Open Head Plastic Drums

An open head plastic drum is a molded plastic container designed with a fully removable top that provides wide, unobstructed access to the contents inside. At The Cary Company, our open head plastic barrels are manufactured from durable HDPE or HMWPE and typically feature a removable cover secured by a lever lock or bolt ring for a tight seal and secure transport.

Our selection of open top plastic drums are available in common industry sizes ranging from small-capacity drums up to 57-gallon sizes. They are offered in standard colors such as blue, black, natural, white, and yellow with straight-sided and nestable (tapered) options depending on your handling and storage needs.

Because of their wide opening, open head plastic barrels are ideal for applications that require frequent access or the storage of solid, semi-solid, or viscous materials. Customers commonly use our open head plastic drums for:

- Powders, granules, and bulk solids

- Viscous liquids, pastes, and resins

- Food ingredients and additives (when FDA-compliant drums are selected)

- Chemical storage and industrial materials

Many of our open top plastic drums are equipped with tamper-evident lids, molded handles, and fitting options to support safe filling, dispensing, and transport. Sizes such as 55 gallon open head plastic drums are especially popular for bulk storage and shipping applications.

Open head plastic drums are suitable for hazardous materials when properly certified. At The Cary Company, we offer UN-rated open top plastic drums that meet DOT and UN performance standards for the storage and transportation of certain hazardous solids and liquids.

Not every open head drum is UN-rated. UN certification varies by product, closure type, and intended application. That’s why we clearly identify UN ratings on individual product pages, including many of our 55 gallon open head plastic drums. Our team is available to help ensure you select a compliant drum for your material and shipping requirements.

When you choose The Cary Company, you gain access to an extensive inventory of open head plastic drums backed by decades of packaging expertise. We offer:

- One of the industry’s broadest selections of open head plastic drums for sale, including new and reconditioned options

- Multiple sizes, styles, colors, and closure types, including popular 55 gallon open head plastic drums

- Clear UN and FDA compliance information on applicable products

- Nationwide distribution and knowledgeable specialists ready to assist

Whether you need a single open head plastic barrel or truckload quantities, The Cary Company is committed to helping you find the right container for your application.