Buy Used Plastic Drums in Virginia

Save Money on Storage: Where to Find Quality Used Plastic Drums in Virginia

What you'll gain from this guide: Learn how to find reliable used 55-gallon plastic drums in Virginia for $10-15 each, saving you 50-70% compared to new drums while meeting safety standards.

Why Choose Used Plastic Drums?

Used drums offer real benefits:

• Save $20-40 per drum compared to new ones
• Reduce waste by giving containers a second life
• Get the same storage capacity at a fraction of the cost
• Perfect for water storage, composting, and non-hazardous materials

Where to Find Used Drums in Virginia

Online Sources

RePackify - Your best starting point

• Locations: Arlington, Falls Church, Leesburg
• Price: Around $10-15 per drum
• Quality: Food-grade, triple-washed drums
• Stock: 325 drums available in Arlington area
• Note: Shipping costs extra

Local classified ads and marketplaces

• Check Facebook Marketplace
• Browse Craigslist Virginia sections
• Look for business liquidation sales

Local Suppliers

Industrial supply companies in major Virginia cities:

• Richmond area suppliers
• Norfolk industrial districts
• Virginia Beach commercial zones

Recycling centers

• Many accept and resell clean plastic drums
• Call ahead to check availability
• Often the cheapest option

What to Look for When Buying

Essential checks before you buy:

• Cleanliness: Drum should be triple-washed with no odors
• Condition: Look for cracks, dents, or weak spots
• Previous contents: Ask what was stored inside
• UN rating: Check if you need certified containers

Smart buying tips:

• Buy multiple drums to reduce per-unit shipping costs
• Inspect in person when possible
• Ask for photos of actual drums, not stock images
• Negotiate for bulk purchases

Virginia Storage Rules You Need to Know

Basic requirements:

• If storing liquids, you need spill containment
• Containment must hold at least 10% of total storage volume
• Keep drums away from heat sources and direct sunlight
• Store on level ground to prevent tipping

Example:

If you have 10 drums holding 550 gallons total, your containment area must hold at least 55 gallons of spills.

Common Uses for Used Drums

Popular applications:

• Rainwater collection systems
• Compost bins (drill holes for aeration)
• Emergency water storage
• Garden planters (cut in half)
• Workshop storage for non-hazardous materials

Safety note:

Never use drums that previously held chemicals for food or water storage, even if cleaned.

Getting the Best Deal

Cost breakdown to expect:

• Drum price: $10-15 each
• Delivery: $50-100 for local delivery of 5-10 drums
• Cleaning supplies: $10-20 if additional cleaning needed

Money-saving strategies:

• Buy in bulk to split shipping costs
• Pick up drums yourself when possible
• Check multiple sources before buying
• Consider slightly damaged drums for non-critical uses

Red Flags to Avoid

Don't buy drums that:

• Have strong chemical odors
• Show signs of corrosion or chemical damage
• Come from unknown sources
• Are priced too low (might indicate problems)
• Lack proper drainage holes if sold as planters

Your Next Steps

Start with RePackify - Check their Virginia locations first

Calculate your needs - How many drums do you actually need?

Plan your pickup - Arrange transportation for multiple drums

Inspect before buying - Don't skip this step

Prepare your storage area - Set up proper containment if needed

Remember: A good used drum will serve you for years. Take time to find quality containers rather than rushing into the cheapest option. Your future self will thank you for buying right the first time.