RECONDITIONED DRUMS
OPEN HEAD? TIGHT HEAD?
We offer reconditioned drums with both open and closed tops and in both regulated and non-regulated varities.
TOO MANY DRUMS?
We'll recycle them for you! Contact as for more info on our disposal services.
EXPRESS YOURSELF
We can paint our drums to (almost) any color you desire. We can even do stripes! So go ahead, express yourself.
TRUST THE PROCESS
HOW RECONDITIONED DRUMS COME TO BE
During reconditioning, the drum is cleaned, reformed, often fitted with new components, tested for integrity then refinished and reassembled. In this way, the same drum can be re-used many times. In addition, we recycle drums that are no longer serviceable. This assures that they are properly disposed of and don't end up in a landfill. The drum is thoroughly cleaned with a chemical wash or furnacing, then crushed and processed as clean scrap metal.
Used drums are obtained from several different sources. Drums that have contained regulated materials and are intended for reconditioning or disposal, must be accompanied by an "Empty Drum" Certificate. This signed document assures us that the drums, as received, are in accordance with DOT rules and regulations. When the drums are off loaded in the receiving dock, they are sorted and graded according to previous contents, drum construction and overall condition of the container. Openhead drums are sent to our "burn out" furnace to await cleaning. Tighthead drums that are deemed suitable for reconditioning, are separated into groups based on the condition of the drum's interior. Basic drum cleaning, both inside and out, is accomplished using a caustic soda solution. This is followed by a fresh water rinse. Then the drum interiors are rinsed, using a high pressure steam jet. The drums are then vacuumed to remove any remaining water. The drum's interiors are then inspected, using a special light to insure all of the cleaning steps have been adequate. If any discrepancies are found, that drum is put back through the cleaning process. Next, as many dents as possible are removed from the drums. The next step in the process involves an internal pressure test to make sure there are no leaks in the container. Our pressure test exceeds requirements because we believe that the additional pressure will help eliminate any leaks which might occur after filling. This test takes place in a water bath with the drum in a horizontal position. The drums are then conveyed to a buffing station where all remaining labels are removed. The drum is then prepared for the paint process. After painting, the drums are put into a bake oven which allows the paint to be ‘fast cured'. Finally, each and every drum is visually inspected using an interior drum inspection light to make absolutely sure all of the previous steps have been followed and the drum is in fact, ready for shipment.
It is important to NOTE that when drums are received for reconditioning and they are not suitable to put back into the market place, they still must be cleaned prior to being crushed and placed into the metal scrap collection box.
When plastic drums are received for reconditioning, they go through the same cleaning process as the steel tighthead drums with the exception of temperature reduction in the washing process to eliminate deforming the sidewalls of the plastic containers.
Steel drums are safe, cost effective and easy on the environment, making them the smart choice for the reliable shipment of both hazardous and non-hazardous materials. Steel drums provide safe transport for about 50 million tons of material worldwide each year.
Virtually all steel containers can be reconditioned or recycled for reuse, which ranks steel drums high in sustainability and leads to significant back-end cost savings. And because U.S. Department of Transportation incident rates indicate that steel drums are the safest containers, insurance rates for steel drum shipments are the lowest.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
RECONDITIONED DRUMS
The process of reconditioning drums involves thorough cleaning, dent removal, pressure testing, and painting. Drums are inspected upon receipt, sorted, and graded based on their condition. They undergo cleaning with a caustic soda solution and high-pressure steam rinse, followed by a pressure test to ensure integrity. After painting and curing, each drum undergoes a final inspection before shipment. This process ensures that reconditioned drums meet quality standards for safe and reliable use.
Most types of drums, including steel and plastic containers, can typically be reconditioned. However, there may be limitations based on the condition of the drums and the materials they previously contained. Drums that are severely damaged or have contained hazardous materials may not be suitable for reconditioning. Additionally, certain specialized drums or containers may require specific processes that could affect their reconditioning feasibility. It's important to assess each drum individually to determine if reconditioning is viable.
While some rust on a barrel may be manageable, significant rust can pose challenges to the reconditioning process. Rust can weaken the structural integrity of the barrel and compromise its ability to safely contain materials. In cases of significant rust, the barrel may need extensive cleaning, sandblasting, or even replacement of parts, which could impact the cost-effectiveness of reconditioning. Ultimately, the decision to recondition a significantly rusty barrel depends on factors such as the extent of rust damage, the type of material the barrel previously contained, and whether reconditioning is feasible and cost-effective compared to purchasing a new barrel.
Yes, there are specific regulations and standards that govern the reconditioning of drums. These regulations often vary depending on factors such as the type of drum, the materials it previously contained, and the intended use after reconditioning. In the United States, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has regulations regarding the transportation of hazardous materials in drums, which may include requirements for the reconditioning process to ensure safety and compliance.