Buy Used Plastic Drums in Birmingham

Save Money on Storage: How to Buy Quality Used Plastic Drums in Birmingham

What you'll get from this guide: Learn how to find reliable used plastic drums in Birmingham for around $9 each, understand what to look for when buying, and avoid common mistakes that could cost you money.

Why Buy Used Plastic Drums?

You need storage containers for your business, but new drums cost too much. Used plastic drums solve this problem. They work just as well as new ones but cost 60-70% less.

Here's what you save:

• New 55-gallon drum: $25-30
• Used 55-gallon drum: $9-16
• Your savings: $16-21 per drum

If you need 20 drums, you save $320-420. That's real money back in your pocket.

Where to Find Used Drums in Birmingham

RePackify is the main online marketplace for used drums in Birmingham. They connect you with local sellers who have cleaned, tested drums ready to use.

What RePackify offers:

• 55-gallon plastic drums for $9 each (Birmingham average)
• Fast quotes from local sellers
• Pickup or delivery options
• Different condition levels to match your budget

Types of Drums You'll Find

Most used drums are made from HDPE plastic. This material resists chemicals and lasts for years.

You'll see two main types:

Closed drums have a fixed top with small openings. Good for liquids like water, oils, or chemicals.

Open-top drums have removable lids. Better for powders, granules, or anything you need to scoop out.

Standard 55-gallon drum size:

• Height: 35 inches
• Width: 23 inches across
• Weight: 22 pounds empty

What Different Grades Mean

Food-grade drums ($16 each) - Safe for storing food or water. These drums are triple-cleaned and meet FDA rules.

Industrial drums ($9-12 each) - Good for non-food items like parts, tools, or garden supplies.

As-is drums ($5-8 each) - Sold without cleaning. Fine for storage that doesn't need to be spotless.

How to Pick Good Drums

Walk around the drum and check these spots:

Top rim - Should be smooth, not cracked

Sides - Look for holes, deep scratches, or soft spots

Bottom - Check for cracks where the drum sits

Lid fit - Should close tight without gaps

Red flags to avoid:

• Strong chemical smells that won't wash out
• Cracks anywhere on the drum
• Lids that don't seal properly
• Drums that stored toxic materials

What to Ask Before You Buy

• What was stored in this drum before?
• Has it been cleaned? How many times?
• Is it food-grade certified?
• Can I inspect it before buying?
• Do you offer bulk discounts for 10+ drums?

Real Examples of Good Uses

Small manufacturer bought 15 used drums for $135 to store plastic pellets. New drums would have cost $375. Saved $240.

Restaurant owner bought 5 food-grade drums for $80 to store cooking oil. They've lasted 3 years with no problems.

Garage owner bought 8 as-is drums for $40 to organize car parts. Perfect for this use since food safety didn't matter.

Getting the Best Deal

Buy in bulk - Most sellers give discounts for 10+ drums Pick up yourself - Saves delivery fees Buy during slow months - Winter often has better prices Check condition carefully - A $5 drum that leaks costs you more than a $12 drum that doesn't

Bottom Line

Used plastic drums give you professional storage at a fraction of the cost. Focus on RePackify for the best selection in Birmingham. Match the drum grade to your needs - don't pay extra for food-grade if you're storing car parts.

Start with a small order to test quality, then buy more once you find a good supplier.