Buy Used Plastic Drums in Illinois

Save Money on Quality Used Plastic Drums in Illinois

Why read this? You'll learn how to buy reliable used 55-gallon plastic drums for $29-$59 each, saving 40-60% compared to new drums while supporting sustainability.

What You'll Get

You can find quality used plastic drums throughout Illinois that will:

• Save you money (used drums cost half the price of new ones)
• Meet safety standards when properly reconditioned
• Keep plastic waste out of landfills
• Work for most industrial and commercial needs

Where to Find Used Drums in Illinois

RePackify (Your best bet for transparency)

• Locations: Chicago and Des Plaines
• Specializes in food-grade and industrial drums
• Includes freight in pricing
• Request quotes online

Large Industrial Suppliers

• Multiple locations across Illinois
• New and reconditioned drums available
• Good for bulk orders (100+ drums)
• Call for volume discounts

Container Resellers

• Statewide availability
• Open-top drums with ring-lock lids
• Competitive pricing
• Check local directories

Regional Drum Companies

• Chicago area focus
• Reconditioned plastic and fiber drums
• Established businesses with local knowledge
• Request quotes by phone

What You'll Pay

Typical prices for 55-gallon used drums:

• Small quantities: $45-$59 per drum
• Bulk orders: $29-$45 per drum
• Freight: Sometimes included, sometimes separate

Example: If you need 50 drums, expect to pay around $2,250 total instead of $4,500+ for new drums.

Safety and Legal Requirements (Important!)

Before you buy, check these things:

Physical inspection:

• No cracks or holes
• No strong chemical odors
• Intact UN/DOT markings
• Proper thickness (should feel sturdy)

Legal requirements:

• Drums must be properly cleaned if they held hazardous materials
• Must meet U.S. Department of Transportation standards
• Need reconditioning certificates for hazardous material use

Example: A drum that held food-grade vegetable oil needs basic cleaning. A drum that held industrial chemicals needs professional decontamination.

How to Buy Smart

Step 1: Know what you need

• Food-grade (for edible products) or industrial-grade?
• Open-top (with removable lid) or closed-head (small opening)?
• How many drums?

Step 2: Get quotes

• Call at least 3 suppliers
• Ask about delivery costs
• Confirm drum condition and cleaning

Step 3: Inspect before using

• Check for damage
• Verify markings are readable
• Test one drum with your material first

Step 4: Plan delivery

• Drums are heavy (about 20 pounds empty)
• A truck can carry 20-30 drums
• Have a forklift or plan for hand unloading

Best Practices

For small orders (under 50 drums): Use local resellers. They offer better service and clearer pricing.

For large orders (100+ drums): Contact RePackify suppliers. You can negotiate better prices and custom reconditioning.

For food products: Only buy food-grade drums with proper documentation. The few extra dollars ensure safety.

Money-Saving Tips

Buy in bulk - Prices drop significantly at 100+ drums

Pick up yourself - Save $200-500 on delivery fees

Buy at year-end - Many companies liquidate inventory in December

Join with other businesses - Split large orders with neighbors

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying drums without inspection
• Ignoring delivery costs in your budget
• Using food-grade drums for chemicals (ruins them for food use)
• Not checking local regulations for your intended use

Why This Matters

Used drums cost 40-60% less than new ones. For a business buying 200 drums annually, that's $4,000-6,000 in savings. Plus, you're keeping plastic out of landfills and supporting the circular economy.

Bottom line: With careful shopping and proper inspection, used plastic drums offer excellent value while meeting your business needs safely and legally.