Buy Used Plastic Drums in Cedar Rapids, IA

46 listings · Available Listings near Cedar Rapids, IA

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46 Plastic Drums listings within 500 miles of Cedar Rapids, IA. Prices range from $1.30 to $32.43 per unit.

Plastic Drums Prices in Iowa

What buyers pay by condition

ConditionAvg. Price
New$17.84
Reconditioned$14.81
Used$13.42
Damaged (Salvage)$5.18

Plastic Drums price index for Iowa

About Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids Supplier & Recycler of Used Plastic Drums

Find Used Plastic Drums in Cedar Rapids: Save Money and Help the Environment

What you'll get from reading this: You'll discover the best places to buy affordable used plastic drums in Cedar Rapids, save money compared to new containers, and learn what to look for when buying used drums.

Why Choose Used Plastic Drums?

Used plastic drums offer real benefits:

  • Cost 50-70% less than new drums

  • Keep containers out of landfills

  • Work perfectly for most storage needs

  • Available in multiple sizes

Online Option RePackify

RePackify connects you with local sellers in Iowa:

  • Request quotes for drums near Cedar Rapids

  • Typical pricing: $25-$40 for 55-gallon used drums

  • Compare multiple sellers

What Size Do You Need?

Choose based on your project:

  • 15-gallon drums: Small rain barrels, planters

  • 30-gallon drums: Medium storage, dock floats

  • 55-gallon drums: Large rain collection, chemical storage

How to Buy Smart

Before You Buy

Ask these questions:

  • What was stored in the drum before?

  • Is it food-grade or industrial-grade?

  • Has it been cleaned?

  • Are there any cracks or damage?

What to Look For

Good signs:

  • Clean interior and exterior

  • No strong chemical odors

  • Intact handles and closures

  • Clear labeling of previous contents

Red flags:

  • Cracks or holes anywhere

  • Strong chemical smell

  • Unknown previous contents

  • UV damage (chalky, brittle plastic)

Food-Grade vs Industrial-Grade

Food-grade drums:

  • Cost 20-50% more

  • Cleaned to FDA standards

  • Safe for drinking water storage

  • Good for rain barrels used for gardens

Industrial-grade drums:

  • Lower cost option

  • Not suitable for food or drinking water

  • Perfect for non-food storage

  • Good for chemical storage (check compatibility)

Transportation Tips

Plan your pickup:

  • Empty 55-gallon drum weighs about 25 pounds

  • Bring a truck or trailer for multiple drums

  • Drums are bulky even when empty

  • Consider delivery if buying many drums

For hazardous materials:

  • Use only UN-rated drums

  • Ensure DOT approval

  • Check local regulations

  • Consider professional guidance

For general storage:

  • Match drum material to contents

  • Avoid mixing chemicals

  • Label contents clearly

  • Store in appropriate conditions

Quick Start Guide

Decide what you need: Size, quantity, and grade

Call the local supplier: Reserve your drums

Inspect before buying: Check for damage

Arrange transport: Bring appropriate vehicle

Clean if needed: Prepare for your use

Best Value Recommendation

For bulk orders (8+ drums): Use RePackify to compare prices from multiple sellers and arrange shipping.

Remember: Used drums work just as well as new ones for most purposes. You'll save money and help the environment by giving these containers a second life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are standard plastic drum dimensions?

A 55-gallon HDPE drum is about 23.3" in diameter and 34.75" tall, slightly larger than the 22.5" x 33.5" steel drum, and weighs 20 to 28 lbs empty, roughly half a steel drum. A 30-gallon drum is 19" x 29" (13 to 16 lbs) and a 15-gallon drum 15" x 26" (8 to 10 lbs).

Are plastic drums chemical resistant?

HDPE resists most acids, bases, and salts and does not rust, which is why it is preferred over steel for corrosive liquids. It is not suitable for strong solvents or contents held continuously above about 120°F, where steel is the right drum, and tight-head HDPE drums are UV-stabilized for outdoor storage.

What is the difference between reconditioned and used plastic drums?

A reconditioned drum has been cleaned and inspected and can hold product again when the new contents are compatible with the prior fill; hazmat use still needs a valid UN marking from a DOT-certified reconditioner. A used drum is sold as-is, with prior contents disclosed when the seller knows them, and suits compatible reuse or feedstock for a reconditioner. Damaged drums go to HDPE recycling; grade says nothing about head type, so check the 2" bung tight-head or bolt-ring open-head separately.

Can a used plastic drum hold drinking water?

Only if it was food-grade to begin with, has been reconditioned, and carries the reconditioner's potable-water certification; a food-contact certificate alone does not approve drinking water. HDPE absorbs a fraction of what it holds, so a drum that held chemicals should not be reused for food or water regardless of cleaning; look for a 55-gallon drum whose listed prior contents were food or beverage.

How many plastic drums fit on a truck?

The same floor layout as steel: 104 empty drums single-tier on 26 drum pallets, 208 double-stacked, 200 or more loose. Filled with water a plastic drum is about 480 lbs, so roughly 90 reach the 45,000-lb payload, a few more than steel.