Metal Drum Specifications
Complete UN specifications, closure types, and reconditioning standards for all standard metal drum sizes. Essential information for buying and selling used steel drums.
Standard Metal Drum Specifications
| Size | Dimensions | Empty Weight | UN Rating | Max Gross Weight | Closure Type | Market Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
55 Gallon (208L) 85% of market - most common size | 22.5" diameter × 33.5" height | 38-45 lbs (empty) | UN1A1/Y1.4/150 | 507 lbs | 2-inch and 3/4-inch bungs | 85% of market - most common size |
30 Gallon (114L) 10% of market | 18.25" diameter × 28" height | 25-30 lbs (empty) | UN1A1/Y1.4/150 | 330 lbs | 2-inch and 3/4-inch bungs | 10% of market |
15 Gallon (57L) 3% of market | 14" diameter × 22" height | 18-22 lbs (empty) | UN1A1/Y1.4/150 | 180 lbs | 2-inch bung only | 3% of market |
5 Gallon (19L) 2% of market | 11" diameter × 14" height | 8-12 lbs (empty) | UN1A1/Y1.4/150 | 65 lbs | 2-inch bung only | 2% of market |
UN Specification Codes
UN1A1
Non-removable (tight head)Steel drum, non-removable head
Construction
Welded or rolled seam construction
Applications
Liquids, some solids
Closures
2-inch and 3/4-inch bungs
Test Pressure
100 kPa (14.5 PSI)
Drop Height
1.2 meters
UN1A2
Removable (open head)Steel drum, removable head
Construction
Welded body with removable head
Applications
Solids, semi-solids, thick liquids
Closures
Bolt ring closure system
Test Pressure
20 kPa (3 PSI)
Drop Height
1.2 meters
Closure Types & Specifications
2-inch NPT Bung
Most common closure type
3/4-inch NPT Bung
Used as vent or sampling port
Buttress Thread Bung
Stronger than NPT threads
Triclover/Sanitary
Easy cleaning, no threads
Condition Classifications & Pricing
New
100% of market priceBrand new drums, never used
Characteristics
- ✓Factory fresh condition
- ✓Original manufacturer coating
- ✓No previous contents
- ✓Full UN certification
- ✓Pristine interior and exterior
- ✓All closures included
Food Grade Used
75-85% of new pricePreviously held food-grade materials only
Characteristics
- ✓Only FDA-approved food ingredients
- ✓Clean interior with possible light staining
- ✓Exterior may show handling marks
- ✓All structural integrity intact
- ✓Suitable for continued food use
- ✓Original closures functional
Industrial Clean
60-75% of new priceNon-hazardous industrial materials, cleaned
Characteristics
- ✓Non-hazardous chemicals or oils
- ✓Professionally cleaned interior
- ✓Some staining or discoloration acceptable
- ✓Structurally sound condition
- ✓Not suitable for food contact
- ✓May need new gaskets
As-Is Dirty
35-50% of new priceRequires cleaning, unknown or varied contents
Characteristics
- ✓Visible residue or contamination
- ✓Unknown previous contents
- ✓Structurally intact but needs work
- ✓May have odors or staining
- ✓Closures may need replacement
- ✓Sold for reconditioning projects
Reconditioned
65-80% of new priceProfessionally restored to serviceable condition
Characteristics
- ✓Shot-blasted and recoated interior
- ✓Pressure tested and certified
- ✓New gaskets and closures
- ✓UN marking verified or renewed
- ✓Ready for immediate use
- ✓Professional reconditioning certificate
Scrap/Recycling
Scrap metal value ($0.10-0.30/lb)Beyond economical repair, metal recycling value only
Characteristics
- ✓Structural damage or corrosion
- ✓Dents preventing safe stacking
- ✓Contamination beyond cleaning
- ✓Missing or damaged closures
- ✓Failed pressure testing
- ✓Metal recycling value only
Professional Reconditioning Process
Inspection & Sorting
Visual inspection and content identification
Criteria
- •Check for structural damage
- •Identify previous contents
- •Verify UN markings
- •Assess reconditioning feasibility
Rejection Reasons
- ✗Severe corrosion or damage
- ✗Prohibited previous contents
- ✗Missing UN markings
- ✗Uneconomical repair costs
Content Removal
Complete removal of previous contents
Criteria
- •EPA empty container standards
- •No more than 1 inch residue
- •3% by weight maximum
- •Drip-dry condition achieved
Coating Options
Structural Testing
Pressure and leak testing
Criteria
- •Hydrostatic pressure test
- •Leak detection testing
- •Drop test (if required)
- •Stacking strength verification
Standards
- •UN specification requirements
- •DOT regulations compliance
- •Customer specifications
- •Industry standards (ASTM)
Reconditioning Work
Restoration to serviceable condition
Criteria
- •Interior coating application
- •Exterior touch-up or recoating
- •New gaskets and seals
- •Closure replacement if needed
Coating Options
- •Phenolic lining (standard)
- •Epoxy coating (chemical resistance)
- •Polyethylene lining (food grade)
- •Zinc-rich primer (corrosion protection)
Previous Contents Acceptance Policy
Never Accepted for Reconditioning
Contents that permanently disqualify drums
Examples Include:
- ✗Radioactive materials (any level)
- ✗PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
- ✗Dioxin-containing waste
- ✗Mercury or mercury compounds
- ✗Lead-based materials
- ✗Explosive materials (DOT Class 1)
- ✗Infectious waste (DOT Class 6.2)
- ✗PFAS compounds
Restricted - Special Handling
Contents requiring specialized processing
Examples Include:
- ⚠Strong acids (pH < 2.0)
- ⚠Strong caustics (pH > 12.5)
- ⚠Pesticides and herbicides
- ⚠Aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene)
- ⚠Halogenated solvents
- ⚠Oxidizing agents (Class 5.1)
- ⚠Organic peroxides (Class 5.2)
- ⚠Formaldehyde solutions
Truckload Quantities
| Drum Type | Quantity | Total Weight | Stacking | Trailer Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 Gallon - Empty | 280-320 drums | 12,000-15,000 lbs | 3 high maximum | 53' dry van | Most efficient empty drum transport |
| 55 Gallon - Full (water) | 80-85 drums | 45,000-50,000 lbs | Single layer only | 53' dry van | Weight limited, not space limited |
| 30 Gallon - Empty | 450-500 drums | 12,000-15,000 lbs | 4 high maximum | 53' dry van | Higher count due to smaller size |
| Mixed Sizes - Empty | 300-400 drums | 12,000-16,000 lbs | Varies by size | 53' dry van | Depends on size mix and nesting |
Key Facts for Metal Drum Trading
Most Valuable
55-gallon food-grade drums in clean condition. Previous contents are critical - food ingredients command 75-85% of new price
UN Specification
UN1A1 (tight head) represents 90% of market. UN1A2 (open head) used for solids. Rating determines max capacity and applications
Reconditioning ROI
Professional reconditioning costs $15-25 per drum. Reconditioned drums sell for 65-80% of new price ($45-65 vs $80-90 new)
⚠️ IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
All used metal drums are sold AS-IS with NO WARRANTIES, guarantees, or representations of any kind. These are USED PRODUCTS that will NOT meet strict regulations, compliance requirements, or quality standards. Condition classifications are LOOSELY DEFINED and subjective - what one company considers clean, another may not. Buyers are solely responsible for inspection, testing, and suitability determination. UN specifications, closure types, condition classifications, and capacity information are estimates only and do not constitute any warranty or guarantee of performance, safety, compliance, or fitness for any particular purpose.