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55-Gallon Plastic Drums for Sale Near Me

55-Gallon Plastic Drums

Known as a staple in industrial packaging, 55-gallon plastic drums are ideal for safely storing and transporting liquids, solids, and semi-solids. Built from durable HDPE, these bulk containers are used across industries ranging from food processing to hazardous waste containment.

  • Available in tight-head and open-head styles
  • UN/DOT rated options for regulated materials
  • Food-grade and chemical-resistant options
Photo of 55-gallon drums stacked on pallets outside a warehouse
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Tight-Head
Photo of an open-head plastic drum
Open-Head

Drum Tops – Tight-Head vs. Open-Head

Tight-Head (Closed-Top)

  • Permanent top with two bungs (typically 2" NPS + 2" buttress)
  • Best for liquids, oils, chemicals, and materials that don’t require frequent access
  • UN Rating Example: UN1H1/Y1.9/150 (liquids)

Open-Head (Removable-Top)

  • Full-access removable lid with lever-lock or bolt ring closure
  • Ideal for solids, powders, and sludges or use as lab pack
  • UN Rating Example: UN1H2/X200/S (solids)

Common Applications

55-gallon drums are used across a wide range of industries:

  • Food-Grade Storage: Often natural (translucent) drums for syrups, oils, and ingredients
  • Chemical Manufacturing: Blue drums for solvents, acids, and oils
  • Hazardous Waste: UN-rated drums for transportation and disposal
  • Water Storage: Emergency and rainwater collection
  • Spill Containment: Used as secondary containment vessels
Photo of a factory worker filling a plastic drum

Technical Specifications

Below are key specs for 55-gallon tight-head and open-head plastic drums, including dimensions, weight, material, UN ratings, and stacking details.

SpecTight-Head DrumOpen-Head Drum
MaterialHDPEHDPE
Empty Weight21–22 lbs (9.5–10 kg)25–30 lbs (11–13.6 kg)
Height~34.8 in (883 mm) ~35.4 in (900 mm)
Diameter~23.3 in (592 mm) ~22.7 in (577 mm)
StackableYesYes
UN/DOT Rated AvailableYes – for liquidsYes – for solids
Average Cost (New)$60–$95 Each$70–$110 Each
Average Cost (Used)$20–$40 Each$25–$50 Each

Need containers at a lower cost? Browse our full selection of used plastic drums.

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