Buy Used Plastic Drums in Georgia

Save Money on Used Plastic Drums in Georgia - Complete Buying Guide

What you'll gain from reading this: Learn how to buy quality used plastic drums in Georgia for $12-40 each, find reliable suppliers, and avoid common purchasing mistakes.

Why Buy Used Plastic Drums?

You can save 60-80% compared to new drums. A new 55-gallon drum costs $80-120. A good used one costs just $12-25. That's real money back in your pocket.

For example, if you need 50 drums for your business, you'll spend $600-1,250 on used drums instead of $4,000-6,000 on new ones.

What Types of Drums Can You Find?

Two Main Styles:

• Open-head drums - The lid comes off completely. Perfect when you need to put in solid materials or need easy access to clean the drum.

• Tight-head drums - The top stays sealed with small holes for pouring. Best for liquids like oils or chemicals.

Three Condition Levels:

• Used "as-is" - No cleaning done. May have scratches, dents, or smells from previous contents. Cheapest option at $12-14 each.

• Reconditioned - Professionally cleaned, tested for leaks, and painted. Meets safety standards. Costs $25-40 each.

• New - Never used. Most expensive at $80-120 each.

Where to Buy in Georgia

Orlando Drum

• Covers all of Georgia

• Sells 55-gallon drums, both open-head and tight-head

• 40+ years in business

• All drums meet safety standards

Advance Drum Service

• Located in Mableton (near Atlanta)

• Sells drums from 5 gallons to 330 gallons

• Will pick up your empty drums

• Uses eco-friendly cleaning methods

Chambers Drum Company

• Located in Fairburn

• Sells plastic drums and large containers

• Specializes in recycling and reconditioning

• All drums approved for shipping hazardous materials

Container Exchanger

• Online marketplace covering Georgia

• Connects buyers with sellers

• Offers food-grade options

• Arranges shipping nationwide

What You'll Actually Pay

Here's what drums really cost in Georgia:

Used "As-Is" Drums:

• 55-gallon drum: $12-14

• Good for non-critical storage

• Example: storing rainwater or compost materials

Reconditioned Drums:

• 55-gallon drum: $25-40

• Professionally cleaned and tested

• Example: storing oils, chemicals, or food products

New Drums:

• 55-gallon drum: $80-120

• Perfect condition, no previous use

• Example: pharmaceutical or food production

Money-Saving Tips:

• Buy 100+ drums to get bulk discounts

• Ask about delivery fees upfront

• Consider picking up drums yourself to save $50-100 in shipping

Safety and Legal Requirements

For Food Storage:

• Must be FDA-approved plastic

• Must be cleaned in a food-safe facility

• Get documentation proving food-grade status

For Chemicals:

• Must meet UN/DOT safety standards

• Look for UN1H1 marking on plastic drums

• Get compliance certificates

Reconditioning Process:

Good suppliers will:

Check for cracks or damage

Clean with hot water or steam

Test for leaks

Paint and label properly

Provide safety certificates

How to Buy Smart

Step 1: Know What You Need

Ask yourself:

• How many gallons do I need?

• Will I store liquids or solids?

• Do I need food-grade quality?

• How often will I access the contents?

Step 2: Get Quotes

• Call or email at least 3 suppliers

• Ask for written quotes

• Compare total costs including delivery

Step 3: Inspect Before Buying

For large orders:

• Ask to see photos of actual drums

• Visit the supplier if possible

• Check for cracks, dents, or strong odors

Step 4: Arrange Delivery

• Confirm shipping costs upfront

• Ask about minimum order sizes

• Schedule delivery when you can inspect drums

Step 5: Get Proper Documentation

• Safety certificates for chemical storage

• Food-grade certifications if needed

• Cleaning records for reconditioned drums

Best Value Recommendation

For most buyers, reconditioned 55-gallon drums from Orlando Drum or Advance Drum Service offer the best balance of price and quality. At $25 each, you get:

• Professional cleaning and testing

• Safety compliance

• Reliable suppliers with good track records

• Money-back guarantees

If budget is extremely tight, "as-is" drums from Container Exchanger at $12-14 each work well for basic storage needs like rainwater collection or composting materials.

Remember: The cheapest drum isn't always the best deal if it leaks or fails when you need it most.