Buy Used Metal Drums in Vermont

Save Money on Metal Drums: Your Complete Vermont Buying Guide

You'll save hundreds of dollars and find exactly what you need by knowing where to buy quality used metal drums in Vermont. This guide shows you the best places, fair prices, and what to check before buying.

Why Buy Used Metal Drums?

You can save 50-70% compared to new drums. A new 55-gallon drum costs $150-200. Used ones cost $35-100.

What you get:

• Same storage capacity as new drums
• Tested and safe containers
• Money left over for other business needs
• Help the environment by reusing materials

What Are Metal Drums Used For?

People use these drums to store:

• Maple syrup and food products
• Heating oil and diesel fuel
• Water for gardens and farms
• Industrial chemicals (with proper ratings)
• Bulk materials like grain or sand

Types of Drums You'll Find

Open-head drums have removable tops. Use these when you need to scoop or pour things in and out easily.

Tight-head drums have fixed tops with small openings. Use these for liquids you pump in and out.

Sizes available:

• 30-gallon: Good for small operations
• 55-gallon: Most popular size
• 85-gallon: For large storage needs

Where to Buy in Northern Vermont

Waterbury Area

Check local metal recycling centers. They clean drums from factories and sell them at fair prices. You can inspect drums before buying. Staff will tell you what was stored in each drum.

Hardwick Area

Metal recycling yards here get drums from farms and auto shops. Prices start around $35 each. You can often negotiate better prices when buying 10 or more drums.

Where to Buy in Central Vermont

White River Junction

Salvage exchanges sell drums alongside building materials. This saves you trips to multiple stores. Drums here are usually cleaned and ready to use.

Swanton

Local salvage yards offer delivery within 20 miles. They grade drums honestly - telling you about any dents or rust spots.

Where to Buy in Southern Vermont

RePackify (Brattleboro and Burlington)

RePackify sells online with local pickup options. Their Brattleboro location stocks over 200 drums at any time. Burlington has dozens more.

RePackify advantages:

• Clear online listings with photos
• Honest condition descriptions
• Bulk pricing discounts
• You can inspect before buying

How Much Should You Pay?

Fair prices in Vermont:

• Basic used drums: $35-45 each
• Cleaned and tested drums: $50-70 each
• Food-grade certified drums: $80-100 each

Bulk discounts:

• 10+ drums: Save 10-15%
• 25+ drums: Save 20-25%
• Full truckload: Save up to 30%

What to Check Before Buying

Look for these problems:

• Rust holes (small surface rust is OK)
• Dented bottom (won't sit flat)
• Missing or damaged lids
• Strong chemical odors

Ask these questions:

• What was stored in this drum?
• Has it been pressure tested?
• Do you have cleaning certificates?
• Can I return it if there are problems?

Safety Rules You Must Follow

For food storage: Only buy food-grade certified drums. These have special linings and cleaning standards.

For chemicals: You need UN-rated drums with proper documentation. Don't use drums that held unknown chemicals.

For heating oil: Regular used drums work fine, but check for leaks first.

Transportation Tips

Small orders (1-5 drums): Pick up with a truck or trailer. Each empty drum weighs about 50 pounds.

Large orders (10+ drums): Arrange freight delivery. RePackify can help coordinate this.

Loading help: Most suppliers will help load your truck with a forklift.

Getting the Best Deal

Timing matters: Prices are lowest in late fall and winter when demand drops.

Build relationships: Regular customers get first pick of the best drums and better prices.

Combine trips: Buy other supplies at the same time to save on gas.

Inspect everything: Don't be afraid to reject drums that don't meet your needs.

Environmental Benefits

Buying used drums keeps them out of landfills. When your drums wear out, steel recycling centers will pay you for the scrap metal. This creates a full circle of reuse.

Many Vermont businesses return their empty drums to suppliers like RePackify for credit toward future purchases.

Red Flags to Avoid

Don't buy if:

• The seller won't tell you what was stored inside
• Drums smell strongly of chemicals
• There are no safety certificates for hazardous material drums
• The price seems too good to be true
• The seller pressures you to buy immediately

Your Next Steps

Decide what you're storing - This determines what type of drum you need

Set your budget - Include transportation costs

Call 2-3 suppliers - Compare prices and availability

Inspect before buying - Bring a flashlight and take your time

Arrange transportation - Plan how you'll get drums home

Bottom Line

Vermont has many good sources for used metal drums. You'll save the most money by buying from metal recycling centers and established suppliers like RePackify. Always inspect drums carefully and ask about their history.

Start with one or two drums to test a supplier. Once you find someone honest with fair prices, stick with them for future purchases.

Remember: A $50 used drum that lasts five years is better than a $35 drum that leaks after six months.