55-Gallon Plastic Drums for Sale Near Me
Compare 55-Gallon Plastic Drums: Tight Head vs. Open Head (Lab Pack & Standard)
Choosing the right 55-gallon plastic drum depends on your application; whether you need to store liquids, transport chemicals, or safely dispose of hazardous materials. Below is a breakdown of three popular types: tight head, lab pack, and standard open head plastic drums.
55-Gallon Tight Head Plastic Drum
- Type: Tight Head (Sealed Top, Non-Removable)
- Closure: Two 2” Bung Openings (NPT & Buttress Threads)
- Material: Blow-Molded HDPE
- Color: Natural (Translucent for Fill-Level Visibility)
- UN Rating: UN1H1/Y1.9/150 – Approved for liquids
- Tapered Design: No
- Best For: Storage and transport of industrial liquids, chemicals, and hazardous fluids
- Features:
- Seamless, one-piece construction prevents leaks
- High chemical resistance
- Stackable and transport-friendly
55-Gallon Lab Pack Open Head Plastic Drum
- Type: Open Head (Removable Lid with Lever Lock)
- Closure: Metal Lever Lock Ring
- Material: HDPE
- Color Options: Yellow or Black
- UN Rating: UN1H2/X300/S – Approved for hazardous solids
- Tapered Design: Yes – Nestable for storage
- Best For: Hazardous waste collection, solid chemical disposal, spill cleanup
- Features:
- Tapered sides allow nesting to save space
- Easy access for loading and cleaning
- Lightweight, durable, and chemical-resistant
55-Gallon Standard Open Head Plastic Drum
- Type: Open Head (Removable Lid with Bolt Ring)
- Closure: 12-Gauge Bolt Ring with Gasketed Lid
- Material: HDPE
- Color: Blue
- UN Rating: UN1H2/Y250/S – Approved for solids
- Tapered Design: No – Straight-sided
- Best For: Dry goods, powders, granules, and solid waste
- Features:
- Stronger bolt ring closure for more secure sealing
- Gasketed lid improves moisture and odor controlIdeal for applications requiring frequent opening and resealing
At a Glance: Key Differences
Below are key specs for 55-gallon tight-head and open-head plastic drums, including dimensions, weight, material, and UN ratings.
| Feature | Tight Head Drum | Lab Pack Drum (Yellow/Black) | Standard Open Head Drum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drum Type | Closed / Tight Head | Open Head (Lab Pack) | Open Head (Standard) |
| Lid Type | Non-Removable | Removable with Lever Lock | Removable with Bolt Ring |
| Best For | Liquids / Chemicals | Hazardous Solids / Waste | Dry Solids / Powders |
| UN Rating | UN1H1/Y1.9/150 | UN1H2/X300/S | UN1H2/Y250/S |
| Tapered Design | No | Yes – Nestable | No |
| Closure Type | 2" Bung Openings | Metal Lever Lock Ring | Bolt Ring + Gasketed Lid |
| Material | Blow-Molded HDPE | Injection Molded HDPE | Blow-Molded HDPE |
| Color Options | Natural | Yellow or Black | Blue |
Which 55-Gallon Plastic Drum is Right for You?
- Tight Head: Best for shipping or storing liquids securely
- Lab Pack: Ideal for hazardous solid waste and nesting efficiency
- Standard Open Head: Great for dry goods or applications needing a stronger, gasketed seal
55-Gallon Plastic Drum Ordering FAQs
What's the difference between the bulk price and the per-unit price?
Bulk pricing applies when you order a larger quantity together, and it brings the per-drum cost down from the single-unit price. Let us know how many you need when requesting a quote and we'll confirm which pricing applies to your order.
Can I order a mix of new and used drums in the same order?
Yes, if your project can use a combination of conditions, mention it in your quote request and we'll confirm what's available to combine into one shipment.
Will standard bungs and fittings work with the 2" NPT and 2" Buttress openings?
Most standard 2" NPT fittings thread directly into these openings, but Buttress threads need a matching Buttress-style fitting rather than a standard NPT one. If you're unsure which you have, let us know and we can confirm compatibility before you order.
Does shipping cost extra on top of the listed price?
No, shipping is arranged and included as part of your quote rather than added as a separate charge afterward.
Are these drums inspected before they ship?
Yes, each drum is checked against its listed condition and specs before it goes out, so what you receive matches what's shown in the listing.
