Buy Used Plastic Drums in Mandan, ND

24 listings · Available Listings near Mandan, ND

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22 Plastic Drums listings within 500 miles of Mandan, ND. Additional nationwide listings follow the nearby results. Prices range from $9.60 to $18.00 per unit.

About Mandan

Mandan Supplier & Recycler of Used Plastic Drums

Save Money on 55-Gallon Plastic Drums in Mandan, ND

You'll learn exactly where to find cheap used plastic drums locally and how to buy them safely - saving you hundreds compared to new ones.

Why Buy Used Drums?

New 55-gallon plastic drums cost $60-120 each. Used ones cost $8-50. That's huge savings if you need drums for:

  • Rainwater collection

  • Storing grain or feed

  • Making compost bins

  • Emergency water storage

Best Local Sources

RePackify - Cheapest Food-Grade Option

RePackify sells cleaned used drums perfect for water or food storage.

  • Price: $7.75 each

  • What you get: Clean, inspected 55-gallon plastic drums

  • Good for: Drinking water, food storage, rainwater

  • How to buy: Contact through their website

Private Sellers - Good for Non-Food Uses

Check local classified ads for people selling drums from their property.

  • Price: Usually $25-50 each

  • What you get: Varies - ask what was stored inside

  • Good for: Rainwater, compost, non-food storage

  • Where to look: Local newspaper classifieds, online community boards

Other Places to Check

Local Businesses Call these types of businesses - they often have empty drums:

  • Car washes (soap drums)

  • Restaurants (pickle or sauce drums)

  • Small factories

  • Farms

Recycling Centers Ask if they know businesses getting rid of drums.

How to Buy Safely

Ask These Questions:

  • What was stored in this drum?

  • Has it been cleaned?

  • Are there any cracks or damage?

Avoid Drums That Held:

  • Chemicals

  • Paint

  • Motor oil

  • Anything toxic

Look For:

  • Smooth walls (no cracks)

  • Clean smell inside

  • Tight-fitting lid

Smart Buying Tips

Bring Cash - Many sellers prefer it and might give discounts.

Buy Multiple Drums - Ask for bulk pricing on 3+ drums.

Bring Help - Empty drums weigh 20-25 pounds each.

Check the Bottom - Look for the recycling symbol. Number 2 plastic is safest for food/water.

Example: What I'd Pay

For rainwater collection, I'd pay:

  • $8-15 for food-grade drums from RePackify

  • $25-35 for clean drums from private sellers

  • $40+ only if the drum is like-new condition

Bottom Line: You can easily find good used 55-gallon drums in Mandan for under $25 each. Start with RePackify for the cheapest food-safe options, then check private sellers. Always ask what was stored inside and inspect before buying.

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.