$15.57/ plastic drum at pickupMin. order 208
Knoxville, TN
Buy Used Plastic Drums in Tennessee
Plastic Drums listed by sellers across Tennessee.
- listings in Tennessee
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3 listings
- $15.57/ plastic drum at pickupMin. order 208Memphis, TN
- $15.57/ plastic drum at pickupMin. order 208Nashville, TN
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Plastic drum prices in Tennessee
55 gal · per plastic drum, picked up
- New
- $20.53
- Reconditioned
- $17.11
- Used
- $15.74
- Damaged (Salvage)
- $6.16
Check a plastic drum price in Tennessee
About Tennessee
Buying plastic drums in Tennessee
Save Money on Storage: Find Quality Used Plastic Drums in Tennessee
What you'll get from this guide: Learn where to buy reliable used plastic drums in Tennessee, save up to 70% compared to new drums, and make sustainable choices for your business storage needs.
Why Choose Used Plastic Drums?
Used HDPE plastic drums offer smart benefits for your business:
- Cost savings
Pay 30% of new drum prices
- Environmental impact
Reduce waste by reusing containers
- Quick availability
Get drums faster than ordering new ones
- Proven durability
HDPE drums last for years with proper care
What to Know Before You Buy
Drum Types Explained
Closed-head drums
Sealed top with small openings (bungs)
Best for liquids
Example: storing cleaning chemicals or oils
Open-head drums
Removable lid
Better for solids or frequent access
Example: storing powders or parts
Food-Grade vs. Non-Food-Grade
Important rule: Only brand-new FDA-approved drums can store food products.
Used drums are for
Industrial chemicals
Non-food liquids
Parts storage
Waste collection
Check Previous Contents
Ask these questions:
What was stored in the drums before?
Were they properly cleaned?
Do they have any odors?
Are there visible stains or residues?
Example: A drum that held paint thinner may retain odors even after cleaning. This matters if you're storing materials sensitive to contamination.
Quantity and Timing
Large orders (300+ drums)
Better prices per drum
Longer lead times
Truck delivery required
Plan 2-4 weeks ahead
Small orders (under 50 drums)
Higher per-drum cost
Faster delivery
Pickup options available
Usually ready within days
How to Buy Smart
Step 1: Know Your Needs
How many drums do you need?
What will you store in them?
Do you need food-grade quality?
When do you need delivery?
Step 2: Get Multiple Quotes
Contact at least 3 suppliers for:
Current pricing
Bulk discounts
Delivery costs
Lead times
Step 3: Inspect Before Buying
If possible, check:
Drum walls for cracks
Bottom for damage
Lid fit and seal
Overall cleanliness
Step 4: Confirm Standards
For hazardous materials:
Verify UN ratings
Check safety certifications
Ensure proper labeling
Step 5: Plan Logistics
Truckload orders
Coordinate receiving dock access
Have forklifts ready
Plan storage space
Smaller orders
Arrange pickup times
Prepare transportation
Check weight limits
Making the Most of Your Purchase
Cost Comparison Example
- New 55-gallon drum
$35-45 each
- Used 55-gallon drum
$8-15 each
- Your savings
$20-30 per drum
For 100 drums, you save $2,000-3,000 compared to buying new.
Sustainability Benefits
Using reconditioned drums:
Keeps plastic out of landfills
Reduces demand for new manufacturing
Supports circular economy practices
Meets corporate sustainability goals
RePackify: Your Partner in Sustainable Packaging
RePackify specializes in connecting businesses with quality used packaging solutions. We help you find the right drums while supporting environmental responsibility through reuse and recycling.
Tennessee's drum suppliers offer excellent options for businesses seeking cost-effective storage solutions. By following this guide, you'll find quality used plastic drums that meet your needs while saving money and supporting sustainability.
Remember: Always verify the condition and suitability of used drums for your specific storage requirements. When in doubt, consult with suppliers about the best options for your applications.
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.