Something that is sometimes forgotten, however, is that these barrels are reusable. Reusing plastic barrels not only saves money, it helps the environment by making use of the “Three R’s” of the EPA: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. 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!

Used plastic barrels may be ordered online, or found in person at bulk suppliers. Such suppliers are often found in rural areas, where customers may be interested in using their barrels for bulk storage of such items as feed and sap. They may also serve as feed barrels for deer, horses or other animals. Used plastic barrels are a wonderful resource for rainwater collection and harvesting.
They are not, however, generally recommended for the storage of human drinking water or food for human consumption, because of the risks associated with cross-contamination and cross-contact. Used plastic barrels also make excellent compost bins because the high-density polyethylene with which they are made holds up very well against weather and chemical-related corrosion.
Along these lines, these barrels are also well-suited to recycling and garbage disposal. Large collection barrels such as these are often used at parks, festivals, carnivals and other crowded outdoor events and public spaces. For these purposes, they may be topped with an accessory like a plastic recycling lid. Used plastic barrels also make the perfect flotation device for a dock, provided the barrels remain sealed airtight.
Depending on what was previously in the barrel, a used plastic barrel may be an appropriate container for chemicals or oils. However, it should be noted that used plastic barrels are not generally FDA approved for the storage of pharmaceuticals.
Specific information about a barrel may be found using its UN code, if one is available or provided. Used plastic barrels should be triple washed and leak checked before use by a consumer. Also, if a barrel has an odor or residue from its previous life, it should be rinsed again. With the proper care, plastic barrels may be repurposed again and again, ensuring a good investment for the consumer and better health for the earth.