Buy Used Plastic Drums in Connecticut

Where to Buy Used Plastic Drums in Connecticut: Your Complete Guide

What you'll get from reading this: Learn exactly where to find quality used plastic drums in Connecticut, how much you'll pay, and what to look for when buying. Save money and get the right drums for your needs.

Why Buy Used Plastic Drums?

Used plastic drums cost much less than new ones. You can find quality 55-gallon drums for $18-$40 each instead of $60-$100 for new ones. This saves you hundreds of dollars when buying multiple drums.

For example, if you need 20 drums for rainwater collection, you'll spend $360-$800 for used drums versus $1,200-$2,000 for new ones.

What Types of Used Drums Are Available?

Two main styles:

• Tight-head drums - Sealed top with small openings (bungs). Best for liquids like water, oils, or chemicals
• Open-head drums - Removable lid. Perfect for solids, compost, or when you need easy access

Common sizes:

• 55-gallon drums (most popular)
• 30-gallon drums
• 5-gallon drums (less common used)

Two quality levels:

• Industrial grade - Triple-washed but not food-safe. Good for chemicals, waste, non-food storage
• Food grade - Specially cleaned and certified safe for food or drinking water

Where to Find Used Drums in Connecticut

RePackify locations:

• Bridgeport
• New Haven
• Waterbury

RePackify offers tested and rinsed 55-gallon plastic barrels in both food-grade and industrial quality. They provide volume discounts for larger orders.

How Much You'll Pay

Price ranges for 55-gallon drums:

• 1-8 drums: $25-$28 each
• 8-16 drums: $22-$25 each
• 16+ drums: $18-$22 each

Price ranges for 30-gallon drums:

• Similar quantities: $20-$38 each

What affects price:

• Quantity (more drums = lower price per drum)
• Condition (better condition = higher price)
• Food-grade vs industrial grade
• Tight-head vs open-head style
• Delivery distance

How to Choose the Right Drums

Step 1: Know your purpose

• Storing liquids? Get tight-head drums
• Storing solids or need easy access? Get open-head drums
• Need food-safe storage? Only buy certified food-grade drums

Step 2: Check the drum's history

• Ask what was stored in it before
• Make sure it was properly cleaned
• Avoid drums that held toxic chemicals if you plan any food or water use

Step 3: Inspect the condition

• Look for cracks, dents, or weak spots
• Check that lids fit properly
• Smell inside - strong odors may not come out
• Verify it holds water without leaking

Step 4: Confirm ratings

• Look for UN rating stamps (shows it meets safety standards)
• Check DOT compliance if shipping hazardous materials
• Verify food-grade certification if needed

Smart Buying Tips

Save money:

• Buy in bulk for better prices
• Pick up drums yourself to avoid delivery fees
• Check multiple suppliers for best deals

Avoid problems:

• Never use non-food-grade drums for food or drinking water
• Always test drums with water before final use
• Keep documentation of what was previously stored in drums

Consider delivery:

• Drums are bulky and heavy when empty
• A 55-gallon drum weighs about 20 pounds empty
• Plan how you'll transport multiple drums

Example Uses for Different Drum Types

Tight-head drums work great for:

• Rainwater collection systems
• Chemical storage
• Liquid waste collection
• Oil and fuel storage

Open-head drums are perfect for:

• Compost bins
• Trash and recycling containers
• Storing solid materials like grain or pellets
• Mixing containers for concrete or other materials

Environmental Benefits

Buying used drums helps the environment by:

• Keeping plastic out of landfills
• Reducing need for new plastic production
• Supporting recycling industries
• Lowering your carbon footprint

When drums reach end of life, the HDPE plastic can be recycled into new products like pipes, pallets, and other containers.

Red Flags to Avoid

Don't buy drums that:

• Have strong chemical odors you can't identify
• Show cracks or damage
• Come from unknown sources
• Lack proper cleaning documentation
• Are priced too low (may indicate problems)

Be cautious if:

• Seller won't tell you what was stored previously
• No cleaning or testing documentation available
• Drums haven't been properly rinsed
• Seller pushes you to buy quickly

Getting Started

Your next steps:

Decide how many drums you need

Choose tight-head or open-head style

Determine if you need food-grade quality

Contact RePackify or other local suppliers for quotes

Arrange pickup or delivery

Test drums before final use

Questions to ask suppliers:

• What was stored in these drums previously?
• How were they cleaned?
• Are they food-grade certified?
• What's your return policy if drums leak?
• Do you offer volume discounts?
• Can you deliver, and what's the cost?

Bottom line: Connecticut offers many options for buying quality used plastic drums. With proper research and inspection, you can find reliable drums at great prices. Focus on reputable suppliers, understand your needs, and always verify the drum's condition and history before buying.