Plastic Drums
Guides, specs, and tips for buying, selling, and using plastic drums across industries.
Plastic drum sizes from 8 to 180 gallons: diameters, heights, and empty weights for tight head, open head, and overpack drums, plus size limits.
Not all plastic drums are the same. Compare new, reconditioned, and used HDPE drums - UN ratings, food-grade rules, and which fits your use case.
If you’re searching how to clean chemicals out of plastic barrels, lock in these basics first: Confirm prior contents (from the label/SDS). Classify as water-based, oils/solvents, acids/bases, adhesives/paints, or mineral scale. Identify the barrel style. Tight-head (bunged; clean with wand/spray) vs. open-head (removable lid; brush/scrub). Set the end use. Non-potable/process use vs. stricter standards for water storage (food-grade only, sanitize after rinsing). Use PPE & ventilation. Gloves, eye/face protection, sleeves; respirator if SDS says so; work in a ventilated, controlled area. Handle rinsate correctly. Capture, label, keep streams separate, avoid mixing incompatible chemicals, and follow local disposal rules.
Buying plastic drums is easier when you know where to look and what to ask for. This guide walks through common sources, decisions to make up front, and a simple checklist you can send to any seller.
