Buy Used Plastic Drums in Owensboro, KY

59 listings · Available Listings near Owensboro, KY

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59 Plastic Drums listings within 500 miles of Owensboro, KY. Prices range from $1.30 to $32.43 per unit.

Plastic Drums Prices in Kentucky

What buyers pay by condition

ConditionAvg. Price
New$18.20
Reconditioned$15.09
Used$13.82
Damaged (Salvage)$5.28

Plastic Drums price index for Kentucky

About Owensboro

Owensboro Supplier & Recycler of Used Plastic Drums

Find Quality Used Plastic Drums in Owensboro, KY for Less

What you'll get from this guide: Save 50-70% on plastic drums by knowing where to shop, what to look for, and how to avoid common buying mistakes. You'll learn how to get 55-gallon drums for $18-40 instead of paying $80-120 for new ones.

Why Buy Used Plastic Drums?

Used drums cost much less than new ones. A new 55-gallon drum costs $80-120. A used one costs $25-40. That's real money back in your pocket.

Where to Find Used Drums in Owensboro

Local Suppliers

  • RePackify - Local Owensboro supplier

  • 60-gallon HDPE drums for $18 each

  • They handle delivery and scheduling

  • Call them for freight costs

  • Online marketplaces - Wider selection but check shipping costs

  • 55-gallon drums at 30-70% off retail

  • Filter by food-grade vs industrial use

  • Request shipping quotes before buying

What You'll Pay

Here's what to expect:

  • Single drums: $30-40 each

  • Bulk orders (20+ drums): $18-25 each

  • Shipping: $15-25 per drum if delivered

  • Pickup: Free if you have a truck

Money-saving tip: Order 20+ drums to get the best price. Split an order with friends or neighbors if you don't need that many.

How to Pick the Right Drum

Step 1: Know What You Need

Ask yourself:

  • Will you store food or water? (Need food-grade)

  • Will you store chemicals? (Need chemical-grade)

  • Do you need easy access to contents? (Get open-top)

  • Will you pump liquids out? (Get tight-head with fittings)

Step 2: Check the Drum's History

Always ask: "What was stored in this drum before?"

  • Good previous contents: Water, food products, mild detergents

  • Avoid drums that held: Gasoline, paint, toxic chemicals, unknown substances

Step 3: Inspect Before You Buy

Look for these problems:

  • Cracks anywhere on the drum

  • Warped or bent areas

  • Deep scratches (especially at seams)

  • Lids that don't seal tight

  • Missing or damaged locking rings

Example: A small crack might seem minor, but it will grow larger and leak. A $5 savings isn't worth a messy cleanup later.

Smart Buying Tips

Start Simple

Call RePackify first - they're local and have good prices

Ask about bulk discounts if you need multiple drums

Check if they deliver to your area

Compare Options

  • Get quotes from 2-3 suppliers

  • Include shipping costs in your comparison

  • Ask about drum condition and cleaning

Inspect Everything

  • Visit the supplier if possible

  • Bring a flashlight to check inside drums

  • Test lid seals by pressing down firmly

  • Ask about return policies for defective drums

Plan Your Transport

  • Rent a truck if you don't have one

  • Bring tie-downs and padding

  • Empty drums are light but bulky (plan space)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't buy drums without knowing their history. You might get containers that previously held dangerous chemicals.

Don't skip the inspection. A cracked drum will leak and cause problems later.

Don't forget shipping costs. A $20 drum becomes $45 with shipping. Sometimes local pickup saves more money.

Don't buy more than you need. Used drums are cheap, but they still take up space.

Getting Started

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

Call RePackify: Get their current prices and availability

Plan your pickup or delivery: Factor this into your total cost

Inspect before you pay: Check each drum carefully

With these tips, you'll find quality used drums at great prices while avoiding common problems that cost money later.

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.