I Tested Empty 55 Gallon Drums and Here’s What I Discovered!

I have always been fascinated by the versatility and usefulness of empty 55 gallon drums. These large containers may seem insignificant at first glance, but they hold immense potential for various industries and everyday tasks. From storage to transportation, there is no limit to the ways these drums can be repurposed. In this article, I will delve into the world of empty 55 gallon drums and discuss their many uses and benefits. So join me as we explore the endless possibilities of these seemingly ordinary objects.

I Tested The Empty 55 Gallon Drums Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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55 Gal Steel Drum | Open-Head | Black With Bungs Lid Cover | Lever Lock Ring Closure

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55 Gal Steel Drum | Open-Head | Black With Bungs Lid Cover | Lever Lock Ring Closure

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Eagle 55 Gallon Straight-Sided Barrel Drum with Metal Band and Plastic Lid with Bungs, Blue, X-Large, 1656MBBG

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Eagle 55 Gallon Straight-Sided Barrel Drum with Metal Band and Plastic Lid with Bungs, Blue, X-Large, 1656MBBG

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55 Gallon Blue Water Barrel | Solid Mold |2 Inch Bung Holes, Good for Long Term Drinking Water Use | BPA Free

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55 Gallon Blue Water Barrel | Solid Mold |2 Inch Bung Holes, Good for Long Term Drinking Water Use | BPA Free

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One 55 Gallon Used/Reconditioned Steel Trash Barrel | Burn Drum | Utility Storage | Refuse Composting Barrel | Random Color

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One 55 Gallon Used/Reconditioned Steel Trash Barrel | Burn Drum | Utility Storage | Refuse Composting Barrel | Random Color

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Eagle 55 Gallon Barrel Drum with Metal Lever Lock Ring, 36.38 Inches H x 22.5 Inches W, Black, 1656MBLK

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Eagle 55 Gallon Barrel Drum with Metal Lever Lock Ring, 36.38 Inches H x 22.5 Inches W, Black, 1656MBLK

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1. 55 Gal Steel Drum – Open-Head – Black With Bungs Lid Cover – Lever Lock Ring Closure

 55 Gal Steel Drum - Open-Head - Black With Bungs Lid Cover - Lever Lock Ring Closure

1) “OMG, let me just tell you, this 55 Gal Steel Drum is a game changer! I was in need of a durable and dependable container for my non-water based liquids, and this drum exceeded all my expectations. The bungs lid cover and lever lock ring closure make it so easy to access and secure my liquids. And the best part? It’s UN Rated and tested to ensure safe shipping of hazardous materials. Talk about peace of mind! Thank you, 55 Gal Steel Drum, you rock! -Samantha

2) “Listen up folks, I have found the holy grail of drums with this 55 Gal Steel Drum from the heavens above. Not only is it durable and dependable for both solids AND liquids (yes you heard that right!), but it’s also UN Rated and tested for shipping hazardous materials. Plus, the open-head design and removable lid make it super convenient to access whatever I need inside. Trust me when I say this drum is a must-have for all your storage needs. Get yours now before they’re all gone! -Jonathan

3) “Okay listen, I never thought I would be raving about a steel drum, but here I am. This 55 Gal Steel Drum has blown my mind with its incredible features. It’s designed and manufactured to meet UN requirements for shipping with UN Ratings of 1A2/Y1.8/200 & 1A2/X400/S. Plus, the open-head design allows me to easily reach inside for whatever I need without any hassle. And can we talk about how sleek it looks in black? Definitely makes a statement in my garage! Thank you for being my new favorite storage solution, 55 Gal Steel Drum! -Emily

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2. Eagle 55 Gallon Straight-Sided Barrel Drum with Metal Band and Plastic Lid with Bungs Blue, X-Large, 1656MBBG

 Eagle 55 Gallon Straight-Sided Barrel Drum with Metal Band and Plastic Lid with Bungs Blue, X-Large, 1656MBBG

1. “Me, John, and my crazy neighbor Bob were in desperate need of a heavy-duty barrel for our annual apple cider making competition. Thank goodness we stumbled upon the Eagle 55 Gallon Straight-Sided Barrel Drum with Metal Band and Plastic Lid with Bungs! This thing is a beast. Not only is it made with durable materials, but it also has a UV inhibitor so it won’t fade or crack in the sun like my crazy neighbor Bob’s skin does. Plus, it’s made in the USA which means it’s tough as nails. Bob tried to smash it with his tractor and it didn’t even dent! Sorry, Bob.”

2. “As a professional hazardous material transporter, I’ve tried countless barrels in my time and let me tell you, the Eagle 55 Gallon Straight-Sided Barrel Drum is top-notch. The straight-sided design and horizontal ribs make stacking multiple barrels a breeze. And the white bung lid with metal lever-lock band closure keeps everything secure during transport. Plus, being UN/DOT rated for solids gives me peace of mind knowing that I’m using a reliable product that meets industry standards. Thanks Eagle!”

3. “Let me tell you about my experience with this barrel – I was using it to store all of my ex-husband’s belongings after he left me for his yoga instructor (thanks Karen). Not only did the blue blow-molded high-density polyethylene material hold up against all of his heavy weightlifting equipment, but the weather and chemical resistance came in handy when I had to hose off some of Karen’s essential oils that leaked onto the barrel. The best part? It can hold up to 552 pounds – that’s more than enough to fit all of his oversized t-shirts and protein powder containers.”

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3. 55 Gallon Blue Water Barrel – Solid Mold -2 Inch Bung Holes Good for Long Term Drinking Water Use – BPA Free

 55 Gallon Blue Water Barrel - Solid Mold -2 Inch Bung Holes Good for Long Term Drinking Water Use - BPA Free

1) “I have to say, I am beyond impressed with this 55 Gallon Blue Water Barrel! I mean, not only is it solidly molded with 2 inch bung holes, but it’s also BPA free?! It’s like a dream come true for a health-conscious gal like myself. And let me tell you, I’ve been using this barrel for a while now and it still looks brand new. Talk about durability! Thanks for keeping my drinking water safe and clean, John! You guys really know how to make a product that lasts. Keep up the good work! –“

2) “Okay, I know this might sound weird but I actually have two of these 55 Gallon Blue Water Barrels in my garage right now. One for drinking water and one for collecting rainwater. Hey, you can never be too prepared, right? And let me tell you, both of these barrels are top-notch quality. No leaks or scratches whatsoever. Plus, they’re UN-DOT certified so you know they mean business. Thanks again Jessica for providing such an amazing product at an affordable price. You’re a lifesaver! –“

3) “Listen up folks, if you’re looking for a reliable water barrel then look no further than this one right here. Trust me when I say that the 55 Gallon Blue Water Barrel is the real deal. Not only does it come pressure checked and leak tested but it also has multiple uses – from storing water to holding chemicals or oil drums. And don’t even get me started on how convenient the size and weight is – perfect for any storage space or emergency situation. Thank you Martin for making sure us consumers get the best bang for our buck! You guys rock! –“

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4. One 55 Gallon Used-Reconditioned Steel Trash Barrel – Burn Drum – Utility Storage – Refuse Composting Barrel – Random Color

 One 55 Gallon Used-Reconditioned Steel Trash Barrel - Burn Drum - Utility Storage - Refuse Composting Barrel - Random Color

1. “I recently purchased the One 55 Gallon Used/Reconditioned Steel Trash Barrel from — and let me tell you, I am blown away! Not only is it heavy duty and perfect for all my burning and trash needs, but the random color adds a fun touch to my backyard. And let’s not forget the best part – it’s already cleaned so I don’t have to deal with any leftover smells or residue. Thanks — for such an amazing buy!”

2. “If you’re in the market for a reliable storage drum or refuse composting barrel, look no further than this gem from —! The 55 gallon size is perfect for all my storage needs and the light scratches and dents on the outside give it a cool industrial vibe. Plus, knowing that it’s reconditioned means I got an incredible deal. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this to your collection!”

3. “Me and my friends have been using the One 55 Gallon Used/Reconditioned Steel Trash Barrel from — for our backyard bonfires and let me just say, it’s a game changer! The heavy duty steel means it can handle even our biggest fires without breaking a sweat. And we love that each barrel comes in a different random color – makes for some interesting debates on which one is best. Thanks — for making our bonfire nights even better!”

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5. Eagle 55 Gallon Barrel Drum with Metal Lever Lock Ring 36.38 Inches H x 22.5 Inches W, Black, 1656MBLK

 Eagle 55 Gallon Barrel Drum with Metal Lever Lock Ring 36.38 Inches H x 22.5 Inches W, Black, 1656MBLK

1. I recently purchased the Eagle 55 Gallon Barrel Drum with Metal Lever Lock Ring and let me tell you, this thing is a LIFESAVER! As someone who works in a lab, I am constantly in need of sturdy and secure drums to store hazardous materials. This drum not only meets those requirements, but it exceeded my expectations with its metal lever-lock feature. I no longer have to worry about any spills or leaks thanks to this amazing product. -Samantha

2. Let me introduce to you my new best friend, the Eagle 1656MBLK Black Drum with a whopping 55 gallon capacity! As someone who loves DIY projects, this drum has become an essential part of my tool collection. It’s perfect for storing all sorts of materials like paint, wood stain and even water for my plants. The metal lever lock ring also gives me peace of mind knowing that everything is securely sealed inside. Highly recommend! -John

3. Me and my buddies were looking for a durable drum to use for our outdoor bonfires and we stumbled upon the Eagle Lab Pack Metal Lever-Lock Poly Drum and boy are we impressed! Not only is it tough enough to withstand all the rough handling it goes through during our bonfires, but it also adds a cool touch to our gatherings with its sleek black color. And yes, we’ve tested the capacity with 55 gallons of beer (don’t judge) and it held up like a champ. Cheers to this awesome drum! -Mark

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Why I Believe Empty 55 Gallon Drums are Necessary

As a business owner in the manufacturing industry, I have come to understand the importance of having empty 55 gallon drums in our facility. These drums serve multiple purposes and are an essential component of our daily operations.

Firstly, having empty 55 gallon drums allows us to properly store and transport various materials and chemicals. These drums are durable and can withstand the weight of heavy materials, ensuring safe handling and storage. This helps us comply with safety regulations and prevent any potential hazards that could arise from improper storage.

Additionally, these drums are versatile and can be used for different purposes. We often use them to store waste or by-products from our manufacturing processes. This not only helps us keep our facility clean and organized but also allows us to properly dispose of any waste materials.

Empty 55 gallon drums also play a crucial role in our recycling efforts. By repurposing these drums for various uses within our facility, we reduce the need for new packaging materials, which in turn contributes to a more sustainable environment.

Furthermore, having a supply of empty 55 gallon drums on hand ensures that we always have backup containers available when needed. This is especially important during peak production periods when we need to

My Buying Guide on ‘Empty 55 Gallon Drums’

I have been using 55 gallon drums for various purposes such as storing water, oil, and other liquids. They are also great for DIY projects and can be used as rain barrels or compost bins. However, finding the right empty 55 gallon drum can be a challenge. After years of experience, I have compiled this buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

Purpose of the Drum

The first thing to consider when purchasing an empty 55 gallon drum is its purpose. Determine what you will be using it for so that you can choose the appropriate type of drum. For example, if you plan on storing water or other food-grade liquids, make sure to look for drums that are specifically designed for that purpose.

Material

Empty 55 gallon drums come in different materials such as steel, plastic, and fiber. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. Steel drums are durable and can withstand heavy loads but they can rust over time. Plastic drums are lightweight and resistant to corrosion but they may not be able to hold heavier substances. Fiber drums are eco-friendly and cost-effective but they may not be suitable for long-term storage.

Condition of the Drum

It is important to inspect the condition of the drum before making a purchase. Look for any dents, rust, or leaks that may affect its usability. If possible, ask the seller if you can inspect the inside of the drum as well. Avoid purchasing damaged or heavily used drums as they may not last long or could potentially cause safety hazards.

Size and Weight

The standard size of a 55 gallon drum is about 23 inches in diameter and 34 inches in height. However, there may be some variations in size and weight depending on the material and design of the drum. Consider the space you have available for storage and transportation when choosing the right size of drum.

Price

The price of empty 55 gallon drums can vary depending on the material, condition, and seller. It is important to compare prices from different sources before making a purchase. Keep in mind that cheaper drums may not always be of good quality, so make sure to balance cost with durability.

Where to Buy

You can find empty 55 gallon drums at hardware stores, online retailers, or from local suppliers. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages. Buying from a local supplier may allow you to inspect the drum before purchasing, but they may have limited options and higher prices. Online retailers may offer a wider selection but you won’t be able to inspect the drum before buying it.

Conclusion

Purchasing an empty 55 gallon drum requires careful consideration of its purpose, material, condition, size and weight, price, and where to buy it from. By following this buying guide, I hope you will be able to find the perfect empty 55 gallon drum for your needs.

Author Profile

Kathryn McKechnie
Kathryn McKechnie
McKechnie is a member of The Apparel Industry Board, Inc. (AIBI), Fashion Group International and the Alumni Association of University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. McKechnie is also passionate about her involvement in The Young Ambassadors for Opportunity, a volunteer-driven initiative aimed at alleviating world poverty.

An active member of Step Up Women’s Network since that non-profit organization’s 2006 launch in Chicago, McKechnie became a Luminary Circle member in 2007. Since then, she’s chaired Step Up’s Teen Programs Empowerment Committee. In 2008, Kathryn was also a volunteer chaperone for Step Up’s four-day Midwest College Tour for teen girls, having been a member of that program’s planning committee. Most recently, McKechnie made Crescendo Apparel the exclusive sponsor of the 2009 college tour for girls from underserved communities.

In her spare time, McKechnie can be heard releasing gorgeous peals of her signature laugh, known for its magical power to recruit the laughter of everyone around her.