Storage Drums & Barrels for Sale - New & Used

We sell a wide variety of new and used storage barrels at Container Exchanger, including 55-gallon metal and plastic drums, both New & Used. These containers are used to ship and store finished products and packaging raw materials in bulk. Most containers can hold up to 55 gallons of, fluid, dry, or solid goods, such as water, fuel, oil, mechanical parts and finished consumer products.

Metal drums are often used to store industrial materials or hazardous materials and chemicals. In contrast, plastic barrels are used to store non-toxic materials, including food and beverage products and retail goods not meant for consumption. Fiber drums are good for dry storage and are often used as trash drums. You will find a range of both food-grade and non-food grade drum storage barrels on our website.

You'll find a variety of sizes in the Fiber drums section, but Metal Drums and Plastic Drums are most commonly 55 Gallon capacity.All of them are extremely versatile and our customers often have the most inventive uses!Just be sure to rinse out your barrels and drums after each use.

You can store your barrels on a barrel pallet or you can use specialized racks to store them on their sides. Specialized hand trucks and fotklift attachments can also be used to move them around your facility. At Container Exchanger - Browse our selection of drum storage and barrels to find the right size gallon drum for your products. The minimum order quantity for drums is varies from a hundred to a truckload, which is 200-300 quantities.

Diverse Selection of Drums & Barrels for All Your Packaging Needs

At Container Exchanger, you’ll find a wide selection of storage drums and barrels designed to handle liquids, solids, powders, and dry goods across different industries. Options include steel drums, plastic drums, and fiber barrels, giving you flexibility for safe storage and transport. Many are food-grade certified, making them useful for food industry storage solutions, while others are well-suited for chemicals, fuels, or mechanical parts.

Our inventory covers a vast range of capacities, with 55 gallon drums being the most common choice, along with both tight head drums also called closed head drums and open-head styles. Whether you need new or used containers, we carry both, with competitive pricing and bulk order options available. Customers often compare these with intermediate bulk containers, which we also supply. From small quantities to truckload orders, we provide the best solution for packaging materials safely and efficiently, keeping logistics simple and overall costs under control.

Types of Storage Drums (Steel, Plastic & Fiber)

Steel drums are built for industrial and hazardous materials. Plastic drums are the standard choice for food, beverage, and non-toxic products. Fiber drums handle dry bulk goods well and are commonly used for powders, granules, and trash collection.

All three types are available in new and used conditions.

Storage Drum Sizes (5, 10, 15, 30, 55 Gallon)

Container Exchanger carries drums in five standard sizes to cover a wide range of storage and shipping applications. The 55-gallon drum is by far the most popular, available in steel, plastic, and fiber. Smaller 5 and 10-gallon drums suit concentrated materials, lab use, or tight spaces. The 15 and 30-gallon options are a practical middle ground when a full 55-gallon is more than you need.

Size	Best For
5 Gallon	Small batch storage, lab use
10 Gallon	Concentrated liquids, samples
15 Gallon	Mid-volume liquids, specialty applications
30 Gallon	Moderate solids or liquids
55 Gallon	Standard industrial and commercial use

Open Head vs Closed (Tight) Head Drums

The main difference between open head and closed (tight) head drums is access.

Open head drums have a fully removable lid, making them easier to fill and clean, which suits dry goods and solid materials. Closed head drums are fully sealed with only bung openings, making them the right choice for liquids, chemicals, and anything that needs to stay contained during transport.

New vs Used Storage Drums - Which Should You Choose?

New drums are the right call when product integrity matters most, such as in food-grade applications or chemical storage, where contamination risk can't be tolerated. Used drums are a solid, cost-effective option for non-sensitive materials, and many are in great shape after proper cleaning. Container Exchanger carries both, so the decision really comes down to what you're storing and what your budget allows. For general industrial use, used drums offer a lot of value at a fraction of the cost.

Drums FAQs

What Are the Standard Sizes Available for Drums & Barrels?

The most common drum sizes are 30, 35, and 55-gallon capacities, with 55 being the most popular size. 55 gallon drums have many benefits, such as packaging versatility for both liquids and solids. Fiber, plastic, and steel drums for sale each come in different sizes and thicknesses, so you can match them with your product’s needs. Specialty options, such as small lab drums, are also available for niche uses.

How Do You Choose the Right Type of Drum or Barrel for Your Needs?

It depends on your material. Liquids like oils and chemicals often go in tight head drums also called closed head drums, while dry materials or items requiring easy access fit open-head styles. For food and beverages, plastic or fiber drums offer safe food industry storage solutions. Consider weight, handling methods, and whether recyclability matters to your operations when making your selection.

Where Can You Buy Storage Drums and Barrels?

You can purchase both new and used barrels online through Container Exchanger. We offer a wide variety of steel drums, plastic, and fiber models for every application. Orders range from small lots to full truckloads, with competitive pricing across all categories. Container Exchanger also carries related items like intermediate bulk containers, giving businesses a one-stop source for durable storage and shipping supplies.

Can Drums and Barrels Be Reused or Recycled?

Yes, many drums can be reused safely if cleaned properly, allowing them to work correctly for multiple life cycles. Fiber and plastic drums are often recyclable, while steel drums can be refurbished or melted down for new production. Container Exchanger helps extend their life by reselling quality used options, giving customers the best solution for packaging that balances cost savings with sustainability.