Buy Used Metal Drums in Wyoming

Save Money on Used Metal Drums in Wyoming: Your Complete Buying Guide

What you'll get from this guide: You'll learn where to find quality used metal drums in Wyoming, how to inspect them properly, and save 50-70% compared to buying new drums.

Why Buy Used Metal Drums?

Used metal drums offer real benefits for Wyoming businesses and individuals:

• Save money: Pay $15-40 instead of $85-120 for new drums
• Help the environment: Reuse steel instead of creating waste
• Get what you need fast: Local suppliers have inventory ready now
• Perfect for many uses: Farm storage, oil operations, manufacturing, and hobby projects

What Types of Used Metal Drums Can You Find?

Wyoming suppliers offer two main types:

Open-Head Drums:

• Removable lid with locking ring
• Easy to fill and empty
• Good for solid materials like feed or parts
• Easier to clean thoroughly

Tight-Head Drums:

• Welded top with small openings
• Better for liquids
• More secure seal
• Harder to clean inside

Steel Thickness Matters:

• Thicker steel = more durable but costs more
• Thinner steel = cheaper but may dent easier
• Ask about gauge thickness when buying

Where to Find Used Metal Drums in Wyoming

Casper Area

City Recycling Centers:

• Municipal recycling depots
• Community-friendly pricing
• Drive-through pickup available
• Limited but reliable inventory

Industrial Supply Companies:

• Larger selection of reconditioned drums
• Often provide cleaning services
• May offer delivery
• Accept credit cards

Tank and Contracting Companies:

• Specialize in heavy-duty drums
• Can modify drums for special needs
• Good for custom projects
• Higher prices but expert service

Cody Area

Local Recycling Centers:

• Serve lodges, farms, and energy companies
• Quality control checks included
• Both open-head and tight-head available
• Sometimes have food-grade drums

Cheyenne Area

Waste Management Companies:

• Large inventory from oilfield operations
• Professionally cleaned drums
• Online estimates available
• Mobile pickup services
• Higher prices but guaranteed clean

How Much Will You Pay?

Price ranges you can expect:

• Scrap yard barrels: $15-20 each (you clean them)
• Basic reconditioned drums: $30-40 each (cleaned and checked)
• Professional grade: $40-60 each (certified clean and tested)
• New drums for comparison: $85-120 each

Extra costs to consider:

• Replacement lids: $15-25 each
• Delivery: $50-100 depending on distance
• Professional cleaning: $20-30 per drum

How to Inspect Used Drums

Before you buy, check these things:

Outside the drum:

• Look for dents, rust, or holes
• Check weld seams for cracks
• Make sure the drum sits flat
• Verify the lid fits properly

Inside the drum:

• Shine a flashlight inside
• Look for rust, pitting, or stains
• Smell for chemical odors
• Check if previous contents are labeled

Safety items:

• Locking rings should be straight
• Gaskets should be flexible, not cracked
• Bung caps should thread properly
• No sharp edges that could cause injury

Red flags to avoid:

• Strong chemical smells
• Visible corrosion or pitting
• Dented or bent locking rings
• Previous hazardous waste labels

Getting Your Drums Home

Transportation tips:

• Empty 55-gallon drums weigh about 45 pounds
• Use a truck or trailer - they won't fit in most cars
• Bring tie-down straps or rope
• Ask if the supplier loads for you
• Consider delivery for large orders

Winter considerations:

• Check road conditions before traveling
• Plan trips during daylight hours
• Carry emergency supplies in your vehicle
• Some suppliers offer seasonal delivery

Legal and Safety Rules

Important regulations to know:

• Drums that held hazardous materials need special cleaning
• Keep records of what was previously stored
• Triple-rinse drums before new use
• Some uses require food-grade certification

Best practices:

• Buy from reputable suppliers who follow regulations
• Ask for cleaning certificates when needed
• Don't use drums for food if they held chemicals
• When in doubt, buy certified clean drums

Common Uses for Used Metal Drums in Wyoming

Farm and Ranch:

• Feed storage
• Water collection
• Tool and parts storage
• Livestock feed supplements

Energy Industry:

• Oil and lubricant storage
• Equipment parts storage
• Waste containment
• Emergency spill response

Manufacturing:

• Raw material storage
• Finished product shipping
• Waste collection
• Chemical storage (with proper cleaning)

Home and Hobby:

• Rainwater collection
• Burn barrels (where legal)
• Storage in garages or barns
• Art and craft projects

Making the Right Choice

Start with these questions:

• What will you store in the drum?
• How long do you need it to last?
• Do you need food-grade quality?
• Can you clean it yourself?
• How will you transport it?

Then choose your supplier based on:

• Distance from your location
• Services they provide
• Quality of their drums
• Price that fits your budget
• Their reputation in the community

Final Tips for Success

• Buy from local suppliers when possible
• Inspect drums in person before purchasing
• Ask about the drum's history
• Factor in total costs, not just the drum price
• Build relationships with suppliers for future needs
• Consider buying extras if you find good deals

Used metal drums offer an excellent way to get quality storage containers while saving money and helping the environment. With proper inspection and the right supplier, you'll find drums that serve your needs for years to come.