Buy Used Metal Drums in Bennington, VT
42 listings · Available Listings near Bennington, VT
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42 Metal Drums listings within 500 miles of Bennington, VT. Prices range from $0.01 to $52.85 per unit.
About Bennington
Bennington Supplier & Recycler of Used Metal Drums
How to Find Cheap Used Metal Drums in Bennington, VT (And Save Money on Storage)
What you'll learn: Where to buy quality used metal drums in Bennington, how much they cost, and what to check before buying.
Why Buy Used Metal Drums?
Used metal drums cost 50-70% less than new ones. A new 55-gallon drum costs $80-120. A used one costs $20-50.
You help the environment too. Instead of making new metal, you reuse what already exists.
What Are Metal Drums Good For?
Water storage for farms
Rainwater collection
Storing feed for animals
Bulk food storage
Emergency water supply
DIY projects like planters or burn barrels
Where to Buy Used Drums in Bennington
Local hardware stores often have used drums. Call first to check availability.
Farm supply stores sell drums to farmers and rural customers. They usually have both used and new options.
Scrap yards and recycling centers sometimes sell drums they've cleaned up.
Online marketplaces like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace have local sellers.
Industrial suppliers in the area specialize in containers and drums.
What to Check Before You Buy
Look inside the drum. Make sure it's clean and doesn't smell bad. Rust spots are okay if they're small.
Check the outside. Look for dents or holes. Small dents are fine, but avoid drums with holes or deep rust.
Ask what was stored in it. Avoid drums that held chemicals or anything toxic. Food-grade drums are safest.
Test the lid. Make sure it opens and closes properly. Check that rubber seals aren't cracked.
Verify the size. Standard drums hold 55 gallons, but some are 30 or 85 gallons.
Typical Prices in Bennington
Basic used drums: $20-30 each
Food-grade drums: $35-50 each
Reconditioned drums: $40-60 each
Bulk orders (10+ drums): 10-20% discount
Two Types of Drums
Open-head drums have removable lids. Great for storing dry goods like grain or for easy cleaning.
Tight-head drums have small openings with screw caps. Better for liquids.
Getting Your Drums Home
Most drums are heavy (15-30 pounds empty). Bring help or a truck.
Some sellers deliver for a fee ($20-50 depending on distance).
Cleaning Your Used Drum
Rinse with water first
Use dish soap and a long brush
For tough smells, try baking soda and water
Let it dry completely before using
Safety Rules
Never use drums that held chemicals for food or water
Check local rules about rainwater collection
Keep drums covered to prevent mosquitos
Secure drums so they won't tip over
When to Buy New Instead
Buy new drums if you're storing drinking water or food. The extra cost is worth the safety.
Also buy new if you need drums certified for shipping hazardous materials.
Questions to Ask Sellers
What was stored in this drum?
Has it been cleaned?
Are there any holes or leaks?
Can I inspect it before buying?
Do you offer any guarantee?
Bottom Line
Used metal drums are a smart buy if you need cheap, durable storage. Check them carefully before buying, clean them well, and they'll last for years.
Start by calling local farm supply stores and checking online marketplaces. Compare prices from 3-4 sources before deciding.
The money you save can add up quickly, especially if you need several drums.
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.