Damaged (Salvage) Plastic Drums

A damaged plastic drum has a crack, puncture, split bung boss, heat warping or UV embrittlement that stops it from holding product safely. It is sold for its HDPE, or for uses that do not need a sealed container.

A used drum still holds product, and a damaged one does not. A drum that seals but is brittle from sun exposure belongs here too, because it can crack under a load or on impact.

HDPE drums recycle well when they are empty and clean. Recyclers usually want residue removed and may reject drums that held hazardous products, so the prior contents decide whether a damaged lot is recyclable or a disposal problem. Cut drums are also reused as bins, planters and parts washers where no seal is needed.