Save Money on Bulk Storage: Your Guide to Buying Used Plastic Drums in Hawaii
What you'll get from this guide: Learn where to find affordable used plastic drums in Hawaii, what to look for, and how much you'll pay. Perfect for businesses, farms, and home projects that need reliable bulk containers.
Why Choose Used Plastic Drums?
Used plastic drums cost 50-70% less than new ones while offering the same durability. A new 55-gallon drum costs $120-180, but a reconditioned one runs just $60-90. These containers work great for:
- Water storage for gardens and farms
- Chemical storage for businesses
- Food ingredients for restaurants
- Emergency water supplies
- Rainwater collection systems
Where to Buy Used Drums in Hawaii
Local Supplier RePackify
- Locations: Honolulu (Oahu) and Hilo (Big Island)
- What they offer: 50-55 gallon used HDPE drums, both tight-head and open-head styles
- Price: $60-90 per drum
- Why choose them: Warranty on used drums, fast local delivery, open Monday-Friday 7am-6pm HST
Types of Used Drums Available
By Size
- 15 gallon: Good for small projects
- 30 gallon: Perfect for home use
- 55 gallon: Most common size for businesses
- 77-95 gallon: Special order only
By Head Type
- Tight-head (closed): Has two small openings (2" and 3/4") - best for liquids
- Open-head: Removable lid - best for solids, powders, or when you need easy access
Material Features
- Made from thick plastic (HDPE) that resists chemicals
- UV protection prevents cracking in Hawaii sun
- Some drums are UN-rated for shipping hazardous materials
What You'll Pay
Local Purchases
- Single drum: $60-90
- Local stock: Usually 20-200 drums available
- No minimum order required
Bulk Orders from Mainland
- Per drum: $50-69
- Minimum: 8-20 drums
- Add shipping costs to Hawaii ports
- Total time: 2-4 weeks
Getting Your Drums Delivered
On-Island Delivery
- RePackify delivers across Oahu
- Can arrange delivery to neighbor islands
- Schedule pickup or delivery in advance
Picking Up Yourself
- Walk-in orders available at some locations
- Same-day pickup when drums are in stock
- Call ahead to confirm availability
What to Check Before You Buy
Drum Condition
- Look inside for cracks or damage
- Check that lids fit tightly
- Ask what was stored in the drum before
- Make sure it's been properly cleaned
Your Intended Use
- Food storage: Must be food-grade certified (most used drums are not)
- Chemicals: Check if drum can handle your specific chemical
- Water storage: Any clean drum works fine
- Shipping: UN-rated drums required for hazardous materials
Legal Requirements
- Hazardous materials need special certifications
- Some chemicals require specific drum types
- Check local regulations for your use
Smart Buying Tips
Start local: Check RePackify first - no minimum orders and quick delivery
Buy in person: Inspect drums before purchasing when possible
Ask questions: What was stored previously? Has it been cleaned? Any warranties?
Plan ahead: Mainland orders take 2-4 weeks
Consider your needs: Don't overbuy - storage space costs money too
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying food-grade drums for non-food use (they cost more)
- Not checking what was stored previously
- Ordering too many drums at once
- Forgetting about delivery costs to neighbor islands
- Not measuring your storage space first
Example: Choosing the Right Drum
For a small farm needing water storage:
- Buy: 55-gallon open-head drums from RePackify
- Why: Easy to clean, good size for irrigation, local pickup available
- Cost: About $70 per drum
For a restaurant storing cooking oil:
- Buy: 30-gallon tight-head drums (if available food-grade)
- Why: Smaller size easier to handle, secure closure prevents spills
- Cost: $60-80 per drum
Used plastic drums offer Hawaii businesses and residents an affordable way to handle bulk storage needs. By buying locally when possible and understanding what to look for, you can save money while getting containers that last for years.