Buy Used Plastic Drums in New Orleans, LA

24 listings · Available Listings near New Orleans, LA

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23 Plastic Drums listings within 500 miles of New Orleans, LA. Additional nationwide listings follow the nearby results. Prices range from $6.49 to $19.46 per unit.

Plastic Drums Prices in Louisiana

What buyers pay by condition

ConditionAvg. Price
New$16.24
Reconditioned$13.94
Used$12.99
Damaged (Salvage)$5.16

Plastic Drums price index for Louisiana

About New Orleans

New Orleans Supplier & Recycler of Used Plastic Drums

Find Quality Used Plastic Drums in New Orleans - Save Money on Storage Solutions

What you'll get from this guide: You'll find reliable local sources for used plastic drums in New Orleans, save money compared to buying new, and learn what to check before buying.

Why Buy Used Plastic Drums?

Used plastic drums cost 50-70% less than new ones. They work great for:

  • Water storage during hurricane season

  • Garden composting systems

  • Rainwater collection

  • Workshop storage for tools or materials

Where to Buy Used Plastic Drums in New Orleans

RePackify (New Orleans)

  • What they offer: Used 50-55 gallon HDPE plastic barrels

  • Types available: Food-grade and industrial grades

  • Pricing: Bulk discounts available, competitive pricing

  • Service area: Delivers throughout New Orleans metro (ZIP codes 70075, 70112-70125)

  • How to buy: Simple online ordering process

What to Check Before You Buy

Always ask these questions:

What was stored in the drum before?

How was it cleaned?

Is it food-grade or industrial-grade?

Are there any cracks or damage?

Red flags to avoid:

  • Drums that held chemicals or hazardous materials

  • Visible cracks or deep scratches

  • Strong odors that won't wash out

  • Missing or damaged lids

Smart Buying Tips

For single drums:

  • Inspect in person if possible

  • Bring a flashlight to check the inside

  • Test the lid to make sure it seals properly

For bulk orders:

  • Call ahead to check availability

  • Ask about delivery options

  • Negotiate better prices for orders of 10+ drums

Best times to buy:

  • End of fiscal quarters (March, June, September, December)

  • After major industrial projects complete

  • During slower business periods

Most suppliers sell drums "as-is," so what you see is what you get. Take your time to inspect before buying, and don't be afraid to ask questions about the drum's history.

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.