Sell used plastic drums from your business
Used plastic drums resell when they are empty, uncracked and have a known, preferably food-grade, history. Most are 55-gallon HDPE, either tight-head with two bungs or open-head with a lid and ring. They are reused for storage, water and bulk goods, so what they held matters more than how they look.
How do you prepare a lot of plastic drums?
- Drain, cap and group drums by what they held.
- Keep the original labels on; they are the easiest record of contents.
- Separate open-head from tight-head.
Which questions decide the grade?
The value check asks these for plastic drums:
- What did they hold?
- Are they drained and capped?
- Any cracks, punctures or sun fade?
Answer them for your plastic drums to see whether the line is likely resale, possible, or disposal.
How much truck space do plastic drums take?
For planning, the truckload calculator counts about 8 units per 48 x 40 floor position: four per pallet, two tiers high. A 53 ft dry van holds about 26 positions loaded straight. Change the figure in the calculator to match how yours are packed.
What size should you write on the lot?
A short description is enough, for example 55 gal tight-head. If you have several sizes, use one line per size.
Questions about selling plastic drums
Why does food-grade history matter so much?
Many second users store food, water or animal feed. A drum that only ever held food-grade product is the one they can use without worry.
Is there a minimum for plastic drums?
Yes, commercial quantities. The minimum depends on the lot and the pickup location, and the quote states it. Mixing plastic drums with other lines in one lot is the easiest way past it.