They have use in recreation and emergency and emergency planning. Read More…
Leading Manufacturers
Rahway Steel Drum Company, Inc.
Cranbury, NJ | 800-260-3786For over 60 years, Rahway Steel Drum Company has been a reliable supplier of 55 gallon drums and drum services. We supply containers from 1 quart to 330 gallons in quantities from 1 to over 100,000.

Container Distributors, Inc.
Venice, IL | 800-366-5098Container Distributors, Inc. is your one source for 55 gallon drums. We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable customer service staff, timely deliveries, and wide range of in-stock items.

Jakacki Bag & Barrel, Inc.
Chicago, IL | 800-760-3786Jakacki Bag & Barrel is the largest nationwide dealer for 55 gallon drums. Since 1942, we have sold 55 gallon drums of all assortments.

House of Cans, Inc.
Lincolnwood, IL | 847-677-2100House of Cans specializes in distributing plastic containers— bottles, drums, jars, jugs, and pails plus snap-lock and pry-off containers. We also offer plastic lids and shipping accessories. We offer our customers unrivaled customer service and high quality products. Our team is dedicated to advancing our company and creating innovative strategies and solutions.

Pipeline Packaging
Hudson, OH | 440-349-3200With over twenty years of experience, we are your premier source for 55 gallon drums and all corresponding products. Our talented teams of designers and engineers will work closely with you to come up with a product that will be just as unique as you need it and that will offer a long lasting value! We have made it our mission to put our customers first! To learn more about what we may be able to do for you visit us online today!

Just a few examples of items into which 55 gallon drums may be repurposed include: trash bins, rain barrels, compost bins, horse feeders, deer feeders, horse racing barrels and flotation devices. Used metal 55 gallon drums make excellent makeshift cooking grills. Used plastic drums are particularly well-suited to garbage disposal, recycling and composting, as their polyethylene base makes them dent, corrosion and rust resistant as well as appropriate for both indoor and outdoor usage. These are often used in public spaces or at crowded outdoor events, such as parks, festivals, carnivals, concerts and college campuses.
Used 55 gallon drums often are sold with various markers, which may be confusing to a potential purchaser. Such markers include "food grade," "non-food grade," "open top" and "closed top" or "tight head." Drums described as food grade have previously contained some sort of food product in them, be that wine, juice, coconut oil or cereal. It does not distinguish between liquid, solid or allergens.
Used food grade drums are generally safer for repurposes like water storage. In some cases, used food grade drums may be used to store drinking water in case of emergency, but it is important to find out what was previously contained in the drum. Non-food grade drums previously contained chemicals of some sort, which were often various cleaners.
Non-food grade barrels are considered unsafe for the storage of human food or drinking water. Used 55 gallon drums that are described as open top may have a lid that is completely separate and removable. Or, they may have an attached lid that may be lifted and locked back into place. Closed top drums, also called tight head drums, do not have a lid, but rather offer access to their contents via two bung holes for filling and emptying.
These access points may be plugged with stoppers. Used 55 gallon drums may be bought online from individual sellers or companies or in person from various local retailers.