Buy Used Metal Drums in Massachusetts
Available Listings in Massachusetts
3 Metal Drums listings in Massachusetts.
Metal Drums Prices in Massachusetts
Condition-level pricing for metal drums in Massachusetts will appear here when current market data is available.
| Condition | Avg. Price | Available Qty | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current market data | Pending | Pending | Pending |
Use the full price index for broader market pricing while this condition breakdown updates. View full price index
About Massachusetts
#1 Supplier of Used Metal Drums Across The State of Massachusetts
Save Money and Help the Environment: Your Guide to Buying Used Metal Drums in Massachusetts
What you'll get from this guide: Find reliable suppliers for used metal drums in Massachusetts, understand what to look for when buying, and learn how to get the best deals for your specific needs.
Why Buy Used Metal Drums?
You'll save 50-70% compared to new drums while helping reduce waste. Used drums work great for:
Storing rainwater for your garden
Holding agricultural supplies on farms
Industrial chemical storage
DIY projects like barbecue smokers
Where to Find Used Metal Drums in Massachusetts
RePackify (Your Best Option)
Locations: Pittsfield, Westfield, Ludlow
What they offer:
30-gallon drums (perfect for small gardens)
55-gallon drums (most popular size)
85-gallon drums (for bigger operations)
Both open-head and tight-head styles
Used drums starting at $15 each
Reconditioned drums with professional cleaning
New drums from $50
Custom drum services
Pickup and recycling programs
Why they're great: Local company with multiple locations, fair prices, and they'll even buy back your old drums.
Other Local Options
Industrial Suppliers:
Several companies in Chicopee area offer 5-gallon to 330-gallon containers
Most provide next-day delivery
Focus on DOT-rated containers for businesses
Recycling Companies:
Statewide pickup services available
Free removal of empty drums
Some offer rebates for food-grade returns
Good for bulk purchases
Wholesale Dealers:
Require minimum orders (usually truckload quantities)
Best prices but only if you need 300+ drums
Mainly serve large businesses
Understanding Drum Types (Simple Guide)
Open-Head vs. Tight-Head
Open-head drums: Have removable lids, like a big bucket with a lid you can take off
Tight-head drums: Sealed with small openings, like a soda bottle but bigger
Common Sizes
30 gallons: Good for home rainwater collection
55 gallons: Most popular, fits in most pickup trucks
85 gallons: For serious storage needs
Materials
Carbon steel: Strong and cheap, may rust over time
Stainless steel: Won't rust, costs more, great for food storage
Plastic: Lighter weight, good for dry materials
What Condition Should You Buy?
Used Drums ($15-25)
Previously used but cleaned
May have small dents or surface rust
Perfect for non-food uses like rainwater collection
Reconditioned Drums ($25-40)
Professionally cleaned inside and out
Rust removed and repainted
Good for food-grade applications
New Drums ($50+)
Factory fresh
Best for critical applications
Worth it if you need perfect condition
How to Choose the Right Supplier
Step 1: Know What You Need
Ask yourself:
How much liquid will you store?
Will it touch food or drinking water?
Do you need to transport hazardous materials?
Step 2: Check Local Options First
Start with RePackify since they have multiple Massachusetts locations
Compare prices and services
Ask about pickup services if you have old drums
Step 3: Verify Quality
Ask about cleaning processes
Check for DOT ratings if needed
Inspect drums in person when possible
Step 4: Calculate Total Cost
Include delivery fees
Factor in reconditioning costs
Consider pickup services for old drums
Money-Saving Tips
Buy in small groups: Some suppliers offer discounts for 5-10 drums
Check for damaged drums: Minor dents don't affect function but lower prices
Time your purchase: End of fiscal year often brings better deals
Ask about trade-ins: Some companies give credit for your old drums
Red Flags to Avoid
Suppliers who won't tell you what was previously stored
Drums with strong chemical odors
Visible holes or deep rust
No cleaning documentation for food-grade needs
Prices that seem too good to be true
Getting Started
Start with RePackify: Call their nearest location and explain your needs
Visit in person: See the drums before buying
Start small: Buy one or two drums first to test quality
Build relationships: Good suppliers will help you find exactly what you need
Remember: buying used drums is straightforward once you know what to look for. Focus on reputable local suppliers like RePackify, be clear about your needs, and don't be afraid to ask questions. You'll save money while getting quality containers that last for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are standard 55-gallon drum dimensions?
A closed-head 55-gallon steel drum is 22.5" in diameter and 33.5" tall and weighs 38 to 48 lbs empty; the open-head version is about 34.75" tall because of the bolt ring and weighs 45 to 55 lbs. A 30-gallon drum is 19" x 28.5" (22 to 30 lbs) and a 16-gallon drum 15" x 26.5" (15 to 20 lbs). The 85-gallon overpack, 27" x 39", is for containing a damaged drum.
What is the difference between open-head and tight-head drums?
A tight-head drum has a sealed top with 2" and 3/4" bungs and is for liquids. An open-head drum has a removable lid held by a bolt ring or lever lock and is for solids, pastes, and anything you scoop out. Lined drums add an epoxy or phenolic interior for corrosive or food-grade contents.
What is a reconditioned drum?
A reconditioned drum has been professionally cleaned, tested, and certified for reuse, and is the grade to buy when the drum will hold product again, provided the new contents are compatible with what it held before and any hazmat use has a valid UN marking from a DOT-certified reconditioner. Used drums are sold as-is, with prior contents disclosed when the seller knows them, and suit non-critical storage. Damaged drums are sold for scrap value only; grade says nothing about head type, so check the 33.5" closed-head or 34.75" open-head height separately.
Can a used steel drum hold food or drinking water?
Only a lined, reconditioned drum that was previously food-grade and that the reconditioner certifies for food or potable use; the grade alone is not enough. An unlined drum that held oil, solvents, or chemicals cannot be made food-safe by cleaning. Listings state the last contents when the seller knows them, so filter by prior contents before buying a 55-gallon drum for potable use.
How many drums fit on a truck?
Empty 55-gallon drums: a 53-foot dry van carries 104 single-tier on 26 drum pallets of 4, 208 double-stacked, or 200 or more loose and tight-packed. Filled with water, weight governs: about 84 drums on 21 pallets reach the 45,000-lb payload. An 85-gallon overpack is 27" across, so only 2 fit on a 48" drum pallet.