Save Money on Plastic Drums: Your Complete West Virginia Buying Guide
What you'll gain: Learn where to find quality used plastic drums in West Virginia for $9-$75, understand which type fits your needs, and avoid common buying mistakes.
Why Buy Used Plastic Drums?
Used plastic drums cost 70% less than new ones. A new 55-gallon drum costs $200-$300. Used drums start at just $9.
You can use them for:
- Water storage for your garden
- Collecting rainwater
- Storing animal feed
- Organizing garage items
- Making compost bins
Types of Plastic Drums (Simple Guide)
Open-Top Drums (Removable Lid)
- Best for: Solid items like grain, tools, or garden supplies
- Easy to fill and empty
- Cheaper option
Closed-Top Drums (Sealed with Small Caps)
- Best for: Liquids like water or chemicals
- Leak-proof design
- More expensive but safer for liquids
Food-Grade vs Industrial
- Food-grade: Safe for drinking water and food storage
- Industrial: Used for chemicals, paints, oils (not safe for food)
Where to Buy in West Virginia
RePackify Locations:
Parkersburg Area:
- Open-top drums: $9 each
- Good for beginners
- Buy one or many
- Industrial grade
Morgantown Area:
- Food-grade closed drums available
- 360 units in stock
- Call for current prices
- Delivery available for extra cost
Huntington Area:
- White pallet drums available
- Cleaned and tested
- Contact for pricing
Other Local Options:
- Local recycling centers often have drums
- Chemical companies sometimes sell used containers
- Farm supply stores may have contacts
How to Choose the Right Drum
Step 1: Know Your Use
- Storing water? Get food-grade closed-top
- Garden storage? Open-top works fine
- Chemicals? Check what was stored before
Step 2: Check the Condition
- Look for cracks (especially around the bottom)
- Check if the lid fits tight
- Smell inside (strong chemical smell means avoid)
- Sun damage makes plastic brittle
Step 3: Ask About History
- What was stored in it?
- Was it cleaned?
- Any safety documents available?
Smart Buying Tips
For Single Drums:
- Start with the $9 open-top drums in Parkersburg
- Perfect for testing if drums work for your needs
- Drive there and pick up yourself to save money
For Multiple Drums:
- Contact RePackify for bulk pricing
- Buying 10+ drums usually gets discounts
- Plan for delivery costs
Before You Buy:
- Measure your space (55-gallon drums are big)
- Check local rules about water storage
- Think about how you'll move a full drum (water weighs 8 pounds per gallon)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't assume all drums are the same
- Food-grade costs more but worth it for drinking water
- Industrial drums may have chemical residue
Don't forget about moving costs
- Empty drum weighs 15-20 pounds
- Full water drum weighs 460 pounds
- Plan for dollies or help moving
Don't skip the inspection
- Small cracks become big problems
- UV damage isn't always visible
How to Buy from RePackify
Visit their website
Search for West Virginia locations
Call or email for current inventory
Ask about minimum orders
Arrange pickup or delivery
After You Buy
Clean Before Use:
- Rinse with hot water
- For food use: wash with mild soap
- Let dry completely
Safe Storage:
- Keep out of direct sunlight
- Store on level ground
- Check regularly for damage
Final Thoughts
Start small with one $9 drum from RePackify in Parkersburg. Test it for your needs. If it works, you can always buy more.
Used drums are a smart way to save money while getting quality storage. The key is knowing what you need and buying from reliable sources like RePackify.
Remember: the cheapest drum isn't always the best deal if it doesn't fit your needs or breaks quickly.