Buy Used Metal Drums in Oklahoma

How to Buy Used Metal Drums in Oklahoma: Save Money and Get Quality Storage

What you'll learn: Find reliable suppliers, avoid costly mistakes, and get the best deals on used metal drums in Oklahoma. This guide will save you time and money while ensuring you get drums that work for your needs.

Why Buy Used Metal Drums?

Used metal drums offer three main benefits:

• Cost savings: Pay 40-60% less than new drums
• Environmental responsibility: Keep drums out of landfills
• Availability: Get drums quickly without long wait times

Many Oklahoma businesses use these drums for:

• Water storage on farms
• Chemical storage in factories
• Waste collection
• Food processing
• Oil and gas operations

Types of Used Metal Drums

Before you buy, understand the two main types:

Open-Head Drums

• Removable lid with bolt-ring closure
• Good for solids and materials you need to access directly
• Example: Storing grain, powder, or dry chemicals

Tight-Head Drums

• Permanently sealed top with threaded openings
• Better for liquids
• Example: Storing oil, water, or liquid chemicals

Common sizes:

• 30-gallon: Easier to handle, good for small operations
• 55-gallon: Most popular size, industry standard
• 85-gallon: Best for high-volume storage

Where to Buy Used Metal Drums in Oklahoma

Local Drum Specialists

RePackify (Guthrie and Edmond)

• Specializes in 55-gallon steel drums
• Offers both open-head and tight-head options
• Provides reconditioned drums tested for leaks
• Delivers to Guthrie, Edmond, Bethany, and surrounding areas
• Offers buy-back programs for your old drums

What to Check Before You Buy

Drum Condition

Good condition drums:

• Minor surface rust is okay
• No dents in critical areas
• Closures work properly
• No visible contamination

Fair condition drums:

• Light corrosion present
• Small cosmetic problems
• Still safe for non-hazardous materials
• Lower price point

Avoid drums with:

• Large dents or cracks
• Severe rust
• Damaged closures
• Unknown chemical residue

UN Ratings for Hazardous Materials

If you're storing hazardous materials, look for UN markings:

• UN1A2/Y1.2/100 means tested for specific pressures and temperatures
• Required for shipping chemicals across state lines
• Reconditioned drums can get updated ratings

For non-hazardous uses (water, grain, general storage), UN ratings aren't required.

Material Compatibility

Match the drum to what you're storing:

Unlined steel drums: Good for

• Water
• Dry materials
• Non-corrosive liquids

Lined steel drums: Needed for

• Acidic chemicals
• Corrosive materials
• Food products

Ask your supplier about lining options if you're unsure.

Pricing and Cost Factors

Typical prices for used drums:

• Basic condition: $20-50 per drum
• Reconditioned: $60-100 per drum
• UN-rated: Higher prices due to testing and certification

Ways to save money:

• Buy in bulk (50+ drums often get 10% discount)
• Consider fair-condition drums for non-critical uses
• Look for seasonal sales
• Negotiate buy-back agreements

Hidden costs to consider:

• Delivery fees
• Cleaning and reconditioning
• Permits for hazardous materials
• Handling equipment

Delivery and Logistics

Delivery options:

• RePackify delivers throughout central Oklahoma
• Hardware stores offer pickup and limited delivery
• National suppliers use freight shipping for bulk orders

What you'll need for delivery:

• Forklift or drum handling equipment
• Safe unloading area
• Someone to inspect drums upon arrival

Cleaning and Maintenance

Basic Cleaning Steps

Rinse with hot water

Use biodegradable detergent

Air dry in ventilated area

Inspect for damage

When to Use Professional Services

• Switching between incompatible materials
• Previously held hazardous chemicals
• Need UN certification
• High-volume operations

Legal and Environmental Requirements

Oklahoma Regulations

• Hazardous material storage requires permits
• Proper disposal of contaminated drums
• Transportation rules for chemicals

Environmental Responsibility

• Recycle drums when they're no longer usable
• Use certified recycling centers
• Keep documentation for compliance

Recommended recycling centers:

• Local metal recycling facilities
• Waste management companies
• Drum reconditioning services

Step-by-Step Buying Process

Determine your needs

• How many drums?
• What will you store?
• Open-head or tight-head?

Research suppliers

• Compare prices
• Check delivery options
• Read reviews

Inspect drums

• Check condition
• Verify UN ratings if needed
• Test closures

Negotiate price

• Ask about bulk discounts
• Inquire about buy-back programs
• Get quotes including delivery

Arrange delivery

• Schedule convenient time
• Prepare unloading area
• Have handling equipment ready

Inspect upon arrival

• Check for damage during transport
• Verify quantity and condition
• Document any issues

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying wrong size: Measure your storage space first
• Ignoring condition: Always inspect before purchase
• Forgetting about delivery: Factor in transportation costs
• Not checking compatibility: Match drum material to contents
• Skipping documentation: Keep records for compliance

Tips for Long-Term Success

• Build relationships with reliable suppliers
• Plan ahead for seasonal demand
• Maintain inventory of spare drums
• Keep cleaning supplies on hand
• Document everything for regulatory compliance

Conclusion

Buying used metal drums in Oklahoma can save you significant money while meeting your storage needs. Start with reputable suppliers like RePackify, understand what you're buying, and always inspect drums before use. With proper planning and the right supplier relationships, you'll get quality drums at great prices while supporting environmental responsibility.

Remember: the key to successful drum purchasing is matching your specific needs to the right supplier and drum type. Take time to research, ask questions, and build relationships with suppliers who understand your business.