Buy Used Plastic Drums in Kansas City

How to Buy Quality Used Plastic Drums in Kansas City and Save Money

What you'll gain from reading this: You'll learn exactly where to find used plastic drums in Kansas City, how to avoid costly mistakes, and save up to 70% compared to buying new drums.

Why Buy Used Plastic Drums?

Used plastic drums offer three main benefits:

• Cost savings: Pay $12-20 per drum instead of $40-60 for new ones
• Environmental impact: Keep drums out of landfills while reducing plastic waste
• Immediate availability: Get drums today instead of waiting for new orders

What Types of Used Drums Are Available?

Basic Drum Styles

• Open-head drums: Have removable tops with locking rings (best for solid materials)
• Tight-head drums: Have fixed tops with small openings (best for liquids)

Safety Categories

• Food-grade: Safe for water, food, and beverages
• Non-food-grade: Only for non-consumable materials like soap, oil, or chemicals

Example: A food-grade drum that held corn syrup can store drinking water. A non-food-grade drum that held detergent cannot.

Where to Find Used Drums in Kansas City

Online Sources

RePackify connects you with local sellers in Kansas City. They list 300 drums available for purchase with an average price of $14 per drum.

Benefits of using RePackify:

• Direct contact with local sellers
• Competitive pricing
• Freight shipping available
• Quality information provided upfront

Local Retailers

Many hardware stores carry used or reconditioned drums:

• Check farm supply stores
• Visit industrial supply companies
• Look at recycling centers

Pro tip: Call ahead to check availability since used drum inventory changes frequently.

How Much Should You Expect to Pay?

Typical Price Ranges

• Single drums: $15-20 each
• Small orders (5-10 drums): $13-16 each
• Bulk orders (48+ drums): $12-14 each

Additional Costs to Consider

• Palletization: $8 per pallet (holds up to 8 drums)
• Freight shipping: Varies by distance and quantity
• Cleaning: $5-15 per drum if needed

Money-saving tip: Pick up drums yourself to avoid freight charges if you have a truck.

How to Inspect Used Drums Before Buying

Visual Inspection Checklist

• Cracks: Look for any splits in the plastic
• Dents: Check for damage that affects structural integrity
• Lid seal: Ensure tight-head drums close properly
• Bung holes: Verify openings aren't stripped or damaged

What to Ask the Seller

• What did this drum previously contain?
• Has it been cleaned or rinsed?
• Are there any known defects?
• Do you have documentation for food-grade drums?

Safety note: Never use drums that held hazardous chemicals for food or water storage, even after cleaning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't Buy Without Knowing Previous Contents

Bad example: Buying a drum that held automotive antifreeze to store rainwater for your garden. Good example: Buying a drum that held vegetable oil to store emergency drinking water.

Don't Ignore Minimum Order Requirements

Some sellers require minimum purchases of 10-48 drums. Factor this into your budget before contacting sellers.

Don't Skip the Cleaning Step

Even "clean" drums may have residue. Plan to rinse drums thoroughly before use, especially for food or water storage.

Advanced Considerations

Regulatory Compliance

• RCRA empty: Drums must meet federal "empty" standards
• UN ratings: Check if you need certified containers for shipping
• Local regulations: Some areas have specific requirements for drum reuse

Transportation Planning

• Vehicle requirements: 55-gallon drums are heavy when full (up to 440 pounds)
• Loading equipment: You may need a forklift or loading dock
• Storage space: Plan where you'll keep drums before and after use

Environmental Benefits of Buying Used

Positive Impact

• Waste reduction: Keeps plastic out of landfills
• Energy savings: Avoids manufacturing new plastic
• Carbon footprint: Reduces transportation of new products

End-of-Life Options

When drums can no longer be used:

• Recycle through local plastic recycling programs
• Repurpose for non-critical storage
• Return to drum reconditioning companies

Your Next Steps

Define your needs: How many drums? What will you store?

Set your budget: Include drum cost plus shipping and cleaning

Contact RePackify: Get quotes from local Kansas City sellers

Inspect before buying: Check condition and previous contents

Plan transportation: Arrange pickup or delivery

Clean thoroughly: Rinse drums before first use

Remember: The best used drum deal is one that meets your specific needs safely and cost-effectively. Don't compromise on safety to save a few dollars.