Save Money on Storage: Your Guide to Buying Used Plastic Drums in Maryland
Why Buy Used Plastic Drums?
You'll save 40-60% compared to new drums while helping the environment. Used drums work just as well for most storage needs and are available right here in Maryland.
What You Need to Know First
Drum Sizes Available
- 15 gallon drums (small businesses, home use)
- 30 gallon drums (medium storage needs)
- 55 gallon drums (most common, industrial use)
Two Main Types
- Open-head drums: Removable lid, good for thick materials or solids
- Tight-head drums: Sealed top with small openings, better for liquids
Quality Grades
- Food-grade: Safe for storing food items, more expensive
- Industrial-grade: For chemicals, oils, non-food items, less expensive
Where to Find Used Drums in Maryland
Local Supplier RePackify
RePackify: Serves Baltimore, Hagerstown, and Annapolis
- 50-55 gallon drums available
- Cleaned and tested drums
- Both food-grade and industrial options
- Price range: $40-80 per drum
How to Buy Smart
Step 1: Figure Out What You Need
Ask yourself:
- How much do I need to store?
- What am I storing? (food, chemicals, water, etc.)
- Do I need food-grade quality?
- How many drums do I need?
Step 2: Get Quotes from Multiple Sellers
- Contact at least 3 suppliers
- Ask about minimum orders
- Check delivery costs
- Compare total costs, not just drum prices
Step 3: Inspect Before You Buy
Make sure drums are:
- Clean inside and out
- Free from cracks or damage
- Properly tested for leaks
- Sanitized if you need food-grade
Step 4: Arrange Pickup or Delivery
- Local pickup saves money
- Delivery available statewide
- Factor shipping costs into your budget
What to Watch Out For
Quality Issues
- Stains or odors that won't wash out
- Cracks, especially around the bottom
- Damaged threads on lids or openings
- Missing or broken parts
Seller Red Flags
- Won't let you inspect drums first
- Prices that seem too good to be true
- No clear return policy
- Can't provide cleaning or testing records
Money-Saving Tips
For Small Orders (1-50 drums)
- Shop local suppliers first
- Consider RePackify for competitive pricing
- Pick up yourself to save on delivery
For Large Orders (50+ drums)
- Contact industrial suppliers directly
- Ask about volume discounts
- Negotiate delivery terms
Special Needs
- Food-grade drums: Verify certifications
- Hazardous materials: Check UN/DOT ratings
- Custom sizes: May need to special order
Real Examples
Small Restaurant Owner: Needed 5 food-grade drums for cooking oil storage. Found them locally for $60 each, saving $150 compared to new drums.
Landscaping Company: Bought 20 industrial drums for $50 each to store liquid fertilizer. Total savings: $600.
Homeowner: Needed 2 drums for rainwater collection. Found them for $40 each at a local recycler.
Final Advice
Start simple. If you're new to buying used drums, start with a small order from a local supplier. This helps you learn what to look for and build relationships with sellers.
Remember: The best deal isn't always the cheapest price. Factor in quality, delivery costs, and seller reliability when making your decision.
Used plastic drums are a smart choice for Maryland businesses and homeowners who want reliable storage without the high cost of new containers.