55 Gallon Plastic Drums & Barrels for Sale

Open head or tight head plastic drum: which do I need?

Choose an open head plastic drum if you are storing solids, powders, thick liquids or anything you need to scoop out, because the whole lid comes off. Choose a tight head drum for free-flowing liquids you will pump or pour, since the sealed top and 2" bungs give a tighter seal for shipping.

Both styles are molded from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which resists most acids, alkalis and water-based chemicals and won't rust. Browse the full selections of open head plastic drums and tight head plastic drums, or use the guide below to narrow it down.

Plastic Drum Sizes in Stock

We also carry metric open head drums from roughly 8 to 58 gallons (30 to 220 L), sold in multi-packs for higher-volume buyers.

Open Head Drum Closures and Shapes

Open head covers lock on in one of three ways. A metal lever lock ring clamps down with a lever and is the most common choice. A plastic lever lock does the same job without metal parts. A bolt ring tightens with a bolt for the firmest hold during transport. Many covers also carry 2" and 3/4" fittings, so you can add a pump or vent without removing the lid, as on the 55 gallon blue straight sided drum with metal lever lock.

Shape matters too. Taper sided drums are narrower at the bottom so empties nest inside one another, saving storage space; the 55 gallon black taper sided drum is a good example. Straight sided drums can't nest but give you the full capacity edge to edge. For smaller loads, the white drums with screw-on, tamper-evident lids and handles, like the 30 gallon white screw-top drum, are easy to carry and reseal.

Tight Head Drums for Liquids

Tight head (closed head) drums have a molded-in top with two 2" openings, usually one NPS and one buttress thread. That combination lets you fit standard drum pumps, faucets and vents. Our 55 gallon blue tight head drum is the classic choice for liquid storage. For heavier-duty service, the natural HMWPE tight head drum is made from high molecular weight polyethylene, which is stronger than standard HDPE. Drums marked PCR include post-consumer recycled resin.

How to Read a Plastic Drum's UN Rating

Every UN rated drum carries a code that tells you what it is approved to ship. A tight head drum marked UN1H1/Y1.8/100 is a plastic drum (1H) with a non-removable head (1), approved for Packing Group II and III liquids (Y) up to a specific gravity of 1.8, and tested at 100 kPa. An open head drum marked UN1H2/Y180/S has a removable head (2) and is approved for solids (S) up to 180 kg gross weight. An "X" rating covers Packing Group I, II and III. Always match the rating to your product's safety data sheet.

New, Reconditioned and Washed Drums

New drums are the only choice for food, beverages and pharmaceuticals, and many in this category are made from FDA-compliant, food-grade HDPE (check each product page). Reconditioned drums, such as the reconditioned 55 gallon open head drum, have been cleaned and inspected and many keep a UN rating. Washed drums are a budget option for rain barrels, compost, dock floats and other non-regulated projects.

Common Uses

• Bulk food ingredients, grains and emergency water storage (new food-grade drums)
• Acids, alkalis, detergents and agricultural chemicals
• Lab packs, hazardous waste and spill kits
• Rain barrels, compost bins and DIY builds

Related Products

Storing more than 250 gallons? IBC totes hold five or six drums' worth on one pallet. For solvents and flammables, compare steel drums; for dry goods, consider fiber drums. Add drum pumps, spill pallets, drum heaters and trolleys to finish your setup. Ordering by the pallet? Request a bulk quote, and see our returns policy for order questions.

Plastic Drum FAQs

How many gallons is a standard plastic drum?

The standard size is 55 gallons (208 liters). We also stock 57 gallon drums for a little extra headroom, 77 gallon open head drums, and smaller 8 to 30 gallon drums for lighter loads.

Are your plastic drums food grade?

Many new drums in this category are made from FDA-compliant, food-grade HDPE; the product page states it where it applies. Reconditioned and washed drums have held other products and should not be used for food.

What is the difference between NPS and buttress fittings?

Both are 2" bung threads on tight head drums. Buttress threads are coarse and quick to turn, while NPS (National Pipe Straight) threads fit many standard pump and faucet adapters. Having one of each makes a drum compatible with more equipment.

Can plastic drums be stacked?

Empty taper sided drums nest inside one another to save space. Straight sided drums cannot nest, so store them side by side or on pallets.

Do you sell plastic drums in bulk?

Yes. Several metric drums are sold in packs and as a full load, and we can quote larger mixed orders. Contact us with sizes and quantities for a bulk quote.