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.