Buy Used Metal Drums in Santa Fe

Where to Buy Used Metal Drums in Santa Fe: Save Money and Help the Environment

What you'll get from this guide: You'll learn exactly where to find used metal drums in Santa Fe, how to inspect them safely, and how to get the best deals. This saves you money while helping the environment.

Why Buy Used Metal Drums?

Used metal drums cost 50-70% less than new ones. You'll also keep these containers out of landfills. People use them for:

• Water storage for gardens
• Making barrel smokers for BBQ
• Storing animal feed
• Craft projects like planters
• Industrial liquid storage

Online Sources

National Suppliers

When local options don't work, try these:

RePackify (Los Lunas, serves Santa Fe)

• Ships to Santa Fe area
• Offers refurbishment services
• Good for bulk orders
• Eco-friendly cleaning processes

General Online Marketplaces

• Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace
• Always inspect before buying
• Arrange safe meeting places
• Ask about the drum's history

How to Inspect Used Drums

What to Look For

Good Signs:

• Smooth, clean surfaces
• No rust holes or deep dents
• Tight-fitting lids (for open-head drums)
• Clear labeling about previous contents

Warning Signs:

• Rust holes (even small ones)
• Strong chemical smells
• Damaged rims or handles
• Missing safety labels

Ask These Questions

What was stored in this drum?

When was it last used?

Has it been cleaned?

Are there any leaks or damage?

Do you have the original safety documentation?

Safety Tips

Know What Was Inside

Safe for Most Uses:

• Food products (cooking oil, juice)
• Water-based liquids
• Non-toxic industrial materials

Need Professional Cleaning:

• Paint or solvents
• Cleaning chemicals
• Any hazardous materials

Avoid These:

• Drums that held pesticides
• Unknown chemicals
• Anything that smells bad

Transportation

A full 55-gallon drum weighs over 400 pounds. You'll need:

• A truck or trailer
• Help lifting (or a drum dolly)
• Tie-down straps
• Maybe a forklift for loading

Getting the Best Deals

Negotiation Tips

• Buy multiple drums for volume discounts
• Visit near closing time for better prices
• Ask about drums with minor cosmetic damage
• Offer to clean the seller's yard of other scrap

Timing Matters

• Spring: High demand for garden storage
• Fall: Good time for deals as demand drops
• End of month: Sellers want to clear inventory
• After holidays: Returned items go on sale

Legal Considerations

Santa Fe Regulations

• Check local rules about storing liquids
• Some neighborhoods restrict industrial containers
• Water storage may need permits
• Hazardous material drums need special handling

Documentation

Keep records of:

• What the drum previously held
• Cleaning certificates (if applicable)
• Purchase receipts
• Safety data sheets

Making Your Purchase

Before You Buy

Measure your space

Plan your transportation

Budget for cleaning supplies

Check local storage rules

After You Buy

Clean thoroughly before use

Test for leaks with water

Label with new contents

Store properly to prevent rust

Final Thoughts

Buying used metal drums in Santa Fe is straightforward if you know where to look. Start with local scrap yards for the best prices, then check hardware stores for convenient options. Always inspect drums carefully and ask about their history. With proper care, a used drum can serve you for years while saving money and helping the environment.

Remember: When in doubt about a drum's safety, don't buy it. Your health is worth more than the savings.