Buy Used Metal Drums in Wisconsin
Available Listings in Wisconsin
3 Metal Drums listings in Wisconsin.
Metal Drums Prices in Wisconsin
Condition-level pricing for metal drums in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin
#1 Supplier of Used Metal Drums Across The State of Wisconsin
Save Money and Help the Environment: Your Guide to Buying Used Metal Drums in Wisconsin
What you'll gain from reading this: Learn how to buy quality used metal drums at 70% less cost than new ones, find reliable suppliers in Wisconsin, and avoid common buying mistakes.
Why Choose Used Metal Drums?
Used metal drums offer three main benefits:
Save money: Used drums cost $15-30 compared to $50+ for new ones
Help the environment: Reusing drums prevents waste and reduces manufacturing
Get what you need faster: Large inventory available immediately
Types of Metal Drums You Can Buy
By Opening Style
Open-head drums: Removable lids with bolt rings (easy to fill and clean)
Tight-head drums: Sealed tops with small openings (better for liquids)
By Size
30-gallon drums: Good for smaller operations
55-gallon drums: Most common size, industry standard
85-gallon drums: For large-volume needs
By Condition
Used (as-is): Cheapest option, needs inspection and cleaning
Reconditioned: Cleaned, tested, and repainted like new
Food-grade: Special interior coating for food products
Where to Find Used Metal Drums in Wisconsin
RePackify Locations
RePackify offers used drums from their Wisconsin facilities:
Menomonee Falls location
Brookfield location
Prices starting at $15 per drum
What You'll Pay
Price Ranges
Used drums: $15-25 each
Reconditioned drums: $30-40 each
New drums: $50+ each
Extra Costs to Consider
Delivery fees (varies by distance)
Special cleaning if needed
Interior lining for food use
Money-Saving Tips
Buy full truckloads for better pricing
Pick up drums yourself to save delivery costs
Negotiate on large orders
Getting Your Drums Delivered
Shipping Options
Full truckload: Best value for 200+ drums
Partial loads: Good for 50-200 drums
Small shipments: LTL carriers for under 50 drums
Self-pickup: Cheapest option if you have transport
What You Need at Your Location
Forklift or pallet jack for unloading
Flat, hard surface for storage
Spill containment if storing chemicals
Inspecting Used Drums
What to Check
Look for rust, dents, or holes
Test drum rings and closures
Check for previous chemical residue
Verify any special certifications needed
Red Flags to Avoid
Heavy rust or corrosion
Damaged threads or fittings
Strong chemical odors
Missing or illegible labels
When You're Done with Your Drums
Recycling Options
Steel recycling centers pay for empty drums
Some suppliers buy back used drums
Complete Recycling Services in Milwaukee accepts steel drums
Getting Money Back
Clean, empty drums have scrap value
Document what was stored in drums
Remove all labels and residue
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not checking drum history: Always ask what was stored previously
Ignoring delivery costs: Factor in shipping when comparing prices
Buying wrong size: Measure your storage space first
Skipping inspection: Check drums on delivery
Forgetting about disposal: Plan for end-of-life recycling
Your Next Steps
Calculate how many drums you need
Contact RePackify and other suppliers for quotes
Compare total costs including delivery
Inspect drums when they arrive
Plan for recycling when you're done
Used metal drums offer an excellent way to save money while supporting environmental goals. With proper research and inspection, you can find quality drums that serve your needs for years to come.
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.