Buy Used Metal Drums in Beaverton

Save Money on Metal Drums: Your Complete Guide to Buying Used in Beaverton, Oregon

What you'll get from this guide: You'll learn how to find quality used metal drums in Beaverton for half the price of new ones, plus avoid common buying mistakes that could cost you hundreds of dollars.

Why Buy Used Metal Drums?

You can save 50-70% compared to new drums. Here's what makes sense:

• Cost savings: Used 55-gallon drums cost $5-50 vs $80-150 for new ones
• Environmental benefit: One reused drum keeps 40 pounds of steel out of landfills
• Quick availability: No waiting for manufacturing or shipping delays
• Proven durability: Steel drums last decades with proper care

What Types of Used Drums Can You Find?

Open-head drums (removable lid):

• Best for: Solids, thick liquids, easy loading
• Common uses: Food storage, waste collection, DIY projects
• Price range: $10-30 used

Tight-head drums (fixed lid with small openings):

• Best for: Liquids, chemicals, long-term storage
• Common uses: Oil, water, liquid chemicals
• Price range: $15-50 used

Drum sizes available:

• 30-gallon: Good for small spaces
• 55-gallon: Most common, fits standard pallets
• 85-gallon: For large volume needs

Where to Find Used Drums in Beaverton

RePackify Locations

RePackify offers cleaned, inspected used drums at multiple Oregon locations. They provide:

• Bulk pricing (better deals for 12+ drums)
• Both open-head and tight-head options
• Delivery services available
• Quality guarantee on all drums

Local Recycling Centers

Beaverton Recycling Info Office

• Helps you find approved drum sources
• Explains local regulations
• Often knows about upcoming surplus sales

Industrial recycling facilities

• Often have drums from local businesses
• Usually cheapest prices ($5-15 per drum)
• May need cleaning before use
• Call ahead to check availability

Salvage and Surplus Stores

Local salvage operations sometimes get drums from:

• Building demolitions
• Business closures
• Industrial cleanouts

Tip: Call these places monthly - inventory changes fast.

How to Inspect Used Drums Before Buying

Check the outside:

• Look for rust spots or dents
• Make sure the bottom isn't damaged
• Check that handles are secure

Check the inside:

• Smell for strong odors
• Look for rust or coating damage
• Ask what was stored in it before

Test the lid (for open-head drums):

• Make sure it fits snugly
• Check that the ring closure works
• Look for damaged gaskets

Red flags to avoid:

• Strong chemical smells
• Heavy rust or corrosion
• Previous hazardous material storage
• Damaged structural integrity

What Different Conditions Mean

"Rinsed only" ($5-15):

• Basic water cleaning
• May have residue or odors
• Good for: Non-food storage, rain barrels

"Reconditioned" ($20-35):

• Cleaned inside and out
• Rust removed
• New gaskets if needed
• Good for: Most storage needs

"Food-grade restored" ($35-50):

• Deep cleaning process
• Interior coating renewed
• Meets food safety standards
• Good for: Food storage, water collection

Pricing Guide and How to Save Money

Typical prices in Beaverton:

• Scrap condition: $5-10
• Rinsed: $10-20
• Reconditioned: $20-35
• Food-grade: $35-50

Ways to save money:

• Buy in bulk (12+ drums get better prices)
• Shop at recycling centers first
• Compare prices from 3+ sources
• Consider slightly damaged drums for non-critical uses
• Buy during slow seasons (winter months)

Transportation Tips

Moving drums yourself:

• Empty drums weigh 40-50 pounds each
• A pickup truck holds 4-6 drums safely
• Use tie-down straps - drums can shift
• Bring a friend for loading help

Delivery services:

• Most suppliers offer delivery for $50-100
• Worth it for large orders (10+ drums)
• They handle loading and securing

Legal and Safety Considerations

What you need to know:

• Ask for cleaning certificates if available
• Don't buy drums that held hazardous chemicals
• Check local rules about drum storage
• Keep receipts for warranty claims

Safe storage at your location:

• Store on level, dry surfaces
• Keep drums covered or indoors
• Check for rust every few months
• Don't stack more than 2 high

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't buy drums that:

• Smell strongly of chemicals
• Have unknown previous contents
• Are badly rusted or dented
• Cost more than 60% of new price

Don't forget to:

• Measure your space before buying
• Ask about return policies
• Budget for cleaning supplies
• Plan how you'll transport them

When to Buy New Instead

Buy new drums if you need:

• Guaranteed food-grade certification
• Specific industrial certifications
• Warranty coverage
• Exact specifications for equipment

Getting Started

Your first purchase should be:

Start with 1-2 drums to test quality

Choose a reputable supplier like RePackify

Pick reconditioned condition for best value

Ask lots of questions before buying

Questions to ask suppliers:

• What was stored in these drums?
• How were they cleaned?
• What's your return policy?
• Do you offer bulk discounts?
• Can you deliver?

Final Tips

• Start small with your first purchase
• Build relationships with local suppliers
• Keep a list of what you paid for future reference
• Consider the total cost including transport
• Don't rush - good deals appear regularly

Used metal drums offer excellent value when you know what to look for. Start with a small purchase to learn the process, then scale up as you find reliable suppliers and understand your needs better.