Buy Used Plastic Drums in Salem, OR
24 listings · Available Listings near Salem, OR
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13 Plastic Drums listings within 500 miles of Salem, OR. Additional nationwide listings follow the nearby results. Prices range from $11.22 to $25.95 per unit.
Plastic Drums Prices in Oregon
What buyers pay by condition
| Condition | Avg. Price |
|---|---|
| New | $19.65 |
| Reconditioned | $16.52 |
| Used | $15.02 |
| Damaged (Salvage) | $6.12 |
About Salem
Salem Supplier & Recycler of Used Plastic Drums
Save Money on Storage: Your Guide to Buying Used Plastic Drums in Salem
What You'll Get From This Guide
You'll learn how to buy quality used plastic drums in Salem for 30-70% less than new ones. You'll know what to look for, where to shop, and how to avoid costly mistakes.
Why Choose Used Plastic Drums?
Used drums save you serious money. A new 55-gallon drum costs $100-150. A used one costs $30-60. That's real savings.
These drums also help the environment. Instead of going to landfills, they get a second life storing your materials.
What Can You Store?
Used plastic drums work for many things:
Water for gardens or emergencies
Chemicals for your business
Food ingredients (if food-grade)
Bulk materials like grain or pellets
Non-toxic liquids
Where to Buy in Salem
RePackify Marketplace
55-gallon industrial drums available
60-gallon food-grade drums (300 units in stock)
All drums cleaned and tested
Get quotes online at repackify.com
Bulk discounts available
Shipping costs extra
Other Local Options Check industrial supply stores and container dealers in the Salem area. Many offer reconditioned drums with warranties.
How to Choose the Right Drum
Step 1: Pick Your Size
15 gallons: Small batch storage
30 gallons: Medium storage needs
55 gallons: Most common size
60+ gallons: Large volume storage
Step 2: Choose Open or Closed Top
Closed top: Has small openings (bungs). Best for liquids.
Open top: Full removable lid. Best for solids or easy access.
Step 3: Check the Condition
Look for these problems:
Cracks in the plastic
Dents that could cause leaks
Bad smells that won't wash out
Damaged openings or lids
Good sellers clean their drums with steam and check for damage.
Step 4: Verify Food Safety (If Needed)
If storing food or drinks, make sure drums are:
FDA approved for food contact
USDA compliant
Previously used only for food-safe materials
Step 5: Check Transportation Rules
If shipping hazardous materials, drums need:
UN/DOT ratings
Proper certification labels
Compliance documents
What to Expect for Pricing
Local pickup: $30-60 per 55-gallon drum Online orders: $35+ per drum plus shipping
Shipping can add $10-30 per drum depending on distance and quantity.
Smart Buying Tips
Inspect before buying - See the drums in person when possible
Ask about previous contents - Avoid drums that held toxic materials
Get cleaning records - Know what cleaning process was used
Compare total costs - Include shipping, not just drum price
Buy in bulk - Get better prices on larger orders
Check return policy - Good sellers back their products
Example: Real Savings
Let's say you need 10 drums for water storage:
New drums: 10 × $125 = $1,250
Used drums: 10 × $45 = $450
You save: $800
That's enough savings to buy tools, pumps, or other equipment you need.
Making Your Purchase
For smaller orders (1-5 drums):
Check local suppliers first
Inspect drums in person
Pick up yourself to save shipping
For larger orders (10+ drums):
Get quotes from RePackify
Compare bulk pricing
Factor in shipping costs
Ask about delivery options
Final Advice
Start with your storage needs. How much space do you need? What will you store? Do you need food-grade quality?
Then shop around. Compare prices, conditions, and services. Don't just buy the cheapest - buy the best value.
Remember: A slightly more expensive drum that lasts years beats a cheap one that fails quickly.
Used plastic drums offer real savings when you buy smart. Follow this guide and you'll get quality storage at a fraction of new-drum prices.
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.