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In case you’re looking for a cost-effective way to enhance your homesteading or DIY projects, finding free 55-gallon plastic drums could be a great solution. These drums are versatile and can be utilized for various purposes, such as collecting rainwater, creating compost, or even as a piece of makeshift furniture.
Upcycling these plastic drums saves money and contributes to environmental conservation by reducing landfill waste. Fortunately, there are numerous sources where you can obtain these drums for free in your area.
Whether you search online classified ads, contact local businesses that use these drums, or visit industrial parks or warehouses, plenty of options are available to help you get the plastic drums you need.
So, where can I get a free 55-gallon plastic drum near me?
If you’re looking for a free 55-gallon plastic drum in your area, you can find it in various places. One option is to check with local car washes, as they often receive and use these drums to store and transport cleaning solutions. Homebrew supply stores are also a great resource, as they frequently have empty drums previously used for brewing ingredients.
Another option is to contact beverage manufacturers in your area, such as soda or juice bottling companies. These companies often use large drums to transport their products and may have extras they are willing to give away. Additionally, you can try reaching out to local recycling centers or waste management facilities, as they may have excess drums they would be happy to get rid of.
If you’re looking for a more convenient option, search online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp. These platforms often list free plastic drums that people will give away. When searching for drums online, be sure to take note of the location and any conditions or specifications the seller may have.
Once you have gotten your free drum, there are plenty of things you can do with it. For example, you can create a rain barrel for your garden, build a compost bin, or even turn it into a DIY smoker. With a little creativity, the possibilities are endless.
Below are 10 local sources where you can find plastic drums.
Where can I get free 55-gallon plastic drums
Here are nearby sources for plastic drums:
1. Craigslist
Craigslist is an excellent resource for free items, ranging from furniture to wooden crates. If you’re into DIY projects and need supplies, it’s worth checking out. You might also come across individuals offering free 55-gallon plastic or metal drums.
To locate free items on Craigslist, navigate to the “Free” section within your city’s Craigslist under the “For Sale” category. Once there, explore a variety of free items offered by people. Use the search function to filter results and find specific items you are interested in.
To find free 55-gallon plastic drums, enter the term in the search bar on Craigslist. Prioritize safety when meeting someone from the platform by arranging pickups in public places. Bring someone with you if possible and inform a third party about the meetup for added security.
2. Beverage manufacturers
Beverage manufacturers commonly receive syrups in drums, and some also store bottled or canned products in drums.
Contact local breweries, wineries, soft drink companies, bottled water companies, juice manufacturers, and other beverage producers in your area to inquire about available free drums.
Locate them easily using Google to search for terms such as “beverage manufacturers near me” or “drink manufacturers near me.”
3. Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is an online platform for buying and selling various items, including a section for free items. In this section, you may discover people offering free items, such as barrels.
To find a free plastic barrel, use the search bar on the site. Enter the term “55-gallon plastic drum” in the search bar to narrow down your results and locate available barrels.
4. Homebrew supply store
Check with your local homebrew supply store to inquire about obtaining 55-gallon drums. These stores frequently receive winemaking and beer-brewing ingredients in these drums and may have some available for you once they’re empty.
These drums from homebrew supply stores are suitable for food storage as they are free from chemical residue concerns.
5. OfferUp
OfferUp is an online marketplace for local buying and selling. It includes a section for free items, but they are all listed together, which might make it challenging to find specific items.
To find free 55-gallon plastic drums, visit the website and type “55-gallon plastic drum” in the search bar. Click on the search button to view the results, which may include drums for purchase. To locate the free drums, use the filter option and select “Price: Low to High.”
If someone offers a free drum on the platform, you can easily find it through a search. If no free items are available, you can still find the most affordable drums on OfferUp, potentially scoring a great deal on a used plastic drum.
6. Construction companies
Construction companies often store supplies and materials in barrels. To find 55-gallon plastic barrels, search for “construction companies near me” on Google. Contact these companies and inquire about the availability of barrels.
Make sure to ask about the previous contents to avoid any hazardous materials. Refer to the “The Safety of Used Plastic Drums” section below for safety guidelines regarding used plastic drums.
7. Car washes
Car washes often have plastic drums available. They receive soap deliveries in large barrels. Reach out to nearby car wash establishments to inquire if they have any spare barrels available for you.
These drums obtained from car washes are advantageous as they typically only hold soap, eliminating concerns about toxic materials. However, ensure a thorough cleaning process since the soap used in these drums differs from the one used for household dishwashing.
8. Scrapyards, junkyards, recycling centers, and landfills
Many items, including plastic drums, often reach scrapyards, junkyards, recycling centers, and landfills. If you’re interested in acquiring plastic drums, a quick online search for “scrap yards near me” or “recycling centers near me” will provide a list of nearby locations.
Reach out to these companies directly to inquire about the availability of plastic drums. Keep in mind that policies may differ among facilities, with some, especially landfills, either not open to the public or restricting the removal of items for safety reasons.
9. Look at newspaper ads
Check newspapers for ads offering free 55-gallon drums. Check local restaurants and libraries for free newspapers, too.
10. Place an ad online or in your local paper
Exploring Craigslist’s free section is smart, but don’t forget to maximize your chances by posting an ad seeking free 55-gallon plastic drums.
Consider advertising your plastic drum on various online classified websites. Additionally, explore the option of placing an ad in your local newspaper.
11. LetGo
LetGo is a platform for buying and selling secondhand items, akin to Craigslist and OfferUp. Its goal is to facilitate local transactions. Users can easily upload photos of items they want to sell or give away for free. LetGo, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and OfferUp are great places to find a free 55-gallon drum.
12. Food Manufacturing Companies
Consider food manufacturers as a practical source for obtaining free 55-gallon drums. These companies often receive ingredients in bulk, resulting in a surplus of empty drums. Major food manufacturers like Nestle, Tyson, Mars, and Kraft-Heinz may have nearby locations where you can inquire about obtaining these drums at no cost.
13. Insulation Companies
Insulation companies often have surplus 55-gallon drums of spray-on insulation. Instead of paying for disposal, they can save money by giving away these drums for free.
Search for “insulation companies near me” and inquire if they have empty drums available. They may welcome the opportunity to have someone take them off their hands.
14. Car Dealerships
Car dealerships often receive bulk shipments of car-related liquids like gasoline and diesel, often stored in 55-gallon barrels. Dealerships with maintenance departments are likely to have these barrels on hand.
Since some of these barrels may contain toxic substances, it’s crucial to thoroughly clean them before use. Check if the dealership can clean the barrel for you beforehand, as they may be able to quickly spray them out. Regardless, clean the drum yourself after receiving it to ensure a double rinse.
15. Paint Companies
To cut costs, paint companies transport paint and primer in large drums. These drums can be challenging to obtain due to the presence of potentially harmful substances. If you intend to acquire one, exercise extreme caution during cleaning.
The safety of used plastic drums
When acquiring a used drum, it’s crucial to be aware of its previous contents for safety reasons.
Certain drums are employed for transporting dangerous waste and toxic substances. It is advisable to steer clear of acquiring such drums. Many recommend getting used drums from industrial waste collection firms, insulation companies, paint companies, as well as auto shops and car dealerships.
While these locations may offer drums, be cautious as they are frequently utilized for transporting hazardous and toxic materials.
Here are the drums you should avoid:
- Drums from industrial waste collection companies: Industrial waste collection companies transport hazardous and non-hazardous waste.
- Barrels from insulation companies: Insulation companies often store spray foam insulation in drums. While they may be willing to share, be cautious as insulation can contain toxic materials like formaldehyde, and the drums may have chemical residue.
- Drums from paint companies: Paint companies are a potential source for used 55-gallon drums, as they often receive paint and primer in large barrels. However, these drums may not be suitable for storing animal food or harvesting rainwater, as the contents are often unsafe for consumption.
- Drums from auto shops and car dealerships: Car dealerships receive liquids in large barrels, but drums from these sources typically contain toxic chemicals and should be handled cautiously.
Certainly, it’s possible to clean used drums upon acquisition. It’s crucial to thoroughly clean them with soap and water. However, drums that previously contained hazardous or toxic substances, such as those mentioned, can pose risks and prove challenging to clean. It’s advisable to steer clear of such barrels.
Avoid using drums previously used for hazardous materials in food production.
Opt for barrels from sources like beverage manufacturers or homebrew supply stores, as they typically use containers with safe materials.
Always inquire about the previous contents of barrels obtained from any source, especially those obtained from the following sources:
- Craigslist
- Facebook Marketplace
- Auto shops and car dealerships
- OfferUp
- Construction companies
- Scrapyards, junkyards, recycling centers, and landfills
Where to buy cheap 55-gallon drums
Purchasing a plastic drum is a practical choice if you want assurance about its previous contents or if free drums are unavailable in your vicinity.
You can purchase new 55-gallon drums from the following places:
- eBay
- Global Industrial
- Home Depot
- McMaster-Carr
- The Cary Company
- Uline
What can I do with a 55-gallon plastic drum?
55-gallon plastic drums have versatile applications for various DIY projects and can be utilized in different ways within the household.
Explore various uses for a 55-gallon drum:
- Rainwater Collection: Utilize 55-gallon drums for rainwater collection by directing your gutter system into them. It’s a simple and effective way to store water for various uses.
- Composting Solutions: Transform a 55-gallon drum into a compost bin by removing its base for an organized composting area. For a more advanced setup, position the drum horizontally on a frame to create a large compost tumbler, expediting the composting process.
- Gardening Applications: Repurpose drums for gardening projects, such as crafting a raised planter by cutting the barrel in half lengthwise. Alternatively, create a vertical garden by adding holes to the barrel’s sides, lining it with material, filling it with a growing medium, and planting your desired plants.
- Animal Feed Storage: Plastic barrels prove useful for storing food for farm animals like pigs, sheep, chickens, horses, and rabbits. Ensure a secure and organized storage solution for their feed.
Repurposing old barrels for such projects can significantly reduce costs.
How much does an empty 55-gallon drum weigh?
A steel 55-gallon drum, when empty, weighs approximately 80 lbs, the exact weight varying with the steel thickness. In contrast, a plastic 55-gallon drum has an empty weight of around 22 lbs.
How much does a 55-gallon oil drum cost?
The price of a 55-gallon drum ranges from $60 to $400, depending on the material (plastic or metal) and other features. Additionally, consider shipping costs if you can’t pick up the barrel in person.
A secondhand 55-gallon drum can be obtained for free or purchased for up to $100, depending on the source. Buying from stores tends to be more expensive, whereas platforms like Craigslist and eBay may offer more affordable options.
Will a 55-gallon drum fit into my car?
If your car isn’t already packed, you can easily fit a 55-gallon drum. Steel drums have dimensions of 22.5″ x 33.0″, while plastic drums measure 23.25″ x 34.75″.
What else can I do with 55-gallon drums?
Discover numerous ways to repurpose and recycle 55-gallon drums. Check out the video for steel drum ideas, and explore this link for plastic drum suggestions.
The bottom line
You can easily find plastic drums online through platforms such as Craigslist, OfferUp, and Facebook Marketplace.
Additionally, you can reach out to local businesses like beverage manufacturers, car washes, auto shops, and car dealerships to inquire about free 55-gallon plastic drums.