Buy Used Metal Drums in Virginia
3 listings · Available listings in Virginia
Used
Used
Used
Need a size, grade or volume you don't see here?
Tell us what you need and we'll quote it delivered.
Check a metal drum price in Virginia
See where your price sits against what the market pays across the US.
Per unit, picked up, before freight.
Metal Drums Prices in Virginia
What buyers pay by condition
| Condition | Avg. Price | Available Qty |
|---|---|---|
| New | $60.45 | 0 |
| Reconditioned | $39.90 | 0 |
| Used | $11.38 | 3 |
| Damaged (Salvage) | $4.23 | 0 |
Prices reflect current market averages for metal drums in Virginia, with 3 units available across all conditions. View full price index
About Virginia
#1 Supplier of Used Metal Drums Across The State of Virginia
Save Money on Quality Used Metal Drums in Virginia
What you'll learn: How to find reliable suppliers, save up to 80% on drum costs, and choose the right drums for your needs in Virginia.
Why Buy Used Metal Drums?
You can save serious money on used metal drums. Here's what you get:
Save 80% or more compared to new drums
Same quality when properly refurbished
Immediate availability from local suppliers
Environmental benefits by reusing materials
Flexible quantities from single drums to truckloads
Where to Buy Used Metal Drums in Virginia
Local Drum Specialists
These companies focus only on drums and know them inside and out:
RePackify offers:
Cleaned and inspected drums
Different condition grades to match your budget
Fast delivery across Virginia
Buy-back programs for your old drums
Types of Used Metal Drums
Open-Head vs Closed-Head Drums
Open-head drums:
Removable lid with clamp ring
Good for solids, powders, and thick materials
Easy to fill and clean
Popular in manufacturing
Closed-head drums:
Fixed top with small openings
Best for liquids
Better spill protection
Required for hazardous materials
Common Sizes
55-gallon drums are the standard:
Most available in used market
Fits standard equipment
Easy to find replacement parts
30-gallon drums:
Easier to handle
Good for smaller batches
Less common used
85-gallon drums:
Reduces handling time
Good for high-volume operations
Harder to find used
Condition Grades
Grade A: Like new appearance, minor scratches only
Grade B: Some dents and surface wear, fully functional
Grade C: Noticeable wear but still safe to use
Choose based on your needs. Grade C works fine for non-critical uses and costs less.
How Much You'll Pay
Price Ranges
New drums: $80-$150 each
Used drums: $15-$35 each
Savings: Up to 80% off new prices
Volume Discounts
Single drums: Full price
Truckload (200+ drums): Save $3-5 per drum
Annual contracts: Best pricing available
Hidden Costs to Consider
Inspection and testing: $5-15 per drum
Shipping costs for online orders
Storage space for bulk purchases
Disposal fees for unusable drums
What to Look For When Buying
Safety First
Check for:
Proper safety certifications
No rust or corrosion
Tight-fitting lids and gaskets
Clean interior
Ask These Questions
What was stored in the drum before?
Has it been pressure tested?
What cleaning process was used?
Are there any warranties?
Can I inspect before buying?
Red Flags to Avoid
Drums with unknown previous contents
Rust or deep dents
Missing or damaged parts
No documentation of cleaning
Prices that seem too good to be true
Getting Started
Step 1: Define Your Needs
How many drums do you need?
What will you store in them?
What's your budget?
Do you need special linings?
Step 2: Contact Suppliers
Start with local companies like RePackify for personalized service and the ability to inspect drums.
Step 3: Compare Options
Get quotes from multiple suppliers
Factor in all costs, not just drum price
Consider delivery time and terms
Step 4: Start Small
Order a few drums first to test quality and supplier reliability before placing large orders.
The Bottom Line
Used metal drums offer huge savings without sacrificing quality. Start with reputable local suppliers who can show you exactly what you're buying. As you gain experience, you can explore online options for even better deals on larger quantities.
The key is finding suppliers who properly clean and inspect their drums. A good used drum from a reliable supplier beats a cheap drum from an unknown source every time.
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.