Buy Used Plastic Drums in New York

How to Find Affordable Used Plastic Drums in New York

What you'll get from this guide: Save money on quality used plastic drums, find local suppliers, and avoid common buying mistakes.

Why Buy Used Plastic Drums?

You can save 60-80% compared to new drums. A new 55-gallon drum costs $80-120, while used ones cost $16-40. Plus, you're helping the environment by reusing materials.

What You Can Find

Drum sizes available:

• 15 gallon drums
• 30 gallon drums
• 55 gallon drums (most common)

Condition types:

• Food-grade: Safe for storing food and beverages
• Industrial: Good for chemicals and solvents
• Reconditioned: Professionally cleaned and inspected

Common materials:

• High-density polyethylene (HDPE) - most durable
• Polypropylene (PP) - lighter weight

Where to Find Used Drums in New York

Local suppliers:

• RePackify in Yonkers and Staten Island - offers reused, reconditioned, and refurbished HDPE drums in both food-grade and industrial options
• Industrial suppliers throughout New York state
• Local reconditioners in Queens and Bronx areas

Online sources:

• Specialty drum websites with New York shipping
• Local marketplace apps like OfferUp
• Industry directories that list New York suppliers

Example: A restaurant owner in Manhattan found 20 food-grade drums for $25 each through a Staten Island supplier, saving $1,100 compared to buying new.

Current Prices You Can Expect

Single drums:

• Basic used drums: $16-25 each
• Food-grade drums: $25-35 each
• Reconditioned drums: $30-40 each

Bulk purchases (25+ drums):

• Discounts of 20-40% off single-unit prices
• Better shipping rates
• Priority service

Hidden costs to watch for:

• Shipping can cost more than the drum itself
• Cleaning fees for heavily soiled drums
• Inspection certificates for regulated uses

How to Buy Smart

Step 1: Know what you need

• Will you store food or chemicals?
• Do you need tight-head (for liquids) or open-head (for solids)?
• How many drums do you need?

Step 2: Check the drums

• Look for cracks or deep scratches
• Smell inside for leftover odors
• Check that caps and bungs work properly
• Make sure the bottom isn't warped

Step 3: Verify quality

• Ask for cleaning certificates if you need food-grade
• Check for UN/DOT ratings if shipping hazardous materials
• Get inspection reports for reconditioned drums

Step 4: Plan your pickup

• Local pickup saves money on shipping
• Coordinate delivery times to avoid extra fees
• Consider sharing freight costs with other buyers

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't assume all used drums are the same. A drum that held soap is different from one that held food syrup. Always ask about previous contents.

Don't forget about transportation. A $20 drum becomes expensive if shipping costs $30. Look for local suppliers first.

Don't skip the inspection. A small crack can cause big problems later. Check every drum before buying.

Getting Started

For small needs (1-5 drums): Contact local suppliers or check marketplace apps. You'll pay slightly more per drum but save on shipping.

For medium needs (6-24 drums): Call industrial suppliers directly. Many offer pickup services and better prices for multiple drums.

For large needs (25+ drums): Work with reconditioners who can provide consistent quality and bulk pricing. RePackify offers quotes for large orders.

Pro tip: Start with a small order to test quality before committing to a large purchase.

This approach will help you find reliable used plastic drums at fair prices while avoiding common pitfalls that cost buyers time and money.