Buy Used Plastic Drums in Florida

Save Money on Storage: Your Guide to Used Plastic Drums in Florida

What you'll gain from reading this: Learn how to find quality used plastic drums in Florida for 25-60 USD each, understand safety requirements, and choose the right supplier to save money on your storage needs.

Why Choose Used Plastic Drums?

Used plastic drums offer three main benefits:

• Cost savings: Pay 25-60 USD instead of 80-120 USD for new drums
• Environmental impact: Reuse containers instead of creating waste
• Proven durability: These drums already proved they can handle real-world use

Understanding Drum Types and Sizes

Common Sizes You'll Find

55-gallon drums (most popular choice):

• Height: 36 inches
• Diameter: 23 inches
• Used price: 20-50 USD
• New price: 80-120 USD
• Best for: Large-scale liquid storage

30-gallon drums:

• More compact than 55-gallon
• Used price: 30-55 USD
• Good for: Medium storage needs

15-gallon drums:

• Used price: around 24 USD
• Perfect for: Small batches or emergency storage

Two Main Styles

Open-head drums:

• Removable lid on top
• Use for: Solid materials like grain, pellets, or powders
• Easy to fill and empty

Closed-head drums:

• Small caps called bungs
• Use for: Liquids and chemicals
• Better for preventing spills

Quality Grades Explained

Grade A drums:

• Look almost new
• No dents or stains
• Highest price but best appearance

Grade B drums:

• Minor scratches or surface wear
• Good middle option for price and quality

Grade C drums:

• Visible scratches and old labels
• Lowest price but still functional
• Fine for non-critical storage

Current Prices Across Florida

Pensacola area:

• 55-gallon drums: 16 USD (best price in state)
• Available through RePackify

Daytona Beach area:

• 55-gallon food-grade drums: 20-50 USD
• Price depends on grade and condition

Tampa area:

• 55-gallon reconditioned: 40 USD
• 30-gallon: 30 USD
• 15-gallon: 24 USD

Orlando area:

• 30-gallon drums: 40-55 USD
• Pickup services available

Where to Find Used Drums in Florida

RePackify (Recommended)

• Locations: Daytona Beach, Pensacola
• What they offer: Food-grade and industrial drums
• Why choose them: Online listings, local pickup and delivery, competitive pricing

Safety and Legal Requirements

For Hazardous Materials

If you plan to store hazardous materials, your drums must meet DOT standards:

• Look for design codes like 1H1 or 1H2
• Check for adequate wall thickness
• Ensure UV resistance
• Verify chemical compatibility

For Food Storage

Food-grade drums need special certification:

• Must be free of harmful residues
• Need full container certification (not just material type)
• Look for FDA approval markings

Florida Specific Rules

• Inspect drums weekly if storing hazardous waste
• Keep drums closed except when adding or removing contents
• Ensure drum material works with your stored material
• Follow "cradle-to-grave" liability rules

Smart Buying Tips

Before You Buy

Know your purpose: Will you store liquids or solids? Food or industrial materials?

Check your space: Measure where drums will go (55-gallon drums are 23" wide, 36" tall)

Calculate total cost: Include delivery, cleaning, and any reconditioning fees

During Purchase

Inspect the grade: Choose Grade A for important uses

Verify compliance: Look for DOT or FDA markings if needed

Ask about services: Some suppliers offer cleaning and leak testing

After Purchase

Clean thoroughly: Even "clean" used drums may need extra cleaning

Test for leaks: Especially important for liquid storage

Label properly: Mark contents clearly for safety

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Small Business Owner Maria runs a food truck in Orlando. She bought 10 Grade A food-grade 30-gallon drums for 40 USD each to store cooking oil. Total cost: 400 USD instead of 800 USD for new drums.

Example 2: Homeowner John in Pensacola needed emergency water storage. He bought 5 Grade B 55-gallon drums for 16 USD each. Total cost: 80 USD for 275 gallons of water storage capacity.

Example 3: Manufacturing Plant A Tampa factory needed 50 drums for chemical storage. They bought Grade C drums from RePackify for 25 USD each instead of 100 USD for new ones. Savings: 3,750 USD.

Making Your Final Decision

Choose Grade A drums if:

• You need professional appearance
• Storing valuable materials
• Drums will be visible to customers

Choose Grade B drums if:

• You want good quality at reasonable price
• Appearance isn't critical
• You need reliable performance

Choose Grade C drums if:

• Budget is your main concern
• Drums will be hidden from view
• You only need basic functionality

Transportation and Storage

Delivery Options:

• Many suppliers offer delivery for extra cost
• Bulk orders often get better delivery rates
• Some suppliers offer pickup services

Storage Planning:

• 55-gallon drums weigh 40-50 pounds empty
• Full drums can weigh 400+ pounds
• Plan for forklift or pallet jack access
• Consider stacking limitations

Getting Started

Identify your needs: Size, grade, and intended use

Contact RePackify: Check their current inventory in Daytona Beach or Pensacola

Compare prices: Get quotes from 2-3 suppliers

Plan logistics: Arrange pickup or delivery

Prepare storage area: Ensure proper access and ventilation

By following this guide, you'll find quality used plastic drums that meet your needs while saving significant money compared to buying new. Remember, the key is matching the right grade and supplier to your specific requirements.