Buy Used Metal Drums in La Vista

Save Money on Used Metal Drums in La Vista, NE - Your Complete Buying Guide

You'll save 50-70% on drum costs and help the environment by buying used metal drums instead of new ones. This guide shows you exactly where to find quality used drums near La Vista and how to avoid costly mistakes.

Why Buy Used Metal Drums?

Here's what you get when you choose used drums:

• Save money: Used drums cost half the price of new ones
• Help the environment: Keep drums out of landfills
• Get them fast: Most suppliers have stock ready today
• Same quality: Reconditioned drums work just like new ones

Local Drum Supplier RePackify (12 miles from La Vista in Omaha)

• 30, 55, and 85-gallon steel drums available
• All drums are cleaned and pressure tested
• Delivery to La Vista in 1-2 days
• Open-head and tight-head options

Papillion Listings (15 minutes south of La Vista)

• 286 used 55-gallon drums currently for sale
• You can inspect drums before buying
• Pick up yourself to save on shipping

Local Metal Shops

These La Vista businesses can fix or modify drums:

• Standard Iron Works Inc
• Millard Metal Services

What they do:

• Repair dents and rust
• Add custom fittings
• Cut openings to your size
• Weld on extra features

Industrial Surplus Dealers

Olson By Products (Omaha)

• Mixed inventory from company closures
• Steel and poly drums available
• Negotiate bulk pricing
• Experienced sales team

How to Pick the Right Used Drum

Check These Things First:

Look for damage:

• Rust spots or holes
• Big dents that weaken the drum
• Broken handles or rings
• Missing or damaged lids

Check what was stored before:

• Food-grade drums are safest
• Avoid drums that held unknown chemicals
• Look for residue or stains inside
• Smell the drum (bad odors mean trouble)

Verify the size:

• 30-gallon drums for small jobs
• 55-gallon drums most common
• 85-gallon drums for big projects

Types to Choose From:

Open-head drums (removable top)

• Easy to fill and clean
• Best for solids or thick liquids
• More versatile for different uses

Tight-head drums (fixed top with small openings)

• Better for liquids
• Harder to clean but more secure
• Good for storage and transport

What You'll Pay

Price ranges in La Vista area:

• Basic used drums: $15-25 each
• Reconditioned drums: $25-40 each
• Food-grade drums: $30-50 each
• Bulk orders: 10-20% discount

Extra costs to consider:

• Delivery: $50-100 depending on distance
• Multiple drum orders: Often free delivery
• Pickup yourself: Save $50-100

Safety and Legal Stuff

For Regular Use:

• Clean drums thoroughly before use
• Check for leaks with water test
• Use appropriate safety gear when handling

For Hazardous Materials:

• Look for UN markings on the drum
• Get documentation of previous contents
• Follow DOT shipping rules if transporting
• Check with Nebraska environmental office

Smart Buying Tips

Before you buy:

Know exactly what you'll store in the drums

Measure your storage space

Count how many drums you really need

Set a total budget including delivery

When you inspect:

Bring a flashlight to see inside

Push on the sides to test strength

Check that lids fit properly

Ask about return policy for defective drums

Questions to ask sellers:

• What was stored in these drums before?
• When were they last cleaned?
• Do you guarantee they don't leak?
• Can I return damaged drums?
• What's your best price for multiple drums?

Environmental Benefits

Why used drums help the planet:

• Each reused drum saves 50 pounds of new steel
• Reduces mining for new materials
• Keeps drums out of landfills
• Uses 75% less energy than making new drums

What happens to drums that can't be reused:

• Metal gets recycled into new products
• Plastic parts separated and recycled
• Harmful materials disposed of safely

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't buy drums that:

• Have rust holes (they'll leak)
• Smell strongly of chemicals
• Are severely dented on the bottom
• Have no markings or identification

Don't assume:

• All used drums are food-safe
• Cheap drums are good deals
• You can fix major damage yourself
• One size fits all your needs

Getting Started Today

Your action plan:

Call RePackify first - they have the best selection

Visit Papillion listings if you want to see drums first

Check recycling centers for budget options

Get quotes from at least 3 sources

Factor in delivery costs before deciding

Best times to buy:

• End of month when suppliers want to clear inventory
• Spring when companies do equipment upgrades
• After major construction projects finish

Remember: The best used drum is one that meets your needs safely at a fair price. Don't rush - take time to inspect and compare options. Your future self will thank you for buying quality drums that last.