Comprehensive Guide To Plastic And Steel Drum Recycling

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 Drum, you are saving money and getting a product just as good as a brand-new drum.

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.

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 using 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.

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, they may need to be disposed of. 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).

We are pleased to offer a drum pickup and delivery service.

Pick-ups 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 for 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.

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.