Buy Used Plastic Drums in Manchester, NH

47 listings · Available Listings near Manchester, NH

Don't see the size, grade or amount you need?

Tell us what you need and we'll quote it delivered.

Ask for a quote

47 Plastic Drums listings within 500 miles of Manchester, NH. Prices range from $3.90 to $32.43 per unit.

Plastic Drums Prices in New Hampshire

What buyers pay by condition

ConditionAvg. Price
New$21.20
Reconditioned$17.57
Used$15.15
Damaged (Salvage)$6.15

Plastic Drums price index for New Hampshire

About Manchester

Manchester Supplier & Recycler of Used Plastic Drums

How to Find Used Plastic Drums in Manchester, NH

What you'll get from this guide: A clear roadmap to finding affordable 55-gallon plastic drums in Manchester, with specific sources, prices, and tips to save money.

Why Buy Used Drums?

You can save 50-80% compared to new drums while getting containers that work just as well for storage, shipping, or projects.

Low-Cost Sources

  • RePackify - 240 used 55-gallon drums available, request quote online

What to Look For

Drum Condition

  • Food-grade only - Safer for most uses

  • No cracks or dents - Check the bottom and sides carefully

  • Original labels - Tells you what was stored inside

  • Clean smell - Avoid drums with chemical odors

Price Guidelines

  • Free drums - Usually need cleaning, worth the effort

  • $15-30 each - Fair price for good condition used drums

  • $50+ - Only if professionally cleaned and certified

How to Get the Best Deal

Before You Buy

Ask about previous contents - Food-grade is safest

Request photos - If buying online

Check pickup requirements - Most require your own transport

Negotiate bulk prices - Better rates for 10+ drums

Transportation Tips

  • Pickup truck - Holds 4-6 drums standing up

  • Trailer - Best for large orders

  • Help needed - Empty drums weigh 15-20 pounds each

  • Tie-downs - Secure drums to prevent rolling

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't Buy These

  • Chemical drums - Hard to clean safely

  • Cracked containers - Not worth repairing

  • Rusty metal drums - Stick to plastic only

  • Unknown contents - Too risky

Red Flags

  • Seller won't answer questions - Find someone else

  • No pickup allowed - Likely a scam

  • Prices too good - Verify condition first

  • Rush to decide - Take time to inspect

Quick Action Steps

Check classifieds daily - Good deals go fast

Call sellers immediately - Popular items sell within hours

Have transport ready - Many require same-day pickup

Bring cash - Speeds up the transaction

Inspect before paying - Look for damage or contamination

When to Buy New Instead

Sometimes used isn't worth it:

  • Need food-grade certification - Buy new for commercial use

  • Want warranty protection - New drums include guarantees

  • Buying just 1-2 drums - Shipping costs make used expensive

  • Time is limited - New drums arrive faster

This approach saves money while ensuring you get quality containers that meet your needs.

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.