Buy Used Plastic Drums in Kentucky
Available Listings in Kentucky
3 Plastic Drums listings in Kentucky.
Plastic Drums Prices in Kentucky
Condition-level pricing for plastic drums in Kentucky 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 Kentucky
#1 Supplier of Used Plastic Drums Across The State of Kentucky
Save Money on Plastic Drums in Kentucky: Your Complete Buying Guide
What you'll gain: Save 30-70% on storage containers while helping the environment. Learn exactly where to buy, what to look for, and how to avoid costly mistakes.
Why Buy Used Plastic Drums?
You'll pay $25-40 for a used 55-gallon drum versus $80-120 for new. That's real money back in your pocket. Plus, you're giving containers a second life instead of adding to landfills.
Where to Find Used Drums in Kentucky
RePackify Locations:
Frankfort: 140+ drums available
Louisville: 370+ drums available
Price range: $25-40 each
Bulk discounts available
Both open-top and closed-head types
Online Marketplaces:
Statewide drum listings
Connect you directly with sellers
Help arrange shipping
Sizes from 55 gallons up to 275 gallons
What Size Do You Need?
Most Popular:
55-gallon drums (fits most needs)
35 inches tall, 23 inches wide
Weighs 10-15 pounds empty
Other Common Sizes:
30-gallon for smaller projects
12-20 gallon for easy handling
275-gallon containers for bulk storage
Open-Head vs. Closed-Head: Which is Right for You?
Open-Head (Removable Lid):
Best for: Dry goods, powders, parts
Easy access to contents
Great for scooping materials
Closed-Head (Sealed Top):
Best for: Liquids, chemicals
Has small openings (bungs) for pouring
Prevents spills and contamination
What to Check Before You Buy
Previous Contents Matter:
Safe choices: Water, food oils, soap
Avoid: Unknown chemicals, pesticides, acids
Ask the seller what was stored inside
Inspect the Condition:
Small scratches are normal
Avoid drums with cracks or deep dents
Check that lids fit tightly
Test bung closures on closed-head drums
Example: A drum that held cooking oil is perfect for storing rainwater. A drum that held unknown chemicals could contaminate whatever you put in it.
Smart Buying Tips
Money-Saving Strategies:
Buy 10+ drums for bulk discounts
Pick up locally to avoid $15-25 shipping per drum
Compare prices from multiple sellers
Safety First:
Only buy food-grade drums if storing anything edible
Clean drums thoroughly before first use
Replace gaskets if they look worn (about $2 each)
Planning Your Purchase:
Measure your storage space first
Consider how you'll transport the drums
Factor in cleaning time and supplies
Food-Grade Certification Explained
Food-grade drums previously held edible products. They're cleaned to 180°F before resale. Use these if you're storing:
Water for drinking
Animal feed
Food ingredients
Anything that might contact food
Final Thoughts
Kentucky offers plenty of options for used plastic drums. Start with RePackify if you're near Frankfort or Louisville. For other areas, check local container companies first to save on shipping.
Remember: A $30 used drum that lasts 5 years costs you $6 per year. That's smart money management.
Your next step: Decide what size you need, then call suppliers in your area for current inventory and pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are standard plastic drum dimensions?
A 55-gallon HDPE drum is about 23.3" in diameter and 34.75" tall, slightly larger than the 22.5" x 33.5" steel drum, and weighs 20 to 28 lbs empty, roughly half a steel drum. A 30-gallon drum is 19" x 29" (13 to 16 lbs) and a 15-gallon drum 15" x 26" (8 to 10 lbs).
Are plastic drums chemical resistant?
HDPE resists most acids, bases, and salts and does not rust, which is why it is preferred over steel for corrosive liquids. It is not suitable for strong solvents or contents held continuously above about 120°F, where steel is the right drum, and tight-head HDPE drums are UV-stabilized for outdoor storage.
What is the difference between reconditioned and used plastic drums?
A reconditioned drum has been cleaned and inspected and can hold product again when the new contents are compatible with the prior fill; hazmat use still needs a valid UN marking from a DOT-certified reconditioner. A used drum is sold as-is, with prior contents disclosed when the seller knows them, and suits compatible reuse or feedstock for a reconditioner. Damaged drums go to HDPE recycling; grade says nothing about head type, so check the 2" bung tight-head or bolt-ring open-head separately.
Can a used plastic drum hold drinking water?
Only if it was food-grade to begin with, has been reconditioned, and carries the reconditioner's potable-water certification; a food-contact certificate alone does not approve drinking water. HDPE absorbs a fraction of what it holds, so a drum that held chemicals should not be reused for food or water regardless of cleaning; look for a 55-gallon drum whose listed prior contents were food or beverage.
How many plastic drums fit on a truck?
The same floor layout as steel: 104 empty drums single-tier on 26 drum pallets, 208 double-stacked, 200 or more loose. Filled with water a plastic drum is about 480 lbs, so roughly 90 reach the 45,000-lb payload, a few more than steel.