Buy Used Plastic Drums in Ohio
Available Listings in Ohio
3 Plastic Drums listings in Ohio.
Plastic Drums Prices in Ohio
Condition-level pricing for plastic drums in Ohio 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 Ohio
#1 Supplier of Used Plastic Drums Across The State of Ohio
Save Money on Storage: Buy Used Plastic Drums in Ohio
What you'll get from this guide: Learn how to find quality used plastic drums in Ohio for 40-60% less than new ones, plus discover reliable suppliers and avoid common buying mistakes.
Why Buy Used Plastic Drums?
You'll save serious money. Used 55-gallon drums cost $12-20 each versus $35-50 for new ones. Plus, you're helping the environment by reusing containers instead of creating demand for new plastic.
What Types of Drums Can You Find?
By size:
15-gallon drums (perfect for small workshops)
30-gallon drums (great for medium storage needs)
55-gallon drums (the most common size for businesses)
By top style:
Tight-head drums: Fixed tops with screw-in caps (like a giant milk jug)
Open-head drums: Removable lids with clamp rings (easier to fill and clean)
By grade:
Food-grade drums: Safe for storing edible products
Industrial drums: Fine for chemicals, paints, or non-food items
Where to Find Used Drums in Ohio
Local suppliers:
RePackify Marketplace: Online platform connecting you with local sellers statewide
What you'll pay:
Columbus area: Around $12 per 55-gallon drum
Dayton area: Around $13 per drum
Toledo area: Around $13 per drum
Warren area: Around $20 per drum
Note: Prices drop when you buy in bulk. Food-grade drums cost more than industrial ones.
What to Look For When Buying
Start with these basics:
Check for cracks or dents in the walls
Make sure the lid fits tight
Look for UN-rating stamps (proves they meet safety standards)
Ask if they've been cleaned and reconditioned
For food storage:
Only buy food-grade drums
Make sure they're properly cleaned
Ask what was stored in them previously
For hazardous materials:
Verify UN-rating marks
Check recent reconditioning stamps
Ensure compliance with DOT rules
Smart Buying Tips
Save money:
Buy in bulk for better prices
Pick up locally to avoid delivery fees
Compare prices from multiple suppliers
Avoid problems:
Don't buy drums that held unknown chemicals
Skip drums with permanent odors
Avoid drums with damaged threads or seals
Example: If you need 50 drums for your auto shop, calling Valley Drum for a bulk quote might save you $200-300 compared to buying individually.
Simple Rules for Legal Use
For regular storage: Most used drums work fine for non-hazardous liquids like water, oils, or food products.
For hazardous materials: You need properly reconditioned drums with current certifications. The supplier should handle this for you.
When in doubt: Ask the supplier if the drums meet your specific needs. Good suppliers know the rules and will guide you.
Getting Started
Figure out what you need: How many drums? What size? Food-grade or industrial?
Call 2-3 suppliers: Get quotes and ask about condition
Visit if possible: Seeing drums in person helps you judge quality
Start small: Buy a few drums first to test the supplier
Build relationships: Good suppliers will save you money long-term
Used plastic drums offer an excellent way to cut storage costs while helping the environment. With Ohio's strong network of suppliers, you can find quality containers that meet your needs without breaking your budget.
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.