Buy Used Metal Drums in Washington
Available Listings in Washington
3 Metal Drums listings in Washington.
Metal Drums Prices in Washington
Condition-level pricing for metal drums in Washington will appear here when current market data is available.
| Condition | Avg. Price | Available Qty | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current market data | Pending | Pending | Pending |
Use the full price index for broader market pricing while this condition breakdown updates. View full price index
About Washington
#1 Supplier of Used Metal Drums Across The State of 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.
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.