Buy Used Metal Drums in New Mexico

How to Buy Used Metal Drums in New Mexico: Your Complete Guide

What you'll get from this guide: Save money, find reliable suppliers, avoid costly mistakes, and get drums that work for your needs.

Why Buy Used Metal Drums?

You'll save 40-70% compared to new drums while helping the environment. Used drums work just as well for most storage needs.

Common uses for used drums:

• Water storage
• Chemical storage
• Grain and feed storage
• Rainwater collection
• Waste management
• Food storage (food-grade drums only)

Where to Find Used Metal Drums in New Mexico

Industrial Reconditioners

Best for: Quality guaranteed drums with warranties

Example: RePackify in Los Lunas offers:

• Cleaned and tested 55-gallon steel drums
• Open-head and tight-head options
• Food-grade certified drums
• Buy-back programs for your old drums

What to expect:

• Higher prices than other sources
• Professional cleaning and testing
• Compliance certificates
• Delivery services

2. Local Recycling Centers

Best for: Bargain prices and environmental benefits

What you'll find:

• Basic cleaned drums
• Lower prices
• Cash-for-drums programs
• Bulk quantity discounts

Example locations:

• Albuquerque recycling centers
• Los Lunas facilities
• Santa Fe area recyclers

3. Hardware and Industrial Suppliers

Best for: Quick purchases and small quantities

What they offer:

• Limited selection
• Immediate pickup
• Standard industrial grades
• Competitive pricing

4. Metal Fabricators

Best for: Custom modifications and special requirements

Services include:

• Structural assessments
• Custom fittings
• Welding modifications
• Pressure testing

Types of Used Metal Drums

Standard 55-Gallon Steel Drums

• Most common size
• Good for general storage
• Easy to find parts and accessories

Open-Head Drums

• Removable top lid
• Easy to clean and fill
• Best for solid materials

Tight-Head Drums

• Sealed top with small openings
• Better for liquids
• More secure storage

Food-Grade Drums

• Special interior coating
• Safe for food and water
• Higher price but necessary for consumables

How to Inspect Used Drums

Visual Inspection Checklist

• Rust: Light surface rust is okay, deep rust is not
• Dents: Small dents are fine, large dents weaken the drum
• Cracks: Any cracks mean don't buy
• Lid condition: Should seal properly
• Interior: Check for residue or strong odors

What Previous Contents Matter

Safe previous contents:

• Food products
• Water
• Mild chemicals
• Grain or feed

Avoid drums that held:

• Toxic chemicals
• Petroleum products
• Unknown substances
• Radioactive materials

Pricing Guide

Typical Price Ranges

• Basic used drums: $15-30 each
• Reconditioned drums: $40-80 each
• Food-grade drums: $60-100 each
• Specialty drums: $80-150 each

Bulk Discounts

• 10+ drums: 10-15% discount
• 50+ drums: 20-25% discount
• 100+ drums: 30%+ discount

Legal and Safety Requirements

What You Must Know

• Drums used for hazardous materials need special handling
• Food-grade drums require certification
• Transportation may need DOT compliance
• Some drum types need permits

Required Documentation

• Previous contents certificate
• Cleaning verification
• Testing results (if applicable)
• Transportation permits (if needed)

How to Buy Smart

Questions to Ask Suppliers

What did the drum previously contain?

How was it cleaned?

Are there any guarantees?

What's the return policy?

Can you deliver?

Red Flags to Avoid

• No information about previous contents
• Unusually low prices
• No inspection allowed
• Strong chemical odors
• Excessive rust or damage

Best Practices

• Always inspect before buying
• Buy from reputable sources
• Get documentation
• Consider delivery costs
• Plan for additional accessories (lids, bungs, etc.)

Getting Started

Step 1: Know Your Needs

• How many drums do you need?
• What will you store?
• Do you need food-grade?
• What's your budget?

Step 2: Find Suppliers

• Start with local recycling centers for best prices
• Contact RePackify for quality guaranteed drums
• Check hardware stores for immediate needs

Step 3: Inspect and Buy

• Visit in person when possible
• Bring a flashlight for interior inspection
• Negotiate bulk pricing
• Arrange delivery if needed

Step 4: Prepare for Use

• Clean thoroughly before use
• Check all seals and fittings
• Label contents clearly
• Store in appropriate conditions

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying without inspection
• Ignoring previous contents
• Forgetting about delivery costs
• Not checking local regulations
• Assuming all drums are the same

Used metal drums offer excellent value when you know what to look for. Start with your local options, inspect carefully, and buy from trusted sources like RePackify for guaranteed quality.