Save Money on Storage: Your Complete Guide to Buying Used Plastic Drums in Alabama
What you'll gain from this guide: Learn how to find quality used plastic drums in Alabama for just $12 each, save hundreds on storage costs, and help the environment by choosing recycled containers.
Why Choose Used Plastic Drums?
Used plastic drums offer three main benefits:
- Save money: Pay $12-25 instead of $40-60 for new drums
- Help the environment: Keep drums out of landfills
- Get proven quality: These drums already passed real-world tests
Think of it like buying a used car that's been road-tested versus a brand-new one.
Where to Find Used Drums in Alabama
RePackify Locations
Tuscaloosa
- 55-gallon HDPE drums (open-head and tight-head)
- Starting at $12 each
- Used drums, can be customized
- Contact: Online quote form
Birmingham
- 50-gallon non-food-grade HDPE drums
- 270 units currently in stock
- Freight costs extra
- Contact: Online listing
Bessemer
- 50-gallon HDPE drums
- Both new and used available
- Competitive pricing
- Contact: Online listing
What Types of Drums Are Available?
Basic Drum Facts
- Material: HDPE (high-density polyethylene) - tough plastic that resists chemicals
- Common sizes: 30, 35, 50, 55, and 77 gallons
- Two main styles:
- Open-head (removable lid) - good for solids
- Tight-head (permanent top with small openings) - good for liquids
Certification Types
- UN/DOT Approved: Required if you're shipping hazardous materials
- Food-Grade: Necessary if storing anything people will eat or drink
Example: If you're storing pool chemicals, you need UN approval. If you're storing cooking oil, you need food-grade certification.
How Much Will You Pay?
Price Ranges
- Used 55-gallon drums: $12-25 each
- Reconditioned drums: $18-40 each (cleaned and inspected)
- New drums: $40-60 each
Extra Costs to Consider
- Delivery fees (varies by distance)
- Inspection fees (if required)
- Certification renewal (for older drums)
Example: If you need 10 drums delivered to Montgomery, expect to pay around $150-200 for the drums plus $50-100 for delivery.
How to Choose the Right Drum
Step 1: Know Your Purpose
Ask yourself:
- What am I storing?
- Do I need food-grade quality?
- Will I transport hazardous materials?
- Do I need a removable lid?
Step 2: Check the Condition
Look for:
- Cracks in the plastic
- Dents or warping
- Strange smells (indicates previous contents)
- Faded or missing labels
Step 3: Verify Certifications
- Check for UN marking plates
- Ask when the drum was last reconditioned
- Get documentation if needed for your business
Step 4: Plan Your Purchase
- Calculate total costs (drums + delivery)
- Check stock availability
- Arrange pickup or delivery
Making Your Purchase
For Small Orders (1-10 drums)
- Call suppliers directly
- Ask about pickup options
- Compare prices including delivery
For Large Orders (50+ drums)
- Request written quotes
- Negotiate bulk pricing
- Arrange freight delivery
Example: A farm needing 5 drums for feed storage might drive to Tuscaloosa and pick them up. A chemical company needing 100 drums would arrange freight delivery.
Environmental Benefits
When you buy used drums, you:
- Keep plastic out of landfills
- Reduce demand for new plastic production
- Lower your carbon footprint
- Support the circular economy
One used drum prevents about 15 pounds of plastic waste from entering landfills.
Getting Started
Your First Steps:
List what you need to store
Count how many drums you need
Check if you need special certifications
Contact RePackify or other suppliers for quotes
Compare total costs including delivery
Place your order
Questions to Ask Suppliers:
- What condition are the drums in?
- Are they certified for my use?
- What's the total cost including delivery?
- How soon can I get them?
- Do you offer quantity discounts?
Bottom Line
Alabama has excellent options for used plastic drums. You can save significant money while helping the environment. Start with RePackify locations in Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, or Bessemer for the best prices. Always verify the drum condition and certifications match your needs before buying.
Remember: The best drum deal is one that meets your needs at the right price, not necessarily the cheapest option available.