What you'll gain from reading this: Learn where to find reliable used metal drums in Casper, how to choose the right ones for your needs, and save hundreds of dollars compared to buying new.
Used metal drums cost 50-70% less than new ones. A new 55-gallon drum costs $150-200, while a good used one costs $40-80. You get the same storage capacity and durability.
These drums work great for:
55-gallon drums are the most common. They're big enough for serious storage but small enough to move around.
Open-head drums have removable lids. Perfect for solids like grain or items you need to access often.
Tight-head drums have small openings with screw caps. Better for liquids you won't access frequently.
Steel thickness matters. Look for 18-gauge or 20-gauge steel. Thicker steel lasts longer.
These places sell to businesses but also serve individuals. They have the biggest selection and often deliver.
Local industrial suppliers stock dozens of drums at once. Call ahead to check what's available.
Smaller selection but convenient. You can see the drums before buying. Good for one or two drums.
Local hardware stores sometimes have drums from contractors who bought too many for a job.
City recycling centers clean and test their drums. These are often the best deal.
The drums come from local businesses, so you know they weren't shipped cross-country.
Check the History
Ask what was stored in the drum before. Avoid drums that held chemicals unless they've been professionally cleaned.
Food-grade drums that held cooking oil or syrup are ideal. They're already safe for most uses.
Look for:
Simple test: Fill it with water and let it sit for an hour. No leaks means it's good.
UN-rated drums meet international safety standards. You need these if you're shipping hazardous materials.
For water storage or workshop use, non-UN drums work fine and cost less.
As-is drums: $25-40. These need cleaning but are structurally sound.
Cleaned drums: $40-60. Ready to use right away.
Reconditioned drums: $60-80. Like new but at used prices.
Buy in bulk to save more. Eight drums usually gets you a 10-15% discount.
What was stored in this drum?
Has it been cleaned? How?
Can I inspect it before paying?
Is delivery available?
Do you have documentation of what was in it?
Decide what you need: How many drums? What size? What will you store?
Call around: Get prices from 3-4 places
Inspect in person: Don't buy sight unseen
Arrange transport: These weigh 40-50 pounds empty
Test at home: Fill with water to check for leaks
Start your search at recycling centers. They offer the best combination of price, condition, and safety.
Buy locally when possible. Shipping costs can double your total price.
Consider buying one extra drum. You'll find uses for it, and buying in pairs often gets better pricing.
Clean your drums thoroughly before first use, even if they're sold as "clean." Better safe than sorry.
Used metal drums are a smart buy when you know what to look for. Follow this guide, and you'll get quality drums that serve you well for years at a fraction of new drum prices.
