Buy Used Metal Drums in Washington

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.