Buy Used Plastic Drums in Massachusetts

Save Money on Storage: Buy Used Plastic Drums in Massachusetts

Why This Matters: You can save 70% or more on storage costs by buying used plastic drums instead of new ones. Used 55-gallon drums cost around $11-12 each compared to $40+ for new ones.

What You Get From Used Plastic Drums

• Immediate cost savings: $11-12 per drum vs $40+ for new

• Same durability: HDPE plastic lasts for decades

• Chemical resistance: Safe for most liquids and materials

• Environmental benefit: Reusing instead of creating waste

Basic Facts About Used Plastic Drums

Most used drums are made from HDPE (high-density polyethylene) plastic. Here's what you need to know:

Common sizes:

• 55 gallons (most popular)

• 30 gallons

• 15 gallons

Two main types:

• Open head: Removable lid (easier to fill and clean)

• Tight head: Fixed lid with small opening (better for liquids)

Weight: About 22 pounds when empty

Previous contents: Usually food ingredients, cleaning products, or industrial chemicals

Where to Buy in Massachusetts

RePackify (Worcester, MA)

• Main supplier for used drums in Massachusetts

• Average price: $11 per drum

• Location: Worcester area (zip codes 01601-01615)

• Services: Pickup available, statewide delivery

• Warranty: Limited reconditioning warranty

What RePackify offers:

• Both open and closed-head drums

• Cleaned and inspected drums

• Multiple quantity options

• Local pickup to save shipping costs

Understanding Drum Ratings and Safety

UN/DOT codes explain what the drum can handle:

• 1H1: Fixed lid, tested for hazardous materials

• 1H2: Removable lid, tested for hazardous materials

• Numbers show maximum capacity and weight limits

Example: A drum marked "1H1/X1.4/150" means:

• 1H1: Plastic drum with fixed lid

• X1.4: Tested for high-danger materials at 1.4 times normal pressure

• 150: Maximum gross weight of 150 kg

What to Check Before Buying

Ask these questions:

What was stored in the drum before?

How was it cleaned?

Are there any cracks or damage?

Does it have proper UN/DOT markings?

How old is the drum?

Look for these problems:

• Cracks in the plastic

• Missing or damaged lid

• Strong chemical odors

• Faded or missing labels

• Dents that could cause leaks

Legal Requirements in Massachusetts

Federal rules (DOT):

• Drums must have proper identification codes

• Reconditioning allowed if done properly

• Must be within 5 years of manufacture for hazardous materials

Massachusetts rules:

• Drums with hazardous residue need special handling

• Cleaning protocols must be documented

• Recycling encouraged for non-hazardous containers

Pricing and Ordering Tips

Typical costs:

• Single drum: $12-15

• Truckload (300+ drums): $11 each

• Small orders (10-50 drums): $12-13 each

• Shipping: $2-5 per drum depending on distance

Money-saving tips:

• Order in bulk for better prices

• Pick up locally to avoid shipping

• Ask about slight imperfections for deeper discounts

• Consider mixed lots of different sizes

Common Uses for Used Drums

Around the home:

• Rainwater collection

• Compost bins

• Storage for garden supplies

• Emergency water storage

For businesses:

• Chemical storage

• Waste collection

• Raw material storage

• Shipping containers

Example: A small manufacturer bought 50 used drums for $550 instead of paying $2,000 for new ones. They saved $1,450 while getting the same storage capacity.

How to Order

Steps to buy from RePackify:

Call or visit their Worcester location

Specify quantity needed

Ask about previous contents

Confirm pickup or delivery

Inspect drums upon arrival

Before you order:

• Measure your storage space

• Calculate how many you need

• Check local pickup options

• Verify what you'll store meets drum ratings

Making the Smart Choice

Used plastic drums offer excellent value when you need reliable storage at a low cost. The key is buying from reputable suppliers like RePackify who clean and inspect their inventory.

Remember: A used drum that meets your needs is always better than a new drum you can't afford. Start with a small order to test quality, then buy in bulk for the best prices.