How to Buy Used Metal Drums in Washington State and Save 30-50% on Your Storage Costs
What you'll get from this guide: Learn where to find quality used metal drums in Washington, how to check their condition, and what prices to expect. You'll save money while getting reliable storage containers for your business.
Why Buy Used Metal Drums?
Used metal drums cost 30-50% less than new ones. A new 55-gallon steel drum costs $90-120. A reconditioned one costs $50-75.
You get the same performance for less money. Reconditioned drums go through cleaning, inspection, and repairs. They meet the same safety standards as new drums.
Who uses metal drums:
- Chemical companies store solvents and acids
- Food manufacturers store oils and syrups
- Farms store fertilizers and pesticides
- Cities collect hazardous waste
Types of Used Metal Drums
Steel Drums - The Most Common Choice
Most used drums are steel. They're strong and handle many different materials.
Standard size: 55 gallons
Two main types:
- Open-head: Removable lid for solid materials
- Tight-head: Fixed lid for liquids
Wall thickness: 0.9mm to 1.2mm steel
Protective coatings: Epoxy, phenolic, or zinc linings prevent rust and contamination
Condition Grades - What to Look For
Reconditioned Grade:
- Cleaned inside and out
- Small dents repaired
- Repainted
- Passes safety tests
Like New Grade:
- Barely used
- Extra cleaning
- Good for food or medicine storage
UN Ratings - Safety Certifications
All drums for hazardous materials need UN ratings. These prove the drum passed safety tests.
UN Rating Types:
- X Rating: Highest safety level (any hazardous material)
- Y Rating: Medium safety level
- Z Rating: Lowest safety level
Check the UN stamp on the drum head or side. No stamp means you can't legally transport hazardous materials.
Where to Buy Used Drums in Washington
Seattle Area Suppliers
Local drum companies have been operating since the early 1900s. They offer:
- On-site drum cleaning and repair
- Quick pickup or delivery
- Personal service
- Individual drums or bulk orders
Industrial supply stores sell drums alongside other equipment:
- Competitive prices
- One-stop shopping for drums and accessories
- Good for small orders
Eastern Washington Options
Companies in Tri-Cities and Wenatchee serve eastern Washington:
- Lower shipping costs for eastern customers
- Same quality as Seattle suppliers
- Good for food-grade drums (USDA and FDA approved)
Online National Suppliers
Big national companies serve Washington through:
- Warehouses in Federal Way and nearby areas
- Online ordering with detailed specifications
- Volume discounts for large orders
- Standardized quality across all locations
Pros of online suppliers:
- Large inventory always available
- Detailed product information online
- Good prices for bulk orders
Cons:
- Less personal service
- Minimum order requirements
- Longer lead times
Pricing Guide
Individual Drum Prices
- Single reconditioned drum: $62-75
- Like new condition: $75-85
- New drum (for comparison): $90-120
Bulk Order Savings
Price per drum drops with quantity:
- 1-5 drums: $70-75 each
- 24-47 drums: $60-65 each
- 48+ drums: $50-60 each
- Full truck (336 drums): $45-50 each
Example: Buying 48 drums instead of 5 saves you $600-1,200 total.
Hidden Costs to Consider
Shipping costs:
- Individual drums: $25-50 shipping
- Pallet of 4 drums: $75-125 shipping
- Full truck: Often free delivery
Total cost = Drum price + Shipping + Any reconditioning fees
Always compare total delivered cost, not just drum price.
Transportation and Storage
Getting Drums Delivered
Three delivery options:
Supplier delivers: Most expensive but convenient
Freight company: Medium cost, you arrange pickup
You pick up: Cheapest if you have a truck
Truck capacity: A standard truck holds 336 drums on pallets
Storing Drums Safely
Storage requirements:
- Level ground to prevent tipping
- Covered area to prevent rust
- Spill containment under drums
- Space between stacks for inspection
Stacking limits:
- Maximum 3 drums high for safety
- Use drum cradles for stability
- Keep different materials separated
Legal Requirements
Empty Drum Rules
Washington State requires drums to be "legally empty" before disposal or reuse.
Legally empty means:
- Less than 1 inch of residue by depth
- Less than 3% of original contents by weight
- Triple-rinsed if it held hazardous materials
Hazardous Material Drums
Requirements for hazardous materials:
- Valid UN rating stamp
- Proper documentation
- Compatible with your materials
- Regular inspection records
Get these documents:
- Safety data sheets for previous contents
- Inspection reports
- UN certification papers
How to Inspect Used Drums
Visual Inspection Checklist
Outside the drum:
- Check for dents deeper than 1/4 inch
- Look for rust spots or holes
- Verify UN stamps are readable
- Test lid closure mechanism
Inside the drum:
- Check for liner damage
- Look for rust or corrosion
- Smell for chemical odors
- Verify complete cleaning
Documentation to Request
From the supplier:
- Cleaning certificates
- Pressure test results
- Previous contents list
- Reconditioning date
Take photos of any damage before accepting delivery.
Smart Buying Strategies
Negotiation Tips
For better prices:
- Buy in larger quantities
- Pay cash or quick payment terms
- Commit to repeat orders
- Ask about end-of-month deals
Service requests:
- Flexible delivery scheduling
- Return policy for damaged drums
- Emergency replacement guarantee
Contract Protection
Include in your purchase agreement:
- Exact condition specifications
- Return policy for defective drums
- Delivery timeframes
- Payment terms that work for you
Future of Used Drum Market
New Technology
Better reconditioning methods:
- Automated cleaning systems
- UV-cured protective coatings
- Digital tracking of drum history
- Smart sensors for leak detection
Environmental Benefits
Why used drums help the environment:
- Reduces steel mining and production
- Cuts manufacturing energy use
- Keeps drums out of landfills
- Supports circular economy goals
Washington State encourages drum reuse through tax incentives and grants for recycling businesses.
Your Next Steps
Calculate your needs: How many drums do you need per month?
Set your budget: Include drum cost, shipping, and storage
Contact 3-5 suppliers: Get quotes and compare total costs
Inspect before buying: Use the checklist above
Start small: Buy a few drums first to test quality
Build relationships: Good suppliers become valuable partners
Quick Reference
Best drum size for most uses: 55-gallon steel, reconditioned grade
Best suppliers for small orders: Local Seattle-area companies
Best suppliers for large orders: National companies with Washington warehouses
Best price range: $50-65 per drum in quantities of 48+
Required for hazardous materials: Valid UN rating stamp
Storage rule: Maximum 3 drums high, covered area, spill containment
Remember: Used drums give you the same performance as new ones at half the cost. Take time to find the right supplier and inspect your drums properly. Your business will save money while getting reliable storage containers.