Buy Used Plastic Drums in Ormond Beach

Save Money on Plastic Drums: Your Complete Ormond Beach Buying Guide

What you'll learn: How to find quality used plastic drums in Ormond Beach, FL for 50-70% less than new ones. Plus insider tips on grades, suppliers, and what to check before you buy.

Why Buy Used Plastic Drums?

You'll save serious money. Here's what you can expect:

• New drums cost: $80-120 each
• Used drums cost: $20-50 each
• Your savings: Up to 70% off retail price

Used drums work great for:

• Water storage
• Feed and fertilizer storage
• Chemical mixing
• Emergency preparedness
• Garden composting

Understanding Drum Types

Open-Head vs Closed-Head

Open-Head Drums:

• Removable lids with lever locks
• Best for: Solids, powders, bulk items
• Examples: Animal feed, compost, fertilizer pellets

Closed-Head Drums:

• Fixed tops with screw-in caps
• Best for: Liquids, leak-proof storage
• Examples: Water, oils, chemicals

Food-Grade vs Industrial Grade

Food-Grade:

• Made from virgin plastic (FDA approved)
• Safe for drinking water and food
• Cost more but worth it for safety
• Look for "Food Grade" text on the drum

Industrial Grade:

• May have held chemicals or solvents
• Cheaper option
• Fine for non-food uses like rainwater collection
• Check cleaning records

Common Sizes

30-Gallon Drums:

• Size: 19" wide x 29" tall
• Good for: Small spaces, home use
• Price range: $15-40 used

55-Gallon Drums:

• Size: 23" wide x 34.5" tall
• Most popular size
• Price range: $20-55 used

Drum Grades Explained

Think of drum grades like car conditions:

Grade A (Like New):

• Minimal scratches or dents
• Often comes with warranty
• Best for: When appearance matters
• Price: $30-55 for 55-gallon

Grade B (Good Condition):

• Light scratches, faded labels
• Fully functional
• Best for: General farm/shop use
• Price: $25-45 for 55-gallon

Grade C (Functional):

• Noticeable wear, deep scratches
• Still holds water/materials safely
• Best for: Budget projects
• Price: $15-30 for 55-gallon

What to Check Before You Buy

Visual Inspection

Look for these red flags:

• Cracks in the plastic
• Warped or dented edges (chimes)
• Missing or damaged gaskets
• Strong chemical odors

Ask These Questions

• Has the drum been pressure tested?
• What was stored in it previously?
• Do you have cleaning certificates?
• Is there a return policy?

For Hazardous Materials

Check for UN markings if you plan to transport chemicals:

• Look for codes like "1H1" or "1H2"
• Verify the date codes are current
• Confirm DOT compliance

Money-Saving Tips

Buy in Bulk

• 10+ drums: Save 20-30%
• 25+ drums: Negotiate even better rates
• Ask about overstock specials

Best Times to Buy

• Avoid: Late summer (hurricane prep drives up prices)
• Best: Winter months when demand is lower
• Watch for: Supplier clearance sales

Negotiation Points

• Ask about trade-in programs
• Request delivery discounts for large orders
• Inquire about volume pricing tiers

Safety and Legal Stuff

Food Storage Requirements

• Only use FDA-approved food-grade drums
• Get cleaning certificates for used food-grade barrels
• Follow HACCP guidelines for food contact

Hazardous Material Rules

• UN certification required for chemical transport
• DOT regulations apply to shipping
• Check local disposal requirements

Basic Safety

• Never exceed manufacturer weight limits
• Stack properly (usually 3 high maximum when empty)
• Use proper lifting equipment for full drums

Common Uses for Used Drums

Around the House

• Emergency water storage (55 gallons = 2 weeks for one person)
• Rain barrel for garden irrigation
• Compost bin (open-head works great)
• Storage for pool chemicals

Farm and Business

• Livestock feed storage
• Fertilizer mixing
• Equipment cleaning
• Waste oil collection

Emergency Preparedness

• Water storage for hurricanes
• Food storage (with proper food-grade drums)
• Fuel storage (follow local fire codes)

When Your Drum Wears Out

Recycling Options

Many facilities accept old HDPE drums:

• Plastic recycling centers
• Some suppliers offer take-back programs
• Metal recyclers may accept mixed loads

Disposal Rules

• Triple-rinse drums that held non-hazardous materials
• Remove all caps and bungs
• Hazardous material drums need special handling

Smart Buying Checklist

Before you buy, make sure you:

• [ ] Know what you'll store (determines food-grade need)
• [ ] Measured your space (drums are bigger than they look)
• [ ] Checked local delivery options
• [ ] Compared prices from 2-3 suppliers
• [ ] Inspected drums in person when possible
• [ ] Asked about return policies
• [ ] Confirmed cleaning/certification if needed

Final Thoughts

Used plastic drums offer excellent value when you know what to look for. Start with reputable local suppliers, understand the grading system, and don't be afraid to negotiate. Whether you need one drum for emergency water storage or fifty for your business, the money you save makes the effort worthwhile.

Remember: The best deal isn't always the cheapest price. Factor in delivery costs, drum condition, and supplier reputation to make the smartest choice for your needs.