Comprehensive Guide to 1A2 Reconditioned Steel Drums

Closed-head UN 1A1 steel drums that have previously contained hazardous material are washed, rinsed, dried, and inspected at our facility. During the inspection process, drums that are not suitable to be reconditioned as closed tops due to interior staining, light rust, or compromised liners historically have been crushed and scrapped.

Recently, we have developed procedures and testing to convert these tight-head 1A1 drums into open-head 1A2 drums. This is by far more sustainable than converting to scrap.

After the drum is inspected and determined not suitable to be reconditioned as a closed-head package, it is de-headed and converted into an open-head drum. The side is embossed with a new UN number and expanded with an additional rolling hoop for additional strength.

Drums are then shot blasted, removing all coatings, linings, and rust. The drum is then painted on the inside and outside. Before assembly, the drum is leak tested and assembled with a new lid, ring, nut, and bolt, which is torqued to the proper torque setting.

Drums that are filled with hazardous materials are required to use UN (United Nations)approved containers. To know which container is suitable for those materials, the UN has adopted a series of numbers and letters that indicate the performance standard of each drum or container. This is regulated in the United States by the Department of Transportation. It is up to the filler to know the proper containers for the types of hazardous materials they will contain. This can be found in the Hazardous Materials Table found in the 49 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations).

This table contains the following:

• A Material’s Hazard Class
• The Material’s “Proper Shipping Name”
• 4-Digit UN Number
• Packing Group, I, II, III
• Packaging Authorizations, and
• Special Instructions (Where Applicable)

Hazard Classes are as follows:

• Class 1 – Explosives
• Class 2 – Gases
• Class 3 – Flammable
• Class 5 – Oxidizers and Peroxides
• Class 6 – Toxic and Infectious
• Class 7 – Radioactive
• Class 8 – Corrosive
• Class 9 – Miscellaneous Hazard

The UN has designated a series of numbers and letters to indicate which packaging is suitable for which hazardous materials. With new drums, these markings are permanently stamped or embossed on the bottom of the drum. After reconditioning the drum, the reconditioner puts its label on the side of the drum, which cannot exceed the permanent mark on the bottom. If a drum is converted from a tight head or closed-top drum to an open-head drum, it must have a new, permanent embossment on the side of the drum. These drums are subject to the same annual performance test as new drums. The performance test of these converted drums is the drop test, stack test, leak test, and hydrostatic test. These tests determine the markings on the drum, which specify the hazardous materials suitable for this package.

The full UN marking on our reconditioned steel open-top drum is:

1A2/Y1.2/100USA/M4649/20RL

This code indicates the following:

• Type of Packaging
• Hazard Class (Indicated in the Packing Group above)
• Specific Gravity of the Material
• Hydrostatic Vapor Pressure
• Country of Origin of Reconditioner
• DOT Number of Reconditioner
• Year of Reconditioning
• RL – which indicates the drum was reconditioned and leak tested

There is a reason why 1A2 steel drums are one of the most popular and reliable container options. Here are some 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 ensures that every drum has been carefully inspected and restored to its original condition.

• Only the heaviest drums are converted to the 1A2, ensuring maximum protection for your hazardous shipments
• Each top bead is rolled on engineered rollers that ensure each roll is uniform to a standard that makes sure each lid and ring are a perfect fit.
• We only use new lids, rings, nuts, and bolts for each drum. That way, all lids and rings fit all our drums.

1A2 reconditioned steel drums are utilized by a wide array of industries due to their resilience and versatility. Some of the common industries that employ these drums include the pharmaceutical industry, the chemical industry for storing and transporting chemicals, the construction industry for handling liquid products and materials, and the agriculture industry, especially when the drums are food grade.

1A2 reconditioned steel drums are well known for their strength and reliability in storing and transporting a range of materials safely and efficiently. These drums have carved out a unique place in the industry due to their adaptability and sustainable nature. Let’s delve into the various uses of these versatile containers:

• Storing diverse materials: Whether it is liquid or solid materials, these drums can house them all. They are especially ideal for storing chemicals, oil, paint, foodstuff, and more.
• Leak-proof for hazardous materials: The leak-proof design of 1A2 reconditioned steel drums ensures safe containment of hazardous materials, providing peace of mind during storage and transportation.
• Bulk storage of raw materials: Industries can leverage these drums to store raw materials in bulk, thereby saving on storage space and reducing operational costs.
• Supporting sustainable practices: Being reconditionable means these drums can be reused several times, reducing waste and promoting environmentally friendly practices.

With their versatile nature and nearly unlimited reusability, reconditioned steel drums are a go-to choice for cost-effective and sustainable storage solutions.

Reconditioned steel drums are just as effective as brand-new drums, and generally more affordable, too. This makes them a safe and cost-effective choice for many businesses. It is important for businesses to evaluate the cost in conjunction with their specific requirements, considering both the financial and environmental benefits of opting for reconditioned drums.

A steel drum can go through the reconditioning process countless times and still be like new, continuing to maintain effectiveness for decades to come. In other words, reconditioned steel drums can essentially be used indefinitely.

1A2 reconditioned steel drums come with various lid options to suit different storage and transportation needs. Some of the common options include removable lids which facilitate easy access to the drum contents, tight-head lids that are permanently attached to the drums offering a higher level of security, and bolt ring lids that provide a secure closure with the help of a bolt and nut mechanism. Lever lock ring lids are also available, offering easy opening and closing without the need for additional tools. It’s essential to choose the right lid type based on the materials being stored and the specific requirements of a task.

Yes, 1A2 reconditioned steel drums are environmentally friendly because they promote recycling and reuse of materials, reducing the need for new resources and minimizing waste. Reconditioning extends the life of steel drums, making them a sustainable choice for industries that require the storage and transportation of goods.

Both our new and reconditioned steel drums have holding capacities of 30 – 55 gallons. We also have new and reconditioned plastic drums, with capacity ranges of 15 – 55 gallons and 30 – 55 gallons, respectively.

Choose Orlando Drum for your packaging needs and join us in making a positive environmental impact. Every day, we collect and recondition used steel and plastic drums, keeping them out of landfills and turning them into new, useful products like drain pipes and flower pots. Our mission is to provide high-quality, sustainable packaging that benefits our customers, community, and the environment.

Our plastic recycling division, Polypro Recycling, is dedicated to prompt pickups and quick payments, helping your business efficiently manage scrap materials. By opting for our eco-friendly containers, you not only save money but also support a greener planet.

Let’s work together for a sustainable future. Contact Orlando Drum today to see how we can meet your packaging needs while promoting environmental responsibility.