Buy Used Plastic Drums in Rhode Island
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About Rhode Island
#1 Supplier of Used Plastic Drums Across The State of Rhode Island
Save Money on Quality Used Plastic Drums in Rhode Island
What you'll get from this guide: Learn where to find reliable used plastic drums in Rhode Island, save 30-70% compared to new drums, and avoid common buying mistakes.
Why Choose Used Plastic Drums?
Used plastic drums offer real benefits:
Save hundreds of dollars on bulk orders
Get the same quality as new drums when properly cleaned
Help the environment by reusing materials
Perfect for water storage, gardening, and light industrial use
Where to Find Used Drums in Rhode Island
RePackify (Local Option)
Location: Cranston, Providence
What they offer: Used 55-gallon HDPE drums
Types: Food-grade and industrial drums, all cleaned and tested
Pricing: Request quotes online, quantity discounts available
Benefit: Local pickup saves shipping costs
Types of Drums You'll Find
Closed-head drums:
Completely sealed with small openings
Best for liquids like water or oils
Example: Rainwater collection systems
Open-top drums:
Wide opening at the top
Best for solids or easy access needs
Example: Grain storage or compost bins
Food-grade vs. Industrial:
Food-grade: Triple-rinsed, safe for drinking water
Industrial: May have chemical residues, cheaper option
What to Check Before Buying
Inspect the drum condition:
Look for cracks in the sides or bottom
Check for bulges or dents
Make sure the lid fits tightly
Ask about cleaning:
Was it triple-rinsed?
What was stored in it before?
Do they guarantee it's clean?
Consider your needs:
Do you need UN-rated drums for hazardous materials?
Will you transport liquids or just store them?
How many drums do you actually need?
Money-Saving Tips
Compare total costs:
Drum price + shipping = real cost
Example: $16 drum + $50 shipping vs. $25 drum with free pickup
Buy in bulk:
10+ drums often get better pricing
Shipping costs spread across more drums
Pick up locally:
RePackify locations allow pickup
Saves all shipping costs
You can inspect before buying
Start small:
Buy 1-2 drums first to test quality
Scale up once you're satisfied
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't buy without asking what was stored previously
Don't assume all "clean" drums are food-grade
Don't forget to factor in shipping costs
Don't order more than you can handle or store
Getting Started
Decide your needs: How many drums and what type?
Get quotes: Contact RePackify and at least one other supplier
Compare total costs: Include shipping or pickup
Start with a small order: Test quality before buying more
Inspect on arrival: Check condition before using
Used plastic drums in Rhode Island can save you significant money while meeting your storage needs. Focus on finding clean, undamaged drums from reliable suppliers, and always factor in total costs including shipping.
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.