Buy Used Metal Drums in Gibsonia, PA

Recycling Centers

Local recycling centers sometimes sell drums they've collected. These cost less but need more inspection.

What to check:

• Look for dents or holes

• Smell inside for leftover chemicals

• Check if the lid fits tightly

• Ask what was stored in it before

Farm Supply Stores

Rural stores near Gibsonia occasionally have used drums. Farmers often sell drums they no longer need. These work well for:

• Water storage

• Feed storage

• Workshop organization

Online Sources

RePackify serves Gibsonia directly with both new and used drums. They offer:

• 30, 55, and 85-gallon sizes

• Clean, inspected drums

• Same-week delivery

• Buy-back programs for your old drums

Types of Used Drums Available

Open-Head Drums

• Top comes off completely

• Easy to fill and clean

• Good for solid materials like grain or powder

• Usually cost $25-35 used

Closed-Head Drums

• Sealed top with small openings

• Better for liquids

• Harder to clean inside

• Usually cost $30-45 used

Lined vs. Unlined

• Lined drums had special coating inside

• Safe for food or drinking water

• Cost $10-15 more

• Unlined drums work for non-food items

What to Check Before You Buy

Physical Condition

Walk around the drum. Look for:

• Rust spots (small ones are okay, big ones aren't)

• Dents (shallow ones are fine, deep ones weaken the drum)

• Holes or cracks (never buy these)

Previous Contents

Ask what was stored in the drum. Avoid drums that held:

• Toxic chemicals

• Paint or solvents

• Unknown substances

Safe previous contents include:

• Food ingredients

• Soap or detergent

• Motor oil (if you'll use for similar)

Legal Requirements

Some drums need special markings for legal use:

• UN codes for shipping hazardous materials

• FDA approval for food storage

• DOT numbers for transport

Ask the seller about these if you need them.

How Much You Should Pay

Price Ranges by Condition

Excellent condition (like new): $35-45

• No rust or dents

• Clean inside and out

• All parts work perfectly

Good condition: $25-35

• Minor surface rust

• Small dents that don't affect use

• Clean and functional

Fair condition: $15-25

• Some rust and dents

• Needs cleaning

• Good for non-critical uses

Hidden Costs to Consider

• Delivery: $25-50 depending on distance

• Cleaning supplies: $10-20 if you clean it yourself

• New bungs (plugs): $2-5 each if missing

Red Flags to Avoid

Don't buy drums that:

• Smell strongly of chemicals you can't identify

• Have the seller refusing to say what was in them

• Cost much less than others (probably damaged)

• Come from someone who seems in a hurry to sell

Making Your Purchase

Questions to Ask Sellers

What was stored in this drum?

When was it last cleaned?

Are there any holes or leaks?

Do you have paperwork showing what was in it?

Can I inspect it before buying?

Inspection Checklist

• Roll the drum to check for leaks

• Look inside with a flashlight

• Check that the lid fits snugly

• Test bung plugs by hand-tightening

• Smell for lingering odors

Negotiating Tips

• Buy multiple drums for a discount

• Offer to pick up yourself to save delivery costs

• Point out minor flaws to justify a lower price

• Ask if they have more drums coming in soon

Getting Your Drums Home

Transportation Options

Your truck: Most 55-gallon drums fit in pickup trucks. Empty drums weigh about 40 pounds.

Delivery service: Most sellers offer delivery for $25-50. Worth it for multiple drums.

RePackify delivery: Same-week service in Gibsonia area. Professional handling and placement where you need them.

Unloading Safely

• Get help - drums are awkward to handle alone

• Use a dolly for moving multiple drums

• Store in dry area away from sharp objects

Preparing Your Used Drums

Basic Cleaning

Rinse with hot water

Add dish soap and scrub with long brush

Rinse again until water runs clear

Air dry completely before use

Deep Cleaning (if needed)

Use degreasing detergent for oil residue

White vinegar removes mineral deposits

Baking soda neutralizes odors

Always rinse thoroughly

When to Skip Cleaning

If previous contents were similar to your planned use, basic rinsing might be enough. Example: Using a drum that held vegetable oil to store more vegetable oil.

Legal and Safety Rules

Pennsylvania Requirements

• Drums storing hazardous materials need proper labeling

• Some drums require inspection certificates

• Transport regulations apply when moving drums with contents

Federal Rules

• Food-grade drums need FDA-approved linings

• Shipping drums need DOT markings

• Workplace safety rules apply in business settings

When in doubt, ask your local environmental office or RePackify for guidance.

Maintaining Your Used Drums

Regular Checks

• Inspect monthly for new rust or damage

• Keep bungs tight to prevent contamination

• Store in dry location when not in use

When to Replace

Replace drums that develop:

• Through-holes or cracks

• Extensive rust that flakes off

• Persistent odors you can't remove

• Damaged threads on openings

Conclusion

Buying used metal drums in Gibsonia saves money without sacrificing quality. Focus on reputable sellers, inspect carefully, and know what you're buying. Whether you choose local barrel shops, recycling centers, or RePackify's service, the right drum at the right price is out there.

Start with your most basic needs and simple applications. As you gain experience, you can tackle more specialized requirements. The money you save on used drums can go toward growing your business or improving your operations.