Buy Used Metal Drums in Charleston

How to Buy Used Metal Drums in Charleston, WV: Save Money and Find Quality Storage Solutions

What you'll get from this guide: Clear steps to find reliable used metal drums in Charleston, save money on storage costs, and avoid common buying mistakes.

Why Buy Used Metal Drums?

Used metal drums offer three main benefits:

• Cost savings: 30-50% less than new drums
• Environmental impact: Reusing drums reduces waste
• Quick availability: No waiting for manufacturing

What Are Metal Drums?

Metal drums are sturdy containers for storing and moving liquids or solids. Here are the basics:

Standard size: 55 gallons (most common)

Dimensions: 23 inches wide, 34 inches tall

Material: Usually carbon steel

Weight capacity: Up to 55 gallons of liquid

Two main types:

• Open-head drums: Removable lid, good for thick liquids or solids
• Closed-head drums: Fixed lid with small openings, good for thin liquids

Where to Buy Used Drums in Charleston

Local Suppliers

Steel and Metal Companies:

• Charleston Steel - Custom work available
• Charleston Area Metal Recycling - Fair prices, good service
• TW Metals Inc (South Charleston) - Steel supplies plus occasional drums

Recycling Centers:

• West Virginia Cashin Recyclables
• River Metals Recycling

Nearby Options:

• Huntington Drum Co Inc (Huntington, WV) - Inspected and tested drums

Online Sources

RePackify Charleston:

• Both open-top and closed-head drums
• Bulk discounts available
• Local delivery in Charleston area
• Custom services like lining or odor removal

Other Online Platforms:

• Container Exchanger - Bulk orders (200+ drums)
• National reconditioning companies

How to Choose the Right Drums

Step 1: Know Your Needs

Ask yourself:

• What will you store? (chemicals, food, water, etc.)
• How much space do you have?
• Do you need special certifications?
• What's your budget?

Step 2: Check Drum Condition

Condition levels:

• As-is: Cheapest, may need cleaning/repairs
• Reconditioned: Cleaned, tested, more expensive
• Certified: Meets safety standards, highest cost

What to inspect:

• Rust or corrosion
• Dents or damage
• Leaks
• Missing parts (bungs, lids)

Step 3: Compare Prices

Price ranges:

• As-is drums: $10-20 each
• Reconditioned: $25-40 each
• Certified: $35-50 each

Money-saving tips:

• Buy in bulk for discounts
• Consider pickup vs. delivery costs
• Factor in cleaning/repair costs for as-is drums

Safety and Legal Requirements

Basic Safety Rules

Before using any used drum:

• Clean thoroughly if it held chemicals
• Check for leaks
• Wear protective equipment when handling
• Store on level ground

Legal Requirements

For hazardous materials:

• EPA compliance required
• DOT certification for transport
• Proper labeling mandatory
• Documentation needed

For food storage:

• Food-grade certification required
• No previous chemical storage
• Proper cleaning essential

Getting the Most from Your Purchase

Services to Consider

Cleaning: Professional steam cleaning removes residues

Testing: Pressure testing ensures no leaks

Repairs: Fix minor dents or replace gaskets

Modifications: Add spouts, linings, or other features

Extending Drum Life

Proper storage:

• Keep drums dry
• Avoid extreme temperatures
• Store upright when possible
• Use spill containment

Regular maintenance:

• Check for rust monthly
• Replace worn gaskets
• Keep bungs tight
• Clean after each use

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not inspecting before buying: Always check drums in person when possible

Ignoring previous contents: Some chemicals can contaminate drums permanently

Buying wrong type: Open-head vs. closed-head matters for your application

Skipping certification: Required for hazardous materials

Forgetting transport costs: Can double your total cost

Environmental Benefits

Reusing drums helps by:

• Reducing steel production demand
• Preventing landfill waste
• Lowering manufacturing energy use
• Supporting circular economy

End-of-life options:

• Reconditioning for continued use
• Recycling into new steel products
• Proper disposal if beyond repair

Final Tips

Before you buy:

• Get quotes from multiple suppliers
• Ask about return policies
• Verify any certifications needed
• Calculate total delivered cost

Best practices:

• Start with smaller orders to test suppliers
• Build relationships with reliable vendors
• Keep records of drum history
• Plan for future needs

Questions to ask suppliers:

• What did the drums previously contain?
• Are they cleaned and tested?
• Do you offer warranties?
• What's your return policy?
• Can you provide bulk discounts?

By following this guide, you'll find quality used metal drums in Charleston while avoiding common pitfalls and saving money on your storage needs.