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Buy Used Plastic Drums in Littleton, CO

24 listings · Available Listings near Littleton, CO

19 Plastic Drums listings within 500 miles of Littleton, CO. Additional nationwide listings follow the nearby results. Prices range from $10.80 to $20.40 per unit.

About Littleton

Littleton Supplier & Recycler of Used Plastic Drums

Where to Buy Used Plastic Drums in Littleton, CO: A Simple Guide

What you'll get from this guide: Save money on quality used plastic drums, find reliable local suppliers, and learn how to choose the right drum for your needs.

Why Buy Used Plastic Drums?

Used plastic drums offer several benefits:

  • Cost 50-70% less than new drums

  • Help the environment by reusing materials

  • Available immediately (no waiting for orders)

  • Perfect for water storage, composting, and DIY projects

  • Tested by time - you can see how they've held up

How to Choose the Right Used Drum

Step 1: Check the Material Grade

  • Look for stamps or codes on the drum

  • Food-grade = safe for water storage

  • Industrial-grade = fine for non-food uses only

Step 2: Find Out What Was Stored Before

Ask the seller:

  • What was the last thing stored in this drum?

  • Has it been cleaned?

  • Do you have a cleaning certificate?

Red flags to avoid:

  • Drums that stored pesticides

  • Unknown previous contents

  • Strong chemical odors

  • No cleaning documentation

Step 3: Inspect the Drum Structure

What to look for:

  • Cracks (especially around the base)

  • Bulges or dents

  • Brittle or faded plastic

  • Damaged closures

Quick test: Fill partially with water and check for leaks

Step 4: Consider the Closure Type

Common types:

  • Bolt-ring lids (secure but harder to open)

  • Screw caps (easy access)

  • Drum plugs (good for liquids)

Match the closure to your intended use.

Maintenance Tips That Actually Work

Cleaning Your Used Drum

For water storage:

Rinse with bleach solution (1 tablespoon per gallon)

Let sit for 10 minutes

Rinse thoroughly with fresh water

Air dry completely before closing

For chemical containers:

Use approved detergents only

Follow local disposal rules for wash water

Allow complete drying

Storage Best Practices

  • Keep drums off the ground (use pallets or stands)

  • Store in shade or indoors

  • Label contents and date clearly

  • Check regularly for wear

Example: A customer in Littleton stores rainwater in used drums. He keeps them on wooden pallets in his garage, labels each with the date filled, and checks monthly for cracks.

Know the Rules

Colorado requirements:

  • Secondary containment for certain chemicals

  • Spill kits may be required

  • Fire codes apply to some storage

When in doubt: Check with local authorities before storing regulated substances

Environmental Benefits

By buying used drums, you're:

  • Keeping plastic out of landfills

  • Reducing demand for new plastic production

  • Supporting local circular economy

End-of-Life Options

When your drum is worn out:

  • Find HDPE recycling centers

  • Some suppliers offer take-back programs

  • Never just throw away - always recycle

Getting Started

Decide what you need the drum for (water storage, chemicals, composting)

Choose 2-3 suppliers to visit based on your location and needs

Bring a flashlight to inspect drums properly

Ask questions about previous contents and cleaning

Start with one drum to test your chosen supplier

Remember: The best drum is one that's safe for your intended use, properly cleaned, and structurally sound. Don't sacrifice safety for a lower price.

Littleton has good options for used plastic drums. Take your time, ask questions, and choose suppliers who are honest about their products' history and condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are standard plastic drum dimensions?

A 55-gallon HDPE drum is about 23.3" in diameter and 34.75" tall, slightly larger than the 22.5" x 33.5" steel drum, and weighs 20 to 28 lbs empty, roughly half a steel drum. A 30-gallon drum is 19" x 29" (13 to 16 lbs) and a 15-gallon drum 15" x 26" (8 to 10 lbs).

Are plastic drums chemical resistant?

HDPE resists most acids, bases, and salts and does not rust, which is why it is preferred over steel for corrosive liquids. It is not suitable for strong solvents or contents held continuously above about 120°F, where steel is the right drum, and tight-head HDPE drums are UV-stabilized for outdoor storage.

What is the difference between reconditioned and used plastic drums?

A reconditioned drum has been cleaned and inspected and can hold product again when the new contents are compatible with the prior fill; hazmat use still needs a valid UN marking from a DOT-certified reconditioner. A used drum is sold as-is, with prior contents disclosed when the seller knows them, and suits compatible reuse or feedstock for a reconditioner. Damaged drums go to HDPE recycling; grade says nothing about head type, so check the 2" bung tight-head or bolt-ring open-head separately.

Can a used plastic drum hold drinking water?

Only if it was food-grade to begin with, has been reconditioned, and carries the reconditioner's potable-water certification; a food-contact certificate alone does not approve drinking water. HDPE absorbs a fraction of what it holds, so a drum that held chemicals should not be reused for food or water regardless of cleaning; look for a 55-gallon drum whose listed prior contents were food or beverage.

How many plastic drums fit on a truck?

The same floor layout as steel: 104 empty drums single-tier on 26 drum pallets, 208 double-stacked, 200 or more loose. Filled with water a plastic drum is about 480 lbs, so roughly 90 reach the 45,000-lb payload, a few more than steel.