Buy Used Metal Drums in New York
Available Listings in New York
3 Metal Drums listings in New York.
Metal Drums Prices in New York
Condition-level pricing for metal drums in New York 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 New York
#1 Supplier of Used Metal Drums Across The State of New York
How to Buy Quality Used Metal Drums in New York Without Breaking Your Budget
What you'll gain: Save 40-60% on steel drums while getting reliable containers that meet safety standards. This guide shows you exactly where to find them and what to look for.
Why Used Metal Drums Make Sense
You need steel drums but don't want to pay full price for new ones. Used drums work just as well for most jobs and cost much less. The key is knowing where to look and what questions to ask.
Your Best Options in New York
National Drum Recyclers
These companies buy used drums, clean them up, and resell them across the country.
What they offer:
Free pickup of your empty drums (they pay you a rebate)
Professionally cleaned and tested drums
Safety certifications included
Usually $60-90 per 55-gallon drum
How it works: They pick up drums from businesses, test them with ultrasonic equipment, blast away old paint, and repaint them. If a drum fails testing, they recycle the steel instead of selling a bad drum.
Example: A food processing plant sells their empty drums to a recycler, who cleans them and sells them to a paint manufacturer.
Regional Distributors
Local companies that specialize in industrial containers.
What they offer:
Mix of new, reconditioned, and used drums
Custom options like food-grade lining
Personal service and local pickup
Quote-based pricing with volume discounts
How to find them: Search for "industrial container distributor" plus your city name. Call and ask about their used drum inventory.
Wholesale Recon Specialists
Companies that focus on bulk sales of reconditioned drums.
Typical pricing for 55-gallon steel drums:
Basic reconditioned drum: $52 each
Epoxy-lined open-head drum: $73 each
Tight-head steel drum: $86 each
Simple trash drum (no lid): $39 each
Best for: Large orders where you need many identical drums
RePackify Local Branches
RePackify has locations in Briarcliff Manor, Dobbs Ferry, and Bedford Hills.
What they offer:
Custom quotes based on your needs
Drums from 30-85 gallons
Both open-head and tight-head options
Additional services like cleaning and buy-back programs
How to use them: Call with your specific requirements. They'll match you with available inventory and provide a quote.
Online Marketplaces
Industrial classified sites where businesses sell their used drums.
Best for: Small orders or hard-to-find sizes What to expect: Prices vary widely, shipping arranged by seller Caution: Less quality control than professional dealers
What to Check Before You Buy
Start with the basics:
Does the drum hold liquid without leaking?
Are there dents that could cause problems?
Is the closure mechanism working properly?
Then check certifications:
UN/DOT markings for shipping hazardous materials
EPA compliance if required for your use
Food-grade certification if storing food products
Consider your specific needs:
Open-head drums: Removable lid for easy access (good for thick materials)
Tight-head drums: Small openings only (good for liquids)
Internal coatings: Epoxy or plastic lining protects contents and drum
Think about logistics:
Can they deliver to your location?
Do they offer pickup services?
Are there minimum order requirements?
Will they buy back your drums when empty?
How to Get the Best Deal
Start small: Order a few drums first to test quality and service.
Ask about volume discounts: Most dealers offer better prices for larger orders.
Consider your timing: End of fiscal year or slow seasons may offer better prices.
Factor in total cost: Include delivery, pickup services, and any rebates for returning drums.
Making Your Decision
For most people, the best approach is:
Small orders (1-10 drums): Try RePackify or online marketplaces for convenience
Medium orders (10-50 drums): Contact regional RePackify distributors for quotes
Large orders (50+ drums): Get quotes from RePackify wholesale specialists
Remember: The cheapest drum isn't always the best value. Factor in quality, service, and long-term relationship when making your choice.
Next step: Start with one supplier, test their quality and service, then expand your buying as needed.
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.