Buy Used Metal Drums in South Dakota
Available Listings in South Dakota
3 Metal Drums listings in South Dakota.
Metal Drums Prices in South Dakota
Condition-level pricing for metal drums in South Dakota 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 South Dakota
#1 Supplier of Used Metal Drums Across The State of South Dakota
How to Buy Used Metal Drums in South Dakota: Save Money and Find Quality Containers
What you'll learn: This guide shows you how to find reliable used metal drums in South Dakota, save up to 70% compared to new drums, and avoid common buying mistakes.
Why Buy Used Metal Drums?
Used metal drums offer three main benefits:
Save money: Pay 30-70% less than new drums
Help the environment: Reuse steel instead of making new containers
Get quality containers: Many used drums work just as well as new ones
What Types of Used Drums Can You Find?
Two Main Types:
Open-head drums: Have removable lids. Good for thick materials like paint or chemicals you need to scoop out
Tight-head drums: Have sealed tops with small openings. Better for liquids that might spill
Common Sizes:
30-gallon drums: Good for small businesses
55-gallon drums: Most popular size
85-gallon drums: For bigger storage needs
Condition Levels:
Like-new: Minor scratches only
Good condition: Some dents but no leaks
Fair condition: Visible wear but still functional
Reconditioned: Cleaned, repaired, and repainted
Where to Buy Used Metal Drums in South Dakota
Local Options
RePackify has locations in Watertown and Sioux Falls. They offer:
Both open-head and tight-head drums
Standard 30, 55, and 85-gallon sizes
Ability to inspect drums before buying
Local delivery options
What to Look For in Any Supplier
UN/DOT certified drums (required for hazardous materials)
Clear return policy
Ability to inspect drums before purchase
Volume discounts for bulk orders
How to Inspect Used Drums Before Buying
Follow this simple checklist:
Outside of the Drum:
Look for rust spots or holes
Check for dents that might cause leaks
Make sure the drum sits flat
Verify UN/DOT markings are readable
Inside the Drum:
Smell inside - strong odors may never come out
Look for corrosion or pitting
Check that previous contents are compatible with your needs
Sealing Parts:
Test that lids close tightly
Check rubber gaskets aren't cracked
Make sure bung caps screw on properly
Common Uses for Used Metal Drums
Agriculture:
Store liquid fertilizers
Transport grain
Collect rainwater
Construction:
Mix concrete
Store paint and solvents
Transport materials to job sites
Manufacturing:
Store raw materials
Transport finished products
Collect waste materials
How Much Should You Pay?
Typical prices in South Dakota:
30-gallon drums: $15-40 each
55-gallon drums: $20-60 each
85-gallon drums: $40-80 each
Prices depend on:
Condition of the drum
How many you buy
Whether drums are certified for hazardous materials
Red Flags to Avoid
Don't buy drums that have:
Visible holes or cracks
Heavy rust that flakes off
Strong chemical odors
Missing or unreadable UN/DOT markings
Dents near the sealing area
What to Do With Old Drums
When your drums reach the end of their life:
Remove all contents completely
Take off labels and stickers
Find a certified metal recycler
Get documentation for proper disposal
Proper disposal helps you:
Follow environmental laws
Avoid fines
Support steel recycling
Getting Started
Here's your action plan:
Decide what you need: How many drums? What size? What condition?
Set your budget: Remember to include delivery costs
Contact RePackify: Ask about current inventory and prices
Inspect before buying: Use the checklist above
Plan for disposal: Know where drums will go when you're done
Final Tips
Buy from suppliers who let you inspect drums first
Start with a small order to test quality
Ask about volume discounts for large orders
Keep records of drum purchases for safety compliance
Consider delivery costs when comparing prices
Used metal drums can save your business money while providing reliable storage and transport solutions. The key is knowing what to look for and buying from reputable suppliers who stand behind their products.
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.
