Buy Used Metal Drums in Pittsburgh

Save Money and Help the Environment: Your Simple Guide to Buying Used Metal Drums in Pittsburgh

What you'll gain from this guide: You'll learn how to find quality used metal drums in Pittsburgh, save 30-70% compared to new drums, and make environmentally responsible choices for your business.

Why Choose Used Metal Drums?

Used metal drums offer three main benefits:

• Cost savings: Pay $15-80 instead of $150-300 for new drums
• Environmental impact: Keep steel out of landfills and reduce manufacturing waste
• Quick availability: Get drums immediately instead of waiting weeks for new orders

Pittsburgh's industrial history means you'll find plenty of suppliers and quality options here.

What Types of Used Drums Can You Find?

Basic Drum Types

Open-head drums:

• Have removable lids
• Best for dry materials like powders or granules
• Easy to clean and inspect
• Common sizes: 30, 55, and 85 gallons

Tight-head drums:

• Sealed tops with small openings
• Best for liquids
• Better leak protection
• Same size options available

Drum Conditions You'll See

Reconditioned drums ($50-80):

• Cleaned, tested, and repaired
• Often have new coatings inside
• Come with safety certifications
• Best for chemicals or food products

Surplus drums ($15-30):

• Used but not refurbished
• Good for non-critical storage
• Perfect for dry materials
• May have minor dents or surface rust

How to Find Reliable Suppliers in Pittsburgh

Local Reconditioning Specialists

Look for companies that specialize in fixing up old drums. They typically:

• Clean drums thoroughly
• Test for leaks
• Apply new interior coatings
• Provide safety certifications
• Offer delivery services

Industrial Recycling Centers

These places collect drums from local businesses and resell them:

• Lower prices than specialists
• Good for basic storage needs
• Limited testing and repairs
• You'll need to inspect carefully

Container Distributors

General suppliers that stock various containers:

• Mix of new and used inventory
• Can handle large orders
• Often provide other industrial supplies
• May offer bulk discounts

How to Inspect Used Drums Before Buying

Visual Inspection Checklist

Outside the drum:

• Look for deep dents or cracks
• Check for rust (surface rust is okay, deep rust isn't)
• Make sure the lid fits properly
• Verify all markings are readable

Inside the drum:

• Use a flashlight to check for corrosion
• Look for old product residue
• Check that the bottom isn't dented inward
• Smell for chemical odors

Safety Certifications to Look For

UN markings:

• Required for hazardous materials
• Look for "UN" symbol on the drum
• Check the date (should be recent)
• Verify the hazard class matches your needs

DOT compliance:

• Needed for shipping certain materials
• Ask for documentation
• Make sure tests were done recently

What You'll Pay for Used Drums

Price Ranges by Condition

Basic surplus drums:

• 30-gallon: $10-20
• 55-gallon: $15-25
• 85-gallon: $20-30

Reconditioned drums:

• 30-gallon: $40-60
• 55-gallon: $50-80
• 85-gallon: $70-100

Money-Saving Tips

Buy in bulk:

• 10+ drums: Save 5-10%
• 50+ drums: Save 10-15%
• 100+ drums: Save 15-20%

Consider seasonal timing:

• Winter: Lower demand, better prices
• Spring: Higher demand, higher prices
• End of fiscal year: Companies clearing inventory

Long-term contracts:

• Negotiate better rates
• Ensure steady supply
• Include maintenance services

Delivery and Handling

Transportation Options

Small orders (1-10 drums):

• Pickup truck with tie-downs
• Small trailer rental
• Local delivery service

Large orders (50+ drums):

• Flatbed truck delivery
• Container service
• Forklift unloading available

Handling Safety

Moving drums safely:

• Use drum dollies for single drums
• Forklift for multiple drums
• Never roll drums on their sides
• Always wear safety equipment

Storage tips:

• Keep drums upright
• Provide secondary containment
• Protect from weather
• Label clearly

Environmental Benefits

Why Reusing Drums Matters

Steel recycling impact:

• Every reused drum saves 2,500 pounds of iron ore
• Reduces energy use by 75%
• Cuts air pollution by 86%
• Saves landfill space

Local environmental benefits:

• Reduces truck traffic from new drum deliveries
• Supports Pittsburgh's circular economy
• Keeps local jobs in reconditioning
• Reduces industrial waste

End-of-Life Options

When drums finally wear out:

• Steel recycling centers accept them
• Scrap value offsets disposal costs
• Metal gets made into new products
• Completes the recycling loop

Real Examples from Pittsburgh Businesses

Small Chemical Company Success

A local paint manufacturer needed 200 drums for storing raw materials. They:

• Bought reconditioned 55-gallon drums
• Saved $15,000 compared to new drums
• Got UN-certified drums for chemical storage
• Established ongoing supply relationship

Food Processing Solution

A bakery supply company needed drums for bulk ingredients. They:

• Chose food-grade reconditioned drums
• Saved 60% on container costs
• Got delivery within 48 hours
• Implemented drum return program

Maintenance Shop Example

An auto repair chain needed drums for waste oil collection. They:

• Bought surplus drums without reconditioning
• Saved $2,000 on 100 drums
• Added their own secondary containment
• Replaced drums every 3 years

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Inspection Errors

Don't skip these steps:

• Always check inside the drum
• Test the lid seal
• Verify certification dates
• Ask about previous contents

Regulatory Mistakes

Remember these requirements:

• Match drum rating to your materials
• Keep certification documents
• Follow DOT shipping rules
• Check local storage regulations

Cost Calculation Errors

Consider total costs:

• Delivery fees
• Inspection time
• Potential repairs
• Disposal costs later

Getting Started: Your Action Plan

Step 1: Define Your Needs

• What materials will you store?
• How many drums do you need?
• What's your budget?
• Do you need certifications?

Step 2: Research Suppliers

• Contact 3-5 local suppliers
• Ask about their inspection process
• Get quotes for your specific needs
• Check their delivery options

Step 3: Inspect Before Buying

• Visit the supplier if possible
• Bring your inspection checklist
• Ask questions about drum history
• Verify all certifications

Step 4: Plan for Delivery

• Arrange appropriate transportation
• Prepare storage area
• Have handling equipment ready
• Schedule delivery time

Step 5: Maintain Your Investment

• Inspect drums regularly
• Keep them clean and dry
• Plan for eventual replacement
• Consider reconditioning services

Conclusion

Buying used metal drums in Pittsburgh can save your business significant money while helping the environment. The key is finding reliable suppliers, inspecting drums carefully, and matching the right drum condition to your specific needs.

Start with one small order to test a supplier's quality and service. Once you find a good partner, you can build a relationship that provides steady savings and reliable supply for years to come.

Remember: the best deal isn't always the cheapest drum. Factor in delivery, inspection time, and how long the drum will last to find the true value.