Learn where to find used metal drums in Northampton, what to look for when buying them, and how to get the best deals while staying safe and legal.

Why Buy Used Metal Drums?

Used metal drums cost much less than new ones. You can save 50-70% on your storage needs. Plus, you're helping the environment by reusing containers instead of buying new ones.

Types of Used Metal Drums You'll Find

Metal drums come in two main styles:

Open-head drums:

• Have removable lids
• Easy to fill and clean
• Good for solid materials
• Secured with clamp rings

Closed-head drums:

• Have fixed tops
• Small openings for filling
• Better for liquids
• Less chance of spills

Common sizes:

• 30 gallons (smaller jobs)
• 55 gallons (most popular)
• 85 gallons (large storage needs)

Most drums are made of steel. Some have special coatings inside to prevent rust or chemical reactions.

Safety Rules You Must Follow

Before you buy any used drum:

• Check if it held dangerous chemicals
• Make sure it's been properly cleaned
• Look for UN or DOT safety labels
• Get cleaning certificates if you need them

Why this matters: Using the wrong drum can be dangerous and illegal. You could face fines or cause accidents.

What to avoid:

• Drums with unknown contents
• Heavily rusted or dented drums
• Drums without proper labels
• Drums that smell like chemicals

Regional Supplier RePackify (Pittsfield and Westfield)

• Reconditioned drums in all sizes
• Delivers to Northampton area
• Provides condition reports
• Professional reconditioning services

How to Inspect a Used Drum

Look for these problems:

• Dents or cracks
• Rust spots
• Damaged seams
• Missing labels

Check the inside:

• Look for coating damage
• Smell for chemical odors
• Check for residue buildup

Ask these questions:

• What was stored in it?
• When was it cleaned?
• Do you have cleaning certificates?
• Can I return it if there's a problem?

Getting the Best Price

Tips for negotiating:

• Buy multiple drums for discounts
• Ask about delivery costs
• Compare prices from different sources
• Check if they offer pickup services

Typical price ranges:

• Local recycling centers: $10-30 per drum
• Regional suppliers: $25-60 per drum
• Online suppliers: $30-80 per drum plus shipping

What to Do After You Buy

Clean the drum again:

• Even "clean" drums may need more cleaning
• Use appropriate cleaners for your needs
• Let it dry completely

Store it properly:

• Keep drums in dry areas
• Store upright when possible
• Keep lids secure

Document everything:

• Keep purchase receipts
• Save any certificates
• Note what you plan to store

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying without inspecting first
• Not asking about previous contents
• Ignoring safety regulations
• Choosing price over quality
• Not planning for transportation

Quick Action Steps

Call local recycling centers first

Contact RePackify for professional options

Inspect drums carefully before buying

Negotiate better prices for multiple drums

Plan your transportation ahead of time

Remember: A good used drum should look clean, smell neutral, and have proper labels. When in doubt, ask questions or look elsewhere.