Buy Used Plastic Drums in Philadelphia

Save Money on Quality Used Plastic Drums in Philadelphia

What you'll get: Learn how to find affordable, reliable used plastic drums in Philadelphia that can cut your packaging costs by 50-70% while helping the environment.

Why Buy Used Plastic Drums?

You get three main benefits:

• Save money: Used drums cost $20-50 vs $80-150 for new ones
• Help the environment: Reusing drums keeps them out of landfills
• Get quality: Most used drums work just as well as new ones

What Types Are Available?

Sizes you can find:

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

Two main styles:

• Open-top drums (removable lid)
• Tight-head drums (sealed with small openings)

Condition levels:

• Used (cleaned but may show wear)
• Reconditioned (professionally cleaned and inspected)
• Food-grade (safe for food storage)
• Industrial-grade (for chemicals, waste, non-food items)

How Much Should You Expect to Pay?

Typical prices:

• 30 gallon used drums: $30-45 each
• 55 gallon used drums: $20-50 each
• Reconditioned drums: Add $5-15 more per drum

Ways to save more:

• Buy 40+ drums for bulk discounts (10-30% off)
• Pick up yourself instead of delivery
• Buy during slower seasons
• Consider slightly more worn drums for non-critical uses

Step-by-Step Buying Process

Step 1: Know what you need

• How many drums?
• What size (30 or 55 gallon)?
• Open-top or tight-head?
• Food-grade or industrial?

Step 2: Find suppliers

• Search RePackify for local listings
• Call local industrial suppliers
• Check with recycling companies
• Ask other businesses for recommendations

Step 3: Get quotes

• Call at least 3 suppliers
• Ask about minimum orders
• Compare delivery vs pickup costs
• Ask about bulk discounts

Step 4: Inspect before buying

• Check for cracks or damage
• Make sure lids fit properly
• Verify they're clean inside
• Test that they don't leak

Step 5: Arrange pickup or delivery

• Local pickup is usually cheapest
• Delivery costs $50-200 depending on distance
• Full truckload delivery can be cost-effective for large orders

Red Flags to Avoid

Don't buy drums that:

• Have visible cracks or damage
• Smell strongly of chemicals
• Are marked as hazardous waste containers
• Come from unknown sources
• Are priced way below market (might be damaged)

Best Practices for Success

Start small: Order 5-10 drums first to test quality and supplier reliability.

Build relationships: Good suppliers from Repackify will give you better prices and first pick of inventory.

Plan ahead: Don't wait until you're almost out - good drums sell fast.

Consider storage: Used drums take up space, so factor in storage costs.

Ask questions: Reliable suppliers will answer questions about drum history and condition.

Example: What a Typical Purchase Looks Like

A Philadelphia auto shop needs 20 drums for used oil storage:

• Calls 3 local suppliers through RePackify
• Compares prices: $35-42 per 55-gallon drum
• Chooses supplier offering $38 each with free local delivery
• Orders 20 drums for $760 total
• Saves $800+ vs buying new drums

Final Tips

Best times to buy:

• Late fall/early winter (lower demand)
• End of business quarters (suppliers clearing inventory)
• During economic slowdowns (more surplus available)

Questions to ask suppliers:

• What was stored in these drums before?
• How were they cleaned?
• Do you guarantee they don't leak?
• What's your return policy?
• Can I inspect before buying?

Remember: Used drums work great for most industrial applications. Just make sure they match your specific needs and quality requirements.

For current listings and prices in Philadelphia, visit RePackify's marketplace where local suppliers post their available inventory with photos and detailed descriptions.