Buy Used Plastic Drums in New Hampshire
Available Listings in New Hampshire
3 Plastic Drums listings in New Hampshire.
Plastic Drums Prices in New Hampshire
Condition-level pricing for plastic drums in New Hampshire will appear here when current market data is available.
| Condition | Avg. Price | Available Qty | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current market data | Pending | Pending | Pending |
Use the full price index for broader market pricing while this condition breakdown updates. View full price index
About New Hampshire
#1 Supplier of Used Plastic Drums Across The State of New Hampshire
Where to Find Cheap Used Plastic Drums in New Hampshire
What you'll get from this guide: You'll know exactly where to buy used 55-gallon plastic drums in New Hampshire, what to pay, and how to avoid common mistakes. This could save you $20-50 per drum compared to buying new.
Why Buy Used Drums?
Used plastic drums cost 50-80% less than new ones. A new 55-gallon drum costs $80-120. Used drums cost $30-60. If you need 10 drums, you save $500-600.
Where to Find Used Drums
Local Industrial Recyclers
These are your best bet for bulk orders:
RePackify offers used 55-gallon drums in Manchester and nearby towns like Derry and Nashua
Food processing companies regularly sell their used drums after cleaning
Chemical companies may have drums available (check what was stored inside first)
Online Sources
Facebook Marketplace - Search "55 gallon drum New Hampshire"
Craigslist New Hampshire - Check the "for sale" section daily
Direct from Businesses
Restaurants that buy cooking oil in drums
Car washes that use soap concentrates
Manufacturing plants in your area
What You'll Pay
Dirty drums (need cleaning): $30-40 each
Clean but not food-grade: $40-60 each
Food-grade drums: $60-100 each
Free drums: Sometimes available if you pick up in bulk (20+ drums)
What to Check Before You Buy
Previous contents:
Food products = usually safe to reuse
Chemicals = get the safety data sheet first
Unknown contents = avoid these
Physical condition:
Cracks in the plastic
Dents that affect rolling
Missing or damaged lids
Sun damage (plastic becomes brittle)
Drum type:
Open-head drums (removable lid) are easier to clean
Closed-head drums (small opening) are harder to clean but better for liquids
How to Get the Best Deal
Buy in bulk: 10+ drums usually gets you a better price per drum
Pick up yourself: Saves $50-100 in shipping costs
Ask about drum history: Food-grade drums from juice companies are often the cleanest
Check multiple sources: Prices vary by $10-20 per drum between sellers
Time your purchase: End of fiscal year (December) and spring cleaning season often have more available
Red Flags to Avoid
Drums that smell like chemicals (even after cleaning)
Sellers who won't tell you what was stored inside
Drums with permanent stains or discoloration
Prices that seem too good to be true (may indicate contamination)
Getting Started
Decide how many drums you need - This determines if you buy bulk or individual
Choose your grade - Food-grade costs more but is safer for water storage
Set your budget - Factor in cleaning supplies and transportation
Contact local recyclers first - They often have the best bulk prices
Inspect before buying - Especially important for chemical drums
Example: If you need 5 drums for rainwater collection, expect to pay $200-300 total for clean, food-grade drums picked up locally.
Remember: A good used drum that lasts 10 years is better than a cheap damaged one that fails in 2 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are standard plastic drum dimensions?
A 55-gallon HDPE drum is about 23.3" in diameter and 34.75" tall, slightly larger than the 22.5" x 33.5" steel drum, and weighs 20 to 28 lbs empty, roughly half a steel drum. A 30-gallon drum is 19" x 29" (13 to 16 lbs) and a 15-gallon drum 15" x 26" (8 to 10 lbs).
Are plastic drums chemical resistant?
HDPE resists most acids, bases, and salts and does not rust, which is why it is preferred over steel for corrosive liquids. It is not suitable for strong solvents or contents held continuously above about 120°F, where steel is the right drum, and tight-head HDPE drums are UV-stabilized for outdoor storage.
What is the difference between reconditioned and used plastic drums?
A reconditioned drum has been cleaned and inspected and can hold product again when the new contents are compatible with the prior fill; hazmat use still needs a valid UN marking from a DOT-certified reconditioner. A used drum is sold as-is, with prior contents disclosed when the seller knows them, and suits compatible reuse or feedstock for a reconditioner. Damaged drums go to HDPE recycling; grade says nothing about head type, so check the 2" bung tight-head or bolt-ring open-head separately.
Can a used plastic drum hold drinking water?
Only if it was food-grade to begin with, has been reconditioned, and carries the reconditioner's potable-water certification; a food-contact certificate alone does not approve drinking water. HDPE absorbs a fraction of what it holds, so a drum that held chemicals should not be reused for food or water regardless of cleaning; look for a 55-gallon drum whose listed prior contents were food or beverage.
How many plastic drums fit on a truck?
The same floor layout as steel: 104 empty drums single-tier on 26 drum pallets, 208 double-stacked, 200 or more loose. Filled with water a plastic drum is about 480 lbs, so roughly 90 reach the 45,000-lb payload, a few more than steel.