Buy Used Metal Drums in Wisconsin

Save Money and Help the Environment: Your Guide to Buying Used Metal Drums in Wisconsin

What you'll gain from reading this: Learn how to buy quality used metal drums at 70% less cost than new ones, find reliable suppliers in Wisconsin, and avoid common buying mistakes.

Why Choose Used Metal Drums?

Used metal drums offer three main benefits:

• Save money: Used drums cost $15-30 compared to $50+ for new ones
• Help the environment: Reusing drums prevents waste and reduces manufacturing
• Get what you need faster: Large inventory available immediately

Types of Metal Drums You Can Buy

By Opening Style

• Open-head drums: Removable lids with bolt rings (easy to fill and clean)
• Tight-head drums: Sealed tops with small openings (better for liquids)

By Size

• 30-gallon drums: Good for smaller operations
• 55-gallon drums: Most common size, industry standard
• 85-gallon drums: For large-volume needs

By Condition

• Used (as-is): Cheapest option, needs inspection and cleaning
• Reconditioned: Cleaned, tested, and repainted like new
• Food-grade: Special interior coating for food products

Where to Find Used Metal Drums in Wisconsin

RePackify Locations

RePackify offers used drums from their Wisconsin facilities:

• Menomonee Falls location
• Brookfield location
• Prices starting at $15 per drum

What You'll Pay

Price Ranges

• Used drums: $15-25 each
• Reconditioned drums: $30-40 each
• New drums: $50+ each

Extra Costs to Consider

• Delivery fees (varies by distance)
• Special cleaning if needed
• Interior lining for food use

Money-Saving Tips

• Buy full truckloads for better pricing
• Pick up drums yourself to save delivery costs
• Negotiate on large orders

Getting Your Drums Delivered

Shipping Options

• Full truckload: Best value for 200+ drums
• Partial loads: Good for 50-200 drums
• Small shipments: LTL carriers for under 50 drums
• Self-pickup: Cheapest option if you have transport

What You Need at Your Location

• Forklift or pallet jack for unloading
• Flat, hard surface for storage
• Spill containment if storing chemicals

Inspecting Used Drums

What to Check

• Look for rust, dents, or holes
• Test drum rings and closures
• Check for previous chemical residue
• Verify any special certifications needed

Red Flags to Avoid

• Heavy rust or corrosion
• Damaged threads or fittings
• Strong chemical odors
• Missing or illegible labels

When You're Done with Your Drums

Recycling Options

• Steel recycling centers pay for empty drums
• Some suppliers buy back used drums
• Complete Recycling Services in Milwaukee accepts steel drums

Getting Money Back

• Clean, empty drums have scrap value
• Document what was stored in drums
• Remove all labels and residue

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not checking drum history: Always ask what was stored previously

Ignoring delivery costs: Factor in shipping when comparing prices

Buying wrong size: Measure your storage space first

Skipping inspection: Check drums on delivery

Forgetting about disposal: Plan for end-of-life recycling

Your Next Steps

Calculate how many drums you need

Contact RePackify and other suppliers for quotes

Compare total costs including delivery

Inspect drums when they arrive

Plan for recycling when you're done

Used metal drums offer an excellent way to save money while supporting environmental goals. With proper research and inspection, you can find quality drums that serve your needs for years to come.