Buy Used Metal Drums in Beaverton, OR
24 listings · Available Listings near Beaverton, OR
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9 Metal Drums listings within 500 miles of Beaverton, OR. Additional nationwide listings follow the nearby results. Prices range from $9.60 to $15.60 per unit.
About Beaverton
Beaverton Supplier & Recycler of Used Metal Drums
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.
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.
