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Buy Used Metal Drums in Cottage Grove, MN

29 listings · Available Listings near Cottage Grove, MN

29 Metal Drums listings within 500 miles of Cottage Grove, MN. Prices range from $9.60 to $14.40 per unit.

About Cottage Grove

Cottage Grove Supplier & Recycler of Used Metal Drums

Save Money on Metal Drums: Where to Buy Used 55-Gallon Steel Drums in Cottage Grove, MN

What you'll get from this guide: Find reliable sources for used metal drums, save money, and get exactly what you need for your project or business.

Need used metal drums in Cottage Grove? You have several good options. This guide shows you where to find quality used 55-gallon steel drums at fair prices.

Why Buy Used Metal Drums?

Used metal drums cost 50-70% less than new ones. A new 55-gallon steel drum costs $80-120. A used one in good condition costs $25-40.

What you can use them for:

  • Water storage

  • Rain collection

  • Chemical storage (non-hazardous)

  • DIY projects

  • Garden planters

  • Composting

Best Place to Start: RePackify

RePackify is your best bet in Cottage Grove. They list over 255 used drums right in town. Here's why they're good:

  • Local pickup saves shipping costs

  • You can see the drums before buying

  • Fair prices from verified sellers

  • Different condition levels available

How it works: Browse their listings online. Request quotes. Arrange pickup or delivery.

What to Check Before Buying

Inspect every drum:

Look for dents or rust spots

Check the lid fits tight

Ask what was stored in it before

Make sure gaskets aren't cracked

Test that it doesn't leak

Red flags to avoid:

  • Strong chemical smells

  • Heavy rust or corrosion

  • Loose or missing lids

  • Unknown previous contents

Safety First

Always wear gloves when handling used drums. Clean them thoroughly before use, even if they look clean. Use soap, water, and a good rinse.

For liquid storage: Pressure test the drum first. Fill with water and check for leaks over 24 hours.

Getting Your Drums Home

A 55-gallon steel drum weighs about 40 pounds empty. Plan your transport:

  • Pickup truck works for 1-4 drums

  • Trailer needed for more

  • Ask seller about delivery options

Most sellers can load drums onto pallets for easier handling.

Creative Uses

Don't limit yourself to storage. People turn drums into:

  • Barbecue smokers

  • Garden planters

  • Rain barrels with spigots

  • Compost tumblers

  • Workshop storage

Money-Saving Tips

Buy in bulk for better prices

Check multiple sources before deciding

Consider slightly dented drums for non-critical uses

Ask about cleaning services if needed

Look for community recycling events

Getting Started

Start with RePackify to see what's available locally. Call recycling centers to ask about current inventory. Visit local hardware stores to compare new drum prices.

Quick action steps:

Check RePackify listings online

Call 2-3 recycling centers

Inspect drums in person before buying

Plan your transport

Clean drums before first use

Used metal drums give you quality storage at a fraction of new drum costs. With several good sources in Cottage Grove, you'll find what you need without overpaying.

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.