Orlando Drum is a recycling service company that specializes in cleaning and recycling industrial grade drums and intermediate bulk container (IBC) totes. We pick up and receive used, empty, steel and plastic drums every day, keeping them out of landfills and away from the public. These drums are either reconditioned and re-sold to be refilled or cleaned and turned into either steel or plastic scrap materials. This scrap material is transformed into a multitude of new products such as drain pipe, flower pots, and many other steel and plastic products. Many clients choose to buy back drums that have been reconditioned to make them as good as new.
Here is a helpful guide to plastic and steel drum recycling in Florida.
Why Steel Drums are the Most Environmentally Friendly Drum Option
When it comes to determining how eco-friendly a material is, one of the biggest considerations is whether the material is sustainable. Steel is the world’s most recycled product, with more steel recycled in any given year than all the other materials combined. This is why steel drums are the most environmentally friendly drum option for companies that need to use and discard a high quantity of drums every year. Recycled steel is just as durable as originally-sourced steel, so by using recycled steel drums from Orlando Drums you are saving money and getting a product just as good as a brand-new drum.
How Should You Handle Used Drums?
While many companies throw away used plastic, fiber, and steel drums, there are typically rules in place about how to get rid of them because they have often been used to hold dangerous or environmentally damaging materials. Going through the hassle to legally dispose of used drums is often more costly and time consuming than working with a steel drum recycling company. Orlando Drum accepts used drums from all kinds of industries and also provides pick up services for companies that don’t have the means of transporting large quantities of used drums.
Cleaning Process For Recycled Drums
We follow a careful, thorough cleaning process to make sure our drums meet UN safety standards as regulated by the United States Department of Transportation.
First the drums are unloaded, opened and inspected. The drums are then loaded on a progressive washer that takes them through stages of washing, rinsing and drying. The drums are then inspected. If the drums pass inspection they are capped and their labels are removed. The drums are then blasted to remove all exterior coatings and identifying marks. The drums are then inspected for any exterior imperfections. After the drums pass this inspection the chimes are re-rounded and the drums are ready to be leak tested. The drums are leak tested on our state-of-the-art ultrasonic leak tester that can detect holes as small as 10,000 of an inch. After this the drums move into our automated paint booth allowing an exact amount of paint to be applied to give the coatings maximum performance and look each and every time. Upon drying the drums are loaded and ready for delivery.
If any of the drums do not pass any of our three inspections or are unable to meet the current UN safety regulations they are washed, crushed, and recycled into a raw steel resource.
Disposal Service For Unsalvageable Drums
Not all of the used drums that Orlando Drums picks up will be able to be recycled and sent out for reuse. Depending on the condition, drums will fall into one of three categories:
- Reusable: Drums that are intact with no holes or severe dents are rust free and the contents can be rinsed out. Drums that have contained oils, light solvents, food products and soaps are examples of such products.
- Non-reusable: Drums that have contained paints, resigns, glues, surfactants or other hard to clean materials.
- Crushers: Drums that have holes and are badly dented or top or bottom chime has been compromised.
For all drums and containers that need to be picked up, washed, de-identified and scrapped there is an $8.00 charge. There is a $5.00 charge for drums and containers that are dropped off at our location that need to be scrapped or are deemed non reusable and or non-reconditionable. There is no fee if drums are dropped off at our location and are deemed reusable. Caution: All drums and containers will be refused if they do not have closures in place and are not empty according to CFR 49 (see DOT UN requirements page for definition).
Drum Pickup and Delivery Services
For pick up of 50 or more reusable 55 gallon bung type plastic or steel drums in the Orlando area there is no fee. For pick up of less than 50 drums there is a $60.00 pick up charge. If the drums are deemed unusable and impossible to recondition and need to be washed, de-identified and scrapped there is an $8.00 fee per container.
For customers that buy at least one trailer load of drums a month we will leave a trailer at your property for your convenience. If more than one trailer is needed or you buy less than a load, trailers are available for storage for a small fee of $250 per month. Deliveries in the Orlando area are $60.00 each delivery. Call for a quote if you need a delivery outside the Orlando area. Orlando Drum and Container owns a fleet of tractor-trailers to ensure you get your containers when you need them and when they were promised.
Benefits of Using 1A2 Reconditioned Steel Drums
There is a reason why 1A2 steel drums are one of the most popular and reliable container options. Here are just some of the benefits of using our 1A2 Reconditioned Steel Drums.
- They are strong, durable, safe, and environmentally friendly options for transporting a wide range of materials.
- They are suitable for either indoor or outdoor storage and built tough to meet the demands of transportation.
- Their open head design makes it easy to access and remove material while still keeping them safe and secure for transport with effective bolt ring and lever lock closure options.
- All drum interiors are coated with rust inhibitors to prevent contamination and corrosion.
- The 1A2 rating ensures that they meet the strict regulations set by the United Nations and Department of Transportation for storing and shipping dangerous materials.
Orlando Drum’s reconditioning process makes sure that every drum has been carefully inspected and renewed to its original condition.
Learn more with our guide to 1A2 reconditioned steel drums.
Contact Orlando Drum Today to Discuss Plastic and Steel Drum Recycling
Based in Orlando, Florida, Orlando Drum has been receiving, reconditioning, and reselling plastic and steel drums in the Southeastern United States for over 40 years. We are committed to our customers and the environment, and make sure that every drum meets current UN standards. If you are interested in steel drum recycling, need to purchase any of our environmental drums, or are interested in our pickup, delivery, or disposal services, contact us today.