Buy Used Plastic Drums in Iowa

Save Money on Storage: Your Guide to Used Plastic Drums in Iowa

What you'll get from this guide: Learn how to buy quality used plastic drums in Iowa for 30-70% less than new ones. You'll find reliable suppliers, understand what to look for, and avoid costly mistakes.

Why Buy Used Plastic Drums?

You save serious money. A new 55-gallon drum costs $80-120. A used one costs $30-50. That's real savings, especially when you need several drums.

You also help the environment. Every used drum you buy keeps one out of a landfill.

What Are These Drums Good For?

Think of them as sturdy containers for:

• Water storage for your farm or business
• Dry goods like grain or pellets
• Non-hazardous liquids
• Rain water collection
• Emergency storage

Where to Find Used Plastic Drums in Iowa

RePackify

• Serves Des Moines and Sioux City
• Offers 50-55 gallon plastic drums
• Both food-grade and industrial types
• Cleaned and tested before sale
• Provides warranty
• You can pick up locally or have them shipped

Local barrel suppliers

• Check Cedar Rapids area for drum dealers
• Many offer pickup services
• Some specialize in reconditioning old drums

Industrial suppliers statewide

• Look for companies that recondition containers
• Often sell in bulk with better prices
• May offer delivery across Iowa

Two Main Types: Food-Grade vs Industrial

Food-grade drums:

• Safe for storing anything you might eat or drink
• Cleaned to FDA standards
• Cost a bit more but worth it for safety
• Perfect for water storage or food products

Industrial drums:

• May have held chemicals or solvents
• Much cheaper option
• Fine for non-food uses like storing fuel or chemicals
• Not safe for food or drinking water

Sizes You'll Find

Most common is 55 gallons. That's about the size of a large trash can but much sturdier. You might also find:

• 30-gallon drums (smaller, easier to move)
• 15-gallon drums (compact for tight spaces)

What to Look For When Buying

Check the condition:

• No cracks or dents
• Lid fits tightly
• Gaskets look good (the rubber seals)

Ask about cleaning:

• How was it cleaned?
• What did it hold before?
• Do they guarantee it's clean?

Verify the grade:

• Is it food-grade if you need that?
• Can they prove it with paperwork?

Typical Prices

• Single drum: $40-50
• Buy 8 or more: $30-40 each
• Food-grade costs $5-10 more than industrial
• Shipping varies by distance

How to Buy Smart

Start simple:

Decide if you need food-grade or industrial

Count how many drums you need

Measure your space to confirm 55-gallon drums will fit

Get quotes:

• Call at least two suppliers
• Ask about bulk discounts
• Confirm shipping costs upfront

Before you buy:

• Ask what the drum held before
• Get cleaning details in writing
• Confirm return policy if there's a problem

The Buying Process Step by Step

Figure out your needs - Food-grade or industrial? How many drums?

Contact suppliers - Start with RePackify if you're near Des Moines or Sioux City

Ask the right questions - What did it hold? How was it cleaned? Any warranty?

Compare total costs - Include shipping in your comparison

Arrange pickup or delivery - Local pickup saves money

Inspect on arrival - Check for damage before accepting delivery

Red Flags to Avoid

• Seller won't tell you what the drum held before
• No cleaning process described
• Price seems too good to be true
• No way to inspect before buying
• Seller has no business address or phone

Making Your Purchase Last

Once you buy your drums:

• Store them out of direct sunlight
• Keep lids tight to prevent contamination
• Clean them yourself before first use
• Check gaskets yearly and replace if needed

The Bottom Line

Used plastic drums offer real value if you buy smart. Start with a reputable supplier like RePackify, ask the right questions, and inspect before you buy. You'll get quality storage at a fraction of the cost of new drums.

Remember: the key is knowing what you need and buying from someone who stands behind their products.