Buy Used Metal Drums in South Dakota

Available Listings in South Dakota

3 Metal Drums listings in South Dakota.

Used
55 Gallon Used Steel Drums - Watertown SD 57201
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$13.20/ unit
Watertown, SD
Used
55 Gallon Used Steel Drums - Sioux Falls SD 57103
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$10.80/ unit
Sioux Falls, SD
Used
Used 55 Gallon Metal Drums - Vermillion SD 57069
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$9.60/ unit
Vermillion, SD

Metal Drums Prices in South Dakota

Condition-level pricing for metal drums in South Dakota will appear here when current market data is available.

ConditionAvg. PriceAvailable QtyListings
Current market dataPendingPendingPending

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.