30-gallon plastic drums are compact, durable containers made from HDPE (high-density polyethylene) for industrial and commercial use. These containers are commonly used for storing and transporting liquids, solids, and hazardous materials.

Available in tight-head and open-head models
Offered in UN/DOT-rated and non-rated options
Reusable, stackable, and compatible with most drum handling systems
Ideal when space or handling limitations make 55-gallon drums impractical

Choosing the right type depends on your product, regulatory needs, and how the drum will be filled, emptied, and stored.

Drum Tops – Tight-Head vs. Open-Head

Tight-Head (Closed-Top)

One-piece sealed top with:

(1) 2" NPT threaded bung
(1) 2" buttress bung

Leak-resistant and tamper-resistant
UN/DOT certified for hazardous liquids available
Requires pumps or tools for dispensing
Common use: Industrial chemicals, oils, water-based solutions

Open-Head (Removable-Top)

Lid removed completely for filling/emptying solids or sludges
Secured by lever-lock or bolt ring
Optional lid bungs for venting or pump access
UN-rated for hazardous solids available
Common use: Powders, pastes, cleanup kits, waste collection

Tight-Head

Open-Head

Specialized Drum Types

Lab Pack

A form of open-head drum with higher-duty construction
UN1H2/X-rated for Packing Group I hazardous solids available
Often used to overpack leaking or incompatible containers
Common use: Hazmat cleanup, regulated waste disposal, EPA compliance

Nestable/Taper-Sided

Lightweight open-head drums with tapered sides
Nest inside one another when empty
Reduce storage and shipping space
Can be UN-rated
Common use: Dry goods, shipping efficiencies, internal transport

Food-Grade

Made with FDA-compliant HDPE resin
Clean interior, no chemical contamination (when new)
Available in tight-head or open-head designs
Common use: Edible oils, food ingredients, beverage bases, brewing

30-Gallon Plastic Drum Dimensions & Specs

Compare key details for tight-head, open-head, and lab pack 30-gallon plastic drums, including dimensions, weight, and UN ratings.

Feature	Tight Head Drum	Open Head Drum	Lab Pack Drum (Yellow/Black)
Drum Type	Closed / Tight Head	Open Head	Open Head (Lab Pack)
Typical Uses	Bulk liquids, oils, cleaning agents	Powders, sludges, waste collection	EPA hazmat compliance, chemical cleanup
Lid Type	Non-Removable	Removable	Removable
Closure Type	2" Bung Openings	Lever Lock or Bolt Ring	Lever Lock Ring or Screw Top
UN Rating Available	UN1H1/Y for liquids	UN1H2/X for solids	UN1H2/X for solids
Nestable	No	Yes, if taper-sided	Yes, if taper-sided
Material	Blow-Molded HDPE	Blow-Molded HDPE	Injection Molded HDPE
Outer Diameter	~19.3″ (490 mm)	~19.3″ (490 mm)	~19.3″ (490 mm)
Height	~29.4″ (747 mm)	~29.4″ (747 mm)	~29.4″ (747 mm)
Empty Weight	13–16 lbs	13–16 lbs	15–17 lbs

Looking for more options? Check out our full selection of plastic drums.

Photo of factory worker filling plastic drums with pills

Common Applications

30-gallon drums are widely used across industrial and commercial settings:

Food Ingredients: Sauces, syrups, oils (food-grade models)
Cleaning Supplies: Bulk detergents, sanitizers, degreasers
Chemical Handling: Solvents, lubricants, reagents
Spill Kits: Portable containment and emergency response
Agricultural Use: Liquid fertilizers, feed supplements

How to Choose the Right Drum

1. Know Your Contents

Liquids: Choose tight-head (for leak resistance)
Solids/Powders: Open-head allows easier access
Hazardous Materials: Use UN-rated drums with proper classification (1H1 or 1H2)
Food Products: Look for new drums made with FDA-compliant HDPE

2. Consider Handling & Access

Open-head drums are better for manual access or frequent opening
Tight-head drums require pumps but are more secure

3. Storage & Transport Needs

Nestable drums help save space during return or storage
Lab pack drums meet EPA/OSHA waste regulations

4. Regulatory Requirements

UN1H1: Tight-head, for regulated liquids
UN1H2: Open-head, for regulated solids
X-Rating: Highest level of hazmat protection (Packing Group I)

Photo of plastic drums stacked on their sides