Dealing with empty plastic or steel drums that contained hazardous materials can be a bit of a headache. You can’t simply put them out by the curb and have them picked up with the rest of your waste. Luckily, there are options available for disposing of stainless steel drums and even recycling them for continued use.
How Should You Handle Empty Drums That Contained Hazardous Materials?
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 drum recycling company. Orlando Drum accepts used drums from all kinds of industries and also provides pick up services for Florida companies that don’t have the means of transporting large quantities of used drums.
If the containers comply with the federally regulated definition of “empty,” they do not need to be managed as hazardous waste. Ignition, reactivity or contamination can still occur even in drums with residue from hazardous waste so caution is advised. Drum recycling facilities can take care of your hazardous materials containers with relative ease. Even if there is residual waste in the drum, tank or portable waste tote, the right facilities will know how to handle them with care. Just be sure to label the kind of waste that was previously in the container.
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 For Disposal and Recycling
Orlando Drum provides free pick up for 50 drums or more, but we can also pick up less than 50 drums for a $60.00 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 are promised.
Contact Orlando Drum Today to Discuss Empty 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 need to recycle empty 55-gallon drums, or are interested in our pickup, delivery, or disposal services, contact us today.