Buy Used Metal Drums in Clemmons, NC

59 listings · Available Listings near Clemmons, NC

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59 Metal Drums listings within 500 miles of Clemmons, NC. Prices range from $0.01 to $84.00 per unit.

About Clemmons

Clemmons Supplier & Recycler of Used Metal Drums

Save Money on Storage: How to Buy Used Metal Drums in Clemmons, NC

What you'll get from reading this: Learn where to find quality used metal drums in Clemmons, what to expect for pricing, and how to buy them safely.

Why Buy Used Metal Drums?

Used metal drums help you save money while being good to the environment. Here's what makes them worth buying:

  • Cost 40-60% less than new drums

  • Same durability as new ones when properly cleaned

  • Reduce waste by reusing steel containers

  • Available right now in Clemmons

Where to Find Used Metal Drums in Clemmons

RePackify - Your Main Source

RePackify has 266 used 55-gallon steel drums ready to buy in Clemmons (ZIP code 27012). Here's what they offer:

  • Both open-head and tight-head drums

  • Bulk quantities available

  • Local stock means fast pickup

  • Custom quotes based on what you need

To buy from RePackify:

Contact them with your requirements

Get a personalized quote

Arrange pickup or delivery

Pay and take your drums

Local Recycling Centers

These places sometimes have drums available:

  • Metal recycling yards

  • Scrap dealers

  • Container recycling services

Call ahead to check if they have drums in stock. Prices vary based on condition and availability.

Types of Used Metal Drums

Sizes Available

  • 30-gallon drums (smaller projects)

  • 55-gallon drums (most common)

  • 85-gallon drums (bulk storage)

Head Types

  • Open-head drums: Removable lid, good for solids

  • Tight-head drums: Fixed top with small openings, good for liquids

Condition Grades

As-Is Drums:

  • Lower price

  • May have dents or surface rust

  • Good for non-critical uses

  • Example: storing garden supplies

Reconditioned Drums:

  • Higher price

  • Cleaned and repainted

  • Tested for safety

  • Example: food storage or chemicals

What You'll Pay

Price Ranges

  • As-is drums: $30-50 each

  • Reconditioned drums: $50-80 each

  • Bulk orders get discounts

Extra Costs to Consider

  • Freight shipping (can add 25% to total cost)

  • Handling fees

  • Pickup truck rental if needed

Money-Saving Tips

  • Buy in bulk for better prices

  • Pick up yourself to avoid shipping

  • Choose as-is drums for basic storage needs

How to Buy Safely

Before You Buy

Ask these questions:

  • What was stored in the drum before?

  • Has it been cleaned?

  • Are there any dents or rust?

  • Do you have cleaning certificates?

  • Drums must be properly cleaned

  • Get certificates for drums that held chemicals

  • Follow state environmental rules

  • Use proper labels for contents

Safety Checklist

  • Inspect drums before using

  • Clean thoroughly if needed

  • Check for leaks or damage

  • Use appropriate drums for your materials

Step-by-Step Buying Process

Step 1: Figure Out What You Need

  • How many drums?

  • What size?

  • What condition?

  • What will you store?

Step 2: Get Quotes

  • Contact RePackify first

  • Compare with local recyclers

  • Ask about bulk discounts

  • Include shipping costs

Step 3: Arrange Pickup

  • Schedule pickup time

  • Bring proper truck or trailer

  • Have cash or payment ready

  • Bring help for loading

Step 4: Inspect Before Paying

  • Check for major damage

  • Test lids or closures

  • Look inside for cleanliness

  • Count your drums

Common Uses for Used Metal Drums

Around Your Property

  • Rainwater collection

  • Compost bins

  • Storage for garden supplies

  • Burn barrels (where legal)

Small Business Uses

  • Parts storage

  • Liquid storage

  • Shipping containers

  • Waste collection

Industrial Applications

  • Chemical storage

  • Food processing

  • Manufacturing supplies

  • Emergency storage

Final Tips

Do This

  • Start with small orders to test quality

  • Build relationships with suppliers

  • Keep certificates for future reference

  • Plan for storage space

Avoid This

  • Don't buy without inspecting first

  • Don't use food drums for chemicals

  • Don't ignore cleaning requirements

  • Don't forget shipping costs in your budget

Bottom line: Used metal drums in Clemmons offer great value when you know where to look and what to ask for. RePackify's large inventory makes them your best starting point, but local recyclers can also be good sources. Focus on getting the right condition for your needs, and always put safety first.

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.