Buy Used Plastic Drums in Boston

Save Money and Help the Environment: Your Guide to Buying Used Plastic Drums in Boston

What you'll get from this guide: You'll learn how to find quality used plastic drums in Boston for 30-70% less than new ones, while helping the environment and getting containers that work just as well.

Why Choose Used Plastic Drums?

You get three main benefits:

• Save money: Used drums cost $20-$70 instead of $60-$200 for new ones
• Help the environment: Keep plastic out of landfills and reduce waste
• Get the same quality: Used drums work just as well as new ones when properly cleaned

What Types of Drums Can You Find?

Closed-head drums: These have sealed tops with small openings. Use them for liquids like:

• Motor oil
• Cleaning chemicals
• Liquid fertilizer

Open-top drums: These have removable lids. Perfect for:

• Storing grain or feed
• Collecting rainwater
• Organizing tools in your garage

Food-grade drums: Safe for storing food and drinks like:

• Drinking water
• Cooking oil
• Bulk rice or flour

Industrial-grade drums: For non-food uses like:

• Car wash soap
• Garden chemicals
• Industrial lubricants

Common Sizes You'll Find

• 30-gallon drums: Good for home use, easier to move when full
• 55-gallon drums: Most common size, holds about 7 bags of concrete mix
• 15-gallon drums: Smaller option, perfect for apartment dwellers

Where to Find Used Drums in Boston

RePackify (Boston, 02115)

• Has 150 drums in stock
• Offers 55-gallon non-food-grade drums
• Provides secure transactions
• Offers local pickup or shipping

How Much Will You Pay?

Single drums: $20-$70 each depending on condition Small orders (8+ drums): $18-$25 each Large orders (48+ drums): As low as $18-$20 each

Example: If you need 10 drums for a small business, expect to pay around $200-$250 total instead of $600-$2,000 for new ones.

Step-by-Step Buying Process

Step 1: Figure out what you need

• How many drums? (Start with your immediate needs)
• What size? (55-gallon is most common and versatile)
• Food-grade or industrial? (Food-grade costs 10-20% more)

Step 2: Choose your supplier

• For 1-10 drums: Contact RePackify for quotes
• For 10+ drums: Compare multiple suppliers
• For 50+ drums: Contact industrial recyclers

Step 3: Inspect before buying

• Check for cracks or damage
• Make sure drums are clean
• Look for the recycling number "2" on food-grade drums

Step 4: Arrange pickup or delivery

• Local pickup saves money
• Delivery costs vary by distance
• Some suppliers include freight in their quotes

Step 5: Proper storage and maintenance

• Keep drums off the ground (use pallets or blocks)
• Clean with mild soap for general use
• Use diluted bleach solution for food-grade drums

Real-World Examples

Home rainwater collection: One Boston homeowner bought 4 used 55-gallon drums for $120 total. New drums would have cost $400. The drums collect enough water for his entire vegetable garden.

Small restaurant: A Cambridge restaurant bought 12 used food-grade drums for $300 to store cooking oil. New drums would have cost $900. They've been using them for two years with no problems.

Auto shop: A Somerville auto shop bought 20 industrial drums for $400 to store used oil and cleaning supplies. New drums would have cost $1,200.

What to Watch Out For

• Avoid damaged drums: Small dents are okay, but cracks mean leaks
• Check the cleaning: Make sure drums are properly cleaned, especially for food use
• Know your local rules: Some areas have restrictions on storing certain materials
• Get the right type: Don't use industrial drums for food storage

Environmental Impact

When you buy used drums, you're helping in real ways:

• Reduce landfill waste: Each drum you reuse is one less in a landfill
• Lower manufacturing demand: Less need for new plastic production
• Support local recycling: Keep money in your community
• Create green jobs: Support businesses that focus on reuse and recycling

Getting Started

Ready to buy? Here's what to do right now:

Measure your space to see what size drums will fit

Decide how many you need (you can always buy more later)

Contact RePackify or other local suppliers for current availability

Visit to inspect drums before buying

Arrange pickup or delivery

Used plastic drums give you the same storage capacity as new ones for much less money. You'll help the environment while getting containers that last for years. Start with a few drums to test them out, then buy more as you need them.