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.

Photo of 55-gallon drums stacked on pallets outside a warehouse

Tight-Head

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.

Spec	Tight-Head Drum	Open-Head Drum
Material	HDPE	HDPE
Empty Weight	21–22 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)
Stackable	Yes	Yes
UN/DOT Rated Available	Yes – for liquids	Yes – 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.