Alexei Volkov
Recycling plastic 55-gallon drums is a sustainable practice that keeps millions of pounds of waste out of landfills each year. However, the process of recycling plastic drums is only economical when dealing with large quantities, typically requiring full truckloads for free pickup. To prepare plastic drums for recycling, they must be emptied, cleaned, and processed through shredding, regrinding, remelting, and reprocessing to create new products. Steel drums are generally more recycled due to their durability and strength, but plastic drums have their advantages, such as cost-effectiveness and corrosion resistance. Proper disposal and recycling of drums are crucial to comply with strict environmental regulations, especially when dealing with hazardous waste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recycling plastic drums | Only economical in large quantities |
| Transporting fewer than 100 drums per pick-up | Not feasible without a charge due to the cost of freight, insurance, and labor |
| All drums are made from | HMW HDPE, which is fully recyclable into new construction products |
| To transport scrap drums for processing | They must be baled/crushed, shredded, or ground |
| Regrind | A raw material feedstock for domestic manufacturers |
| Finished products | Drainage pipes, pallets, totes, tanks, tools, and new drums |
| Reusing drums | The ideal alternative to landfilling |
| Where to find plastic drums | Local homebrew shops, farm supply stores, soft-drink bottlers, truck stops, car washes, Craigslist, Google Maps ("poly drums") |
| Cost of plastic drums | Around $15-35 |
| Cleaning used drums | Triple rinse, then place upside down |
| Drum recyclers | Usually free, use detergent to clean, test for integrity, then resell |
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What You'll Learn
Recycling companies
Sourcing Empty Drums
Individuals and businesses looking to recycle or repurpose empty plastic 55-gallon drums can start by contacting local businesses that typically use such containers. Food manufacturers, bottled water and soda manufacturers, car washes, dry cleaners, and printing companies are good places to start. Online platforms like Craigslist and Google Maps can also be scoured for local leads.
Cleaning and Preparation
Before recycling or repurposing, it is essential to clean the drums thoroughly. This involves rinsing or washing the drums multiple times to remove any residues from their previous contents. Some sources recommend at least three rinses, while others suggest cutting the drums in half to ensure easier access for cleaning. It is crucial to verify that the drums are free from harmful chemicals and safe for their intended reuse or recycling.
Recycling Options
Several recycling options are available for empty plastic 55-gallon drums:
- Dedicated Recycling Companies: Specialized drum recycling companies exist and will often take your drums for free. They clean, test, and resell the drums, or shred or crush them for recycling if they are in poor condition.
- Scrap Management Companies: Some companies, like Scrap Management Inc., specialize in recycling plastic drums and purchase them in bulk for processing. They shred, wash, regrind, remelt, and reprocess the drums into new construction products and other valuable items.
- TSD Facilities: TSD (Treatment, Storage, and Disposal) facilities may accept empty drums, sometimes with a small charge. They might also have empty container return programs.
- Local EPA or Dedicated Firms: Consulting with your local Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) office or a dedicated firm can provide guidance on proper disposal, especially if you are unsure about the drums' previous contents.
Repurposing and Reuse
Empty plastic 55-gallon drums can find new purposes beyond recycling. Some individuals repurpose them for water storage, garbage cans, or compost tumblers. Others sell them to interested buyers, although caution must be exercised to ensure the drums are safe for the intended use, especially if they are to hold food or water.
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Google Maps
When it comes to recycling empty plastic 55-gallon drums, Google Maps can be a helpful tool in locating nearby recycling centers and businesses that accept these items. Here's how you can use Google Maps to find recycling options for your empty plastic drums:
## Using Google Maps to Find Recycling Centers:
Begin by performing a simple Google search for "plastic drum recycling near me" or "55-gallon drum recycling." Include your location in the search query to get even more specific results. Google will display a list of websites and businesses related to drum recycling, along with a map showing their locations.
Click on the "Map" tab to focus solely on the geographical layout of the recycling centers and their surroundings. You can use the zoom feature to get a better understanding of their precise locations and distances from your place. Look for recycling centers or businesses that are close to your location to minimize transportation hassles and costs.
Examine the recycling centers' Google Maps profiles by clicking on their map markers. These profiles often contain valuable information, such as the center's address, contact information, website link, and operating hours. Some businesses may also include details about the specific materials they accept, so make sure to read through the descriptions carefully.
Utilize the reviews and ratings that are available on Google Maps. Other users' experiences can provide insight into the reliability, quality, and service provided by the recycling center. Consider choosing a center with positive feedback and a good reputation to ensure a smooth and efficient recycling process.
## Finding Specialized Recycling Businesses:
Some businesses specialize in drum recycling or offer services specifically for managing large plastic containers. Use Google Maps to search for terms like "drum recycling services" or "plastic drum recyclers." This will yield results for companies that may offer pick-up or collection services for your empty drums.
When you click on the map markers for these specialized businesses, you may find detailed descriptions and additional information. Some companies may outline the specific types of drums they accept, any preparation requirements (such as cleaning or dismantling), and whether they provide drop-off, pick-up, or both types of services.
## Getting Directions and Navigating:
Once you've identified a suitable recycling center or business, Google Maps can provide you with turn-by-turn navigation assistance. Click on the "Directions" option in the map marker's menu and enter your starting point. Google Maps will then guide you efficiently, providing real-time traffic updates and estimated travel times.
If you're using a mobile device, you can also take advantage of the Google Maps app, which allows for convenient, on-the-go navigation. This can be especially useful when transporting bulky and heavy drums, ensuring that you arrive at the recycling center safely and without getting lost.
Remember to call or contact the recycling center or business before heading over, especially if you have a large quantity of drums to recycle. Confirm that they are still accepting the specific type of plastic drums you have and clarify any requirements or restrictions they may have.
By utilizing Google Maps, you can conveniently locate and navigate to recycling centers and businesses equipped to handle your empty plastic 55-gallon drums, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.
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Craigslist
If you're looking to recycle empty plastic 55-gallon drums, Craigslist is a great place to start. You can find free items on Craigslist by going to your city's page and clicking on the "For Sale" section. From there, you'll see a "Free" section, where people list all sorts of items they're giving away. You can filter these results by searching for "55-gallon plastic drums" to see if anyone in your area is offering them for free. You could also try posting an ad on Craigslist asking for free 55-gallon plastic drums.
In addition to Craigslist, there are several other options for recycling or acquiring empty plastic 55-gallon drums. You can find them for free locally at places like car washes, homebrew supply stores, and beverage manufacturers. Online, you can look beyond Craigslist at sites like Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp.
If you're looking to recycle a large number of drums, you may want to consider a specialized recycling service. Some companies will only pick up truckload quantities, but they can ensure that your drums are properly recycled into new products. For example, The Cary Company offers free drum recycling and disposal services across the United States, with full truckload pickup available nationwide and less-than-truckload pickup near their facilities in Addison, IL, Pittsburg, PA, Jurupa Valley, CA, and Livermore, CA. ReUsed USA is another company that provides free removal of steel and plastic drums, keeping them out of landfills.
It's important to note that drum disposal must comply with strict federal, state, and local environmental regulations, especially since drums often contain hazardous or environmentally damaging materials. To transport scrap drums for processing, they typically need to be baled/crushed, shredded, or ground.
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$114.11 $123.78
Food manufacturers
Drums can be reconditioned or recycled, and these processes offer economic and environmental benefits. Reconditioning involves cleaning, restoring, testing, and certifying the drums for reuse. This process is handled by specialised drum reconditioning facilities, ensuring that the containers are safe for reuse.
Recycling plastic drums is another sustainable option, keeping millions of pounds of waste out of landfills annually. The recycled material can be used to create new industrial products, such as drainage pipes, pallets, totes, tanks, tools, and even new drums. However, recycling is generally only economical when dealing with large quantities of drums, typically requiring a full truckload for free pickup.
To prepare drums for recycling, they must be baled/crushed, shredded, or ground to ensure efficient transportation and processing. This can be handled by specialist recycling companies, some of which may charge a fee for smaller quantities.
When dealing with drums that previously held food or other substances, it is crucial to ensure they are properly cleaned and emptied to comply with regulations, such as the RCRA empty container provision. This typically involves washing the drums with water and a caustic solution to remove any residues.
By following these proper disposal and recycling procedures, food manufacturers can contribute to environmental sustainability and make effective use of resources.
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Car washes
If you're looking to recycle your own drums, you can reach out to local car washes to see if they're interested in taking them off your hands. Many car washes will be happy to take the drums for free, as they can reuse them to store their soap supplies. This is a great way to reduce waste and help out a local business.
Alternatively, if you're looking to acquire empty plastic 55-gallon drums, car washes are a great place to start your search. Many car washes will be happy to give away or sell their empty drums at a low cost. This is a great option if you need drums for storage, transportation, or other purposes.
When acquiring or recycling drums from car washes, it's important to consider the previous contents of the drums. While soap drums are generally safe and only require a thorough cleaning, some drums may have contained other chemicals that require more careful handling. Be sure to inspect the drums and clean them appropriately before reusing them.
Overall, car washes are a great resource for recycling and acquiring empty plastic 55-gallon drums. By connecting with local car washes, you can find opportunities to reduce waste, support local businesses, and obtain drums for your own projects or storage needs. Remember to practice proper waste management and handling to ensure the safe and sustainable reuse of these drums.
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Frequently asked questions
55-gallon drums are made of HMW HDPE, a type of plastic that is fully recyclable. They can also be made of steel, fiber, or a combination of plastic and steel.
There are a few ways to recycle 55-gallon drums. You can sell them on Craigslist, or give them to a company that specializes in drum disposal, such as The Cary Company or Jakacki Bag & Barrel, Inc. These companies will recycle the drums, or refurbish and resell them.
Drums are cleaned, shredded, melted, or crushed to produce raw materials for new industrial products.
Yes, recycling 55-gallon drums keeps millions of pounds of waste out of landfills annually. It also consumes less energy and resources, reducing the environmental impact of industrial container production.
Some companies offer free pickup services for full truckloads of drums. However, transporting less than 100 drums per pick-up may incur a charge due to freight, insurance, and labor costs.
