Find Quality Used Plastic Drums in Indiana - Save Money on Storage Solutions
What you'll gain: Learn where to buy reliable used plastic drums in Indiana for 50-70% less than new ones, plus get tips to avoid costly mistakes when choosing the right drums for your needs.
Why Buy Used Plastic Drums?
You can save serious money on storage. A new 55-gallon plastic drum costs $80-120. A good used one? Just $50-60. That's $30-70 in your pocket per drum.
For example, if you need 20 drums for your workshop, you'll save $600-1,400 by buying used instead of new.
Where to Find Used Drums in Indiana
Local Options
RePackify (Your best bet for quality)
- Locations: Indianapolis, Anderson, South Bend
- What they offer: Rinsed 55-gallon plastic drums, 60-gallon blue drums, food-grade and industrial types
- Why choose them: Competitive pricing, local pickup saves shipping costs
Understanding Drum Conditions (Simple to Complex)
Start Here: Three Main Types
Used (Salvage) Drums
- What they are: Previously held safe materials like soap or food products
- Condition: Cleaned but not fully reconditioned
- Best for: General storage, non-food items like tools or garden supplies
- Cost: Cheapest option
Reconditioned Drums
- What they are: Professionally cleaned, repaired, and tested
- Condition: Meet industry standards for safety
- Best for: Industrial use, some hazardous materials
- Cost: Mid-range pricing
Food-Grade Drums
- What they are: Originally held food and cleaned to FDA standards
- Condition: Safe for storing consumables
- Best for: Food storage, water collection
- Cost: Most expensive used option
Important Safety Notes
Ask these questions before buying:
- What did the drum previously contain?
- Has it been properly cleaned?
- Do you have cleaning certificates?
- Is it rated for your intended use?
For example, don't store drinking water in a drum that held industrial chemicals, even if it's been cleaned.
Smart Buying Tips
Before You Buy
Know what you're storing
- Food or water? You need food-grade drums
- Garden chemicals? Industrial drums work fine
- Hazardous materials? You need UN-rated drums
Calculate your real costs
- Single drum: $50-60 plus shipping
- Bulk order (48+ drums): $49.95 each, shipping included
- Local pickup: Save $10-20 per drum on shipping
Inspect before paying
- Check for cracks or damage
- Smell inside - strong chemical odors are red flags
- Ensure lids fit properly
Money-Saving Strategies
Buy in bulk when possible
- 48 drums = $49.95 each
- 10 drums = $49.95 + $0.50 = $50.45 each
- Single drum = $60+ with shipping
Consider local pickup
- RePackify locations let you inspect drums first
- No shipping damage risk
- Build relationships with local suppliers
Time your purchase
- End of fiscal year (December) often brings deals
- Spring cleaning season increases supply
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't assume "food-grade" means safe
- Previous contents matter more than the label
- A drum that held pickles is different from one that held industrial corn syrup
Don't skip the inspection
- Small cracks grow into big problems
- Damaged threads mean lids won't seal properly
Don't ignore shipping costs
- A $49 drum with $30 shipping isn't a good deal
- Local suppliers often beat online prices after shipping
Getting Started
Your action plan:
Decide what you're storing and how many drums you need
Contact RePackify for a quote on your specific needs
Compare with bulk pricing if you need 48+ drums
Inspect drums before finalizing purchase
Ask for cleaning certificates if storing food or water
Quick cost example:
- 10 drums for workshop storage
- RePackify quote: $55 each, pickup in Indianapolis
- Total: $550 vs. $900+ for new drums
- Savings: $350+
Remember: The cheapest drum isn't always the best deal. A quality used drum that lasts years beats a bargain drum that fails after months.