Buy Used Metal Drums in Dixon Springs, TN
61 listings · Available Listings near Dixon Springs, TN
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61 Metal Drums listings within 500 miles of Dixon Springs, TN. Prices range from $1.30 to $90.80 per unit.
Metal Drums Prices in Tennessee
What buyers pay by condition
| Condition | Avg. Price |
|---|---|
| New | $60.01 |
| Reconditioned | $39.61 |
| Used | $11.38 |
| Damaged (Salvage) | $4.20 |
About Dixon Springs
Dixon Springs Supplier & Recycler of Used Metal Drums
Get Quality Used Metal Drums in Dixon Springs, TN - Save Money While Going Green
Benefits you'll get: Save 40-60% compared to new drums, help the environment by reusing steel, and find the perfect container for your project or business needs.
Used metal drums solve many storage problems. You can use them for:
Chemical storage
Waste containment
Rainwater harvesting
DIY rain barrel projects
Industrial applications
Your Best Local Option: RePackify
RePackify has 300 used 55-gallon metal drums available in Dixon Springs, TN 37057. Here's what makes them your top choice:
Simple buying process:
Request a quote online
Choose your drum grade and quantity
Get pricing with freight costs included
What you get:
Drums from clean industrial sources
Various condition levels available
Bulk discounts for large orders
Local pickup or delivery options
Price factors:
Current scrap steel prices
Drum condition and grade
Order quantity
Shipping distance
Understanding Drum Grades
Rinse quality: Minimal residue, good for general storage
Food grade: FDA-approved interior, safe for food contact
Hazardous materials rated: For corrosives or solvents
Price increases with higher certification levels. Choose based on your actual needs.
What to Consider Before Buying
Condition questions to ask:
What was stored in the drum before?
Are there any dents or rust spots?
Do the lids seal properly?
Are there UN markings for safety ratings?
Cleaning requirements:
Most used drums need cleaning
Professional cleaning costs $15-30 per drum
You can clean them yourself with proper equipment
Transportation:
One drum weighs about 50 pounds empty
Pickup trucks can handle 4-6 drums
Freight delivery includes lifting equipment
Safety and Legal Requirements
Before you use any drum:
Check for UN markings (safety ratings)
Clean according to EPA standards if needed
Wear protective equipment during cleaning
Follow local disposal rules for cleaning waste
Documentation needed:
Previous contents information
Cleaning certificates (if required)
Transport permits (for hazardous material drums)
Simple Cleaning Process
Basic cleaning steps:
Remove all labels and residue
Rinse with hot water
Use degreasing solution for oil residue
Steam clean for food-grade applications
Let dry completely before use
When to hire professionals:
Drums contained hazardous materials
You need FDA food-grade certification
Large quantities require processing
Environmental Benefits
Why used drums help the planet:
Reduces steel production demand
Keeps containers out of landfills
Saves energy compared to making new drums
Supports circular economy principles
End-of-life options:
Dickson County Recycling accepts empty drums
Scrap metal dealers pay for steel content
Proper recycling returns steel to manufacturing
Making Your Decision
Choose RePackify if you want:
Local availability
Bulk pricing options
Simple ordering process
Freight coordination
Choose salvage yards if you want:
Lowest possible prices
Ability to inspect before buying
No freight costs
Flexible quantities
Choose recycling centers if you want:
Rock-bottom prices
Community service
Random availability is acceptable
Getting Started
Your next steps:
Decide how many drums you need
Determine what grade you require
Contact RePackify for a quote
Compare with local salvage yard prices
Factor in cleaning and transportation costs
Questions to ask any seller:
What was previously stored in the drums?
What condition are they in?
Are UN markings visible?
Can I inspect before buying?
What are the freight costs?
Used metal drums offer an affordable, environmentally friendly solution for storage needs. With proper evaluation and cleaning, they perform just as well as new containers at a fraction of the cost.
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.