Buy Used Metal Drums in Douglas

How to Find Quality Used Metal Drums in Douglas, Wyoming (And Save Money Doing It)

What you'll get from this guide: Learn where to buy used metal drums in Douglas, what to look for, and how to avoid costly mistakes. You'll save money and get drums that actually work for your needs.

Why Buy Used Metal Drums?

Used metal drums cost 50-70% less than new ones. A good used 55-gallon steel drum costs $25-40 instead of $80-120 for new. They work just as well for most jobs if you know what to look for.

What Are Metal Drums Used For?

• Storing water, oil, or chemicals
• Collecting rainwater
• Mixing feed on farms
• Storing construction materials
• Emergency spill cleanup
• Workshop storage

Types of Metal Drums (Keep It Simple)

Two main types:

Tight-head drums - Have a sealed top with small openings. Good for liquids.

Open-head drums - Have removable lids. Good for solid materials.

Steel thickness matters: Thicker steel (lower gauge numbers) lasts longer but costs more.

Where to Find Used Metal Drums in Douglas

Industrial Equipment Suppliers

These places sell drums that have been cleaned and checked. They cost more but are ready to use.

What to expect:

• Prices: $35-60 per drum
• Clean and inspected
• Often come with handling equipment
• Good for business use

Scrap Yards and Recycling Centers

Cheapest option but requires more work from you.

What to expect:

• Prices: $10-25 per drum
• May need cleaning and repairs
• Good for non-critical uses
• Check for holes and rust

Hardware and Farm Supply Stores

Middle ground option. They focus on basic storage needs.

What to expect:

• Prices: $30-50 per drum
• Limited selection
• May special order
• Good customer service

What to Check Before Buying

Look for These Problems:

• Rust: Surface rust is okay. Deep rust or holes mean skip it.
• Dents: Small dents are fine. Big dents in the bottom or sides are bad.
• Smell: Strong chemical smells mean the drum needs serious cleaning.
• Labels: Check what was stored before. Avoid drums that held dangerous chemicals.

Ask These Questions:

What was stored in this drum?

Has it been cleaned?

Are there any holes or cracks?

Do you have the right lid and seals?

Simple Safety Rules

For any liquid storage:

• Make sure the drum held something similar before
• Clean thoroughly before first use
• Check local rules about storage
• Keep drums on pallets, not directly on ground

Red flags to avoid:

• Drums that held pesticides or toxic chemicals
• Drums with no history information
• Drums with visible holes or cracks
• Prices that seem too good to be true

Cleaning Your Used Drum

Basic cleaning steps:

Remove all old labels and residue

Rinse with hot water several times

Use mild detergent for stubborn residue

Rinse again until water runs clear

Let dry completely before use

For chemical residue: Pay a professional. It's not worth the risk.

Cost Breakdown (Real Numbers)

Scrap yard drum: $15 + $10 cleaning supplies = $25 total

Reconditioned drum: $40 (ready to use)

New drum: $85-120

Best value: Reconditioned drums from industrial suppliers if you need reliability. Cheapest option: Scrap yard drums if you don't mind extra work.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not checking the inside - Always look inside with a flashlight

Ignoring the previous contents - Some chemicals leave permanent contamination

Buying damaged lids - New lids cost $15-25, factor this in

Forgetting transportation - 55-gallon drums are heavy and awkward

When to Walk Away

• Any drum that held unknown chemicals
• Drums with holes or deep cracks
• Sellers who won't let you inspect the drum
• Drums without proper lids or seals
• Prices over $50 for used drums (unless certified for hazardous materials)

Bottom Line

Used metal drums are a smart buy if you do your homework. Start with industrial suppliers if you need reliability. Try scrap yards if you want to save money and don't mind extra work. Always inspect before buying, and never use drums for food or drinking water unless they're food-grade certified.

Next step: Visit 2-3 local suppliers, compare prices, and inspect drums in person before deciding.