Buy Used Metal Drums in Greenville

How to Buy Quality Used Metal Drums in Greenville, MS (And Save Money Doing It)

What you'll get from this guide: Learn where to find reliable used metal drums in Greenville, how to inspect them properly, and what to look for to avoid costly mistakes.

You need metal drums for storage or transport. New ones cost too much. Used drums can save you 50-70% of the cost - if you know what you're doing.

This guide shows you exactly how to buy used metal drums in Greenville without getting burned.

Why Buy Used Metal Drums?

Simple math: A new 55-gallon steel drum costs $80-120. A good used one costs $25-40.

Used drums work just as well for most jobs:

• Storing non-hazardous liquids
• Collecting rainwater
• Making burn barrels
• Storing grain or feed
• DIY projects like planters or furniture

The key is knowing what to look for and where to shop.

What Types of Used Drums You'll Find

Most used drums fall into two categories:

Steel drums - These are the most common. They're tough and cheap. Perfect for water, oils, or general storage. They rust over time but last years with basic care.

Stainless steel drums - These cost more but never rust. Great for food storage or chemicals. You'll pay 2-3 times more than regular steel.

Sizes you'll see:

• 55-gallon (most common)
• 30-gallon (easier to handle when full)
• 85-gallon (for bulk storage)

Two opening styles:

• Open-top (removable lid) - Easy to clean and fill
• Closed-top (small openings) - Better for liquids

Where to Find Used Drums in Greenville

Online Options

RePackify serves Greenville with both new and reconditioned drums. They inspect each drum and can ship to your location. Their reconditioned drums come with cleaning certificates - important if you need to meet safety standards.

Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist have individuals selling drums. Prices vary widely. Always inspect before buying.

How to Inspect a Used Drum (Don't Skip This)

A bad drum will leak, break, or contaminate your materials. Here's your inspection checklist:

Outside the Drum

• Dents: Small dents are fine. Avoid drums with sharp creases or holes
• Rust: Surface rust is normal. Avoid drums with holes or flaky rust
• Welds: Look for cracked or obviously repaired areas

Inside the Drum

• Smell test: Stick your nose in. Strong chemical odors mean the drum wasn't properly cleaned
• Visual check: Look for stains, residue, or corrosion inside
• Previous contents: Ask what was stored in it. Avoid drums that held paint, chemicals, or unknown substances

Lid and Openings

• Open-top drums: The lid should fit snugly with all clamps working
• Closed drums: Check that caps screw on tight without cross-threading

Red Flags - Walk Away If You See These

• Strong chemical smell
• Holes or deep rust pits
• Bent or damaged rim
• Missing or broken lid parts
• Seller won't tell you what was stored in it

What to Pay

Current Greenville prices (as of 2024):

Good condition steel drums:

• 55-gallon: $25-40
• 30-gallon: $20-30
• Food-grade certified: Add $10-15

Stainless steel drums:

• 55-gallon: $75-150
• Condition matters more with stainless

Negotiating tips:

• Buy multiple drums for volume discounts
• Cash talks - many sellers prefer it
• Point out flaws to justify lower prices
• Compare prices between sellers

Safety and Legal Stuff (Important)

For basic storage: Most used drums work fine as-is.

For food or drinking water: Only buy drums marked "food grade" or get cleaning certificates.

For hazardous materials: You need proper documentation and certified cleaning. This gets complicated - consider new drums instead.

Transportation: If you're moving hazardous materials, you need DOT-approved containers with proper markings.

Getting the Best Deal

Timing matters:

• Call recyclers regularly - inventory changes weekly
• End of month/quarter: Businesses clean out more inventory
• Spring: More drums available as companies do annual cleanouts

Build relationships:

• Be polite and professional with sellers
• Ask them to call you when good drums come in
• Pay promptly and they'll remember you

Buy smart:

• Inspect everything yourself
• Bring cash for immediate deals
• Have a truck or trailer ready
• Know your needs before shopping

Final Tips

Start with local recyclers - you'll get better prices and can inspect before buying. Use online sources like RePackify when you need specific types or certified drums.

Remember: A $30 drum that leaks is more expensive than a $40 drum that doesn't. Take time to inspect properly.

Budget about $35 per drum for good quality used 55-gallon steel drums in Greenville. You'll save hundreds compared to buying new while getting containers that work just as well for most jobs.

The key is knowing what to look for and where to shop. Now you do.