Reconditioned Drums vs. Used Drums

A reconditioned drum is a drum that has been used for a product but then went through a thorough process of being cleaned, repaired, and repainted for other applications that do not involve food products.

A used drum is a drum that has been utilized with a certain product or application. It is yet to be cleaned or in a position to be used for other products.

Finding a drum that works for your product and fits your budget is important.

Steel drums go through a rigorous reconditioning process for different products and industries. It is important to know as much information as possible about the steel drum that you have, including the lining, UN rating, fittings and more.

There are two different reconditioning processes for tight head and open head steel drums. This is to accommodate the removable cover of open head options.

The cleaning process for reconditioned closed head steel drums involves first rinsing them out to remove any remaining contents inside. They are then submerged in a chemical bath, after which they are rinsed again and have any large dents removed. They go through a third rinse, where they are siphoned dry. Their drums and plugs are inspected and go through both a pressure and leak test. The insides are coated with a rust inhibitor, where they are given a final inspection before they are finally painted and dried.

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For our reconditioned open head steel drums, the cleaning process is different than the one used for closed head drums. Open head drums instead go through a furnace first and then blasted to a clean surface. Then the drum has its dents removed and interior washed. An interior liner coat is applied, after which they are put through a steam flash oven and then a liner coat cure oven. The drum exterior coat is finally applied before the drum is assembled.

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Our staff are trained on how to treat every drum in the reconditioned process to suit their product and container needs.

All of our reconditioned steel drums come from a supplier that is a RIPA Member (Reusable Industrial Packaging Association). To gain membership, you must follow a code of conduct regarding the proper handling of drums coming in to be reconditioned and coming out to be sold to consumers. Our suppliers also must ensure that their company maintains an environmental insurance policy and that they also have a Responsible Container Management Policy.

Whether you are using your reconditioned drum for chemicals, hazardous materials, waste and other solid products that are not FDA approved, there are a lot of benefits of using reconditioned drums.

For companies that are looking to be more cost-effective with the containers that they bring in, reconditioned steel drums are a great choice. Putting drums through the reconditioning process allows companies to save money in comparison to constantly buying and bringing in new drums.

It is common for reconditioned drums to have minor scratches and dents on the outside surface. However, despite their appearance, they can reliably hold and transport products easily without doubts of a loss in quality. Reconditioned drums continue to be a reliable choice for hazardous and flammable materials.

The reconditioned process allows users to be able to reuse the steel drum as long as they go through necessary cleaning, relying less on constantly needing new materials and discarding them.

Our reconditioned steel drums go through an extensive process for cleaning and restoring drums. They are cost-effective at convenient prices for our customers at a high-quality and reliable condition.

Our reconditioned steel drums go through an extensive process for cleaning and restoring drums. They are cost-effective at convenient prices for our customers at a high-quality and reliable condition.

On the other hand, used drums may not have gone through that same extensive cleaning process.

When deciding between reconditioned drums and used drums, there are a few factors that need to be considered.

It is guaranteed that reconditioned drums with go through the cleaning and restoring process under the guidelines of a Responsible Container Management Policy as well as the Reusable Industrial Packaging Association.

Our reconditioning process ensures that reconditioned drums can meet the needs of different products and applications that are not surrounding food.

On the other hand, used drums can only be used primarily with the product that was previously used. If a used drum is filled with a different product, the residues can mix with the new product, changing the structure of the inside content. If it is flammable residue, people can be in danger.

Used drums may seem too good to be true on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or other sites. However, the issue is that it is difficult to determine if it is clean enough to hold a new product. More often than not, the answer is no.

Reconditioned drums have the reassurance of the cleaning process and have a quality that justifies the price, cheaper than brand new drums.

Based on the fact that used drums have not been thoroughly cleaned, it would be difficult to determine how exactly they can be recycled and sustainable for future products. Dismissing a cleaning process may cause the material to break down, leaving it to hold less product over time.

Reconditioned drums allow users to continue to reuse the drum with reassurance that it will maintain good condition.

The Cary Company offers a diverse range of reconditioned steel drums, both open heads and tight heads that feature different linings, fittings, and gaskets.

Curious about which reconditioned drum suits your needs? Our product specialists are ready to assist and find you the ideal reconditioned drum. Contact us at 630-629-6600 or email sales@thecarycompany.com for personalized support!

If you are looking for more information, you can read our comprehensive guide on steel drums as well as the cleaning process is for reconditioned drums.