When selecting a 55 gallon drum, durability, compatibility with materials, and compliance with regulations are key. The following 5 drums come from trusted brands and cover plastic and steel options, open-head and closed-head designs, and corrosion-resistant interiors. Use this guide to compare features and determine which drum best fits storage, transportation, and hazardous-material handling needs.
| Product | Brand | Type | Material | Head | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eagle 55 Gallon Plastic Drum with Lid | Eagle | Plastic Drum | HDPE | Open Head | Weather and chemical resistance |
| Transport Drum, Open Head, 55 gal., Blue | Skolnik | Open Head Transport Drum | HDPE | Open Head | Hazardous materials compatibility |
| Transport Drum, Open Head, 55 gal., Blue | Materro | Transport Drum | Steel | Open Head | Rust-inhibitor coating |
| 55 gal Closed Head Black Drum | GRAINGER APPROVED | Closed Head Drum | Polyethylene | Closed Head | Leak prevention and UN rating |
| 55 Gal Steel Drum Open-Head | BayTec | Open Head Steel Drum | Steel | Open Head | Rust inhibitor interior |
Eagle 55 Gallon Plastic Drum With Lid
Designed for regulatory compliance, this plastic drum helps with storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous materials by selecting the lid based on material requirements. Constructed from blow-molded high-density polyethylene, it is durable, lightweight, and capable of withstanding weather and chemicals. It is suitable for non-leaking hazardous materials in small bottles, cans, carboys, and 5-gallon pails, though it should not be used with free liquids. The lid options enable compliance with varying handling standards.
Key specifications and considerations:
– Material: HDPE, built for durability and weather resistance
– Head type: Open head option suitable for venting and easy access
– Regulatory alignment: Helps meet storage and transport rules for hazardous materials
– Usage limits: Not intended for free liquids; ideal for solids, pastes, or contained hazardous materials
Transport Drum, Open Head, 55 gal., Blue
This open-head drum features high-volume storage with HDPE construction and a blue exterior. It is designed for transporting hazardous materials under DOT and related regulations, with an inside diameter of 23-1/2 inches and an overall height around 34-1/4 inches. The drum provides a leverlock ring closure and solid UN ratings appropriate for hazardous contents, offering a practical balance between ease of access and secure containment for shipping.
Key specifications:
– Volume: 55 gallons; Load capacity around 286 lb
– Head type: Open head for quick access
– Closure: Leverlock ring
– Compliance: Suitable for hazardous materials (UN ratings) under applicable standards
Transport Drum, Open Head, 55 gal., Blue
This Materro transport drum is a steel open-head variant with rust-inhibitor interior coating and a bolt-ring closure. It features a robust steel construction with an outside diameter of 24 inches and an overall height around 34-1/2 inches. The drum includes a gasketed cover and EPDM gasket material, designed for durability and chemical resistance. It is lined to reduce corrosion when storing certain liquids or semi-solids.
Key points:
– Material: Steel with rust-inhibitor interior
– Closure: Bolt ring with gasket cover
– Interior: Lined for corrosion resistance
– UN rating: Applicable for hazardous materials per standard classifications
55 Gal Closed Head Black Drum
This closed-head polyethylene drum offers reliable containment with a 55-gallon capacity and a UN rating for liquids. It features a secure head closure and a tight seal to prevent leaks. The drum’s black exterior is a common color for general-purpose storage and transport, with a substantial weight of around 25 pounds. It’s designed to handle hazardous materials in compliance with applicable packaging and shipping regulations.
Key considerations:
– Material: Polyethylene (closed head)
– Closure: Closed head with secure bung compatible fittings
– Capacity and load: 55 gallons; up to 870 lb
– Compliance: UN rating for hazardous liquids; suitable for regulated transport
55 Gal Steel Drum Open-Head
This open-head steel drum features a rust inhibitor interior and lever lock ring closure. Its cold-rolled steel construction provides durability for storage and transport of a variety of materials. The drum is designed to meet open-head storage needs with a lever-closure system that balances security and accessibility, making it suitable for environments requiring frequent access to contents while guarding against corrosion.
Key aspects:
– Material: Steel with rust-inhibitor interior
– Closure: Lever lock ring with gasket cover
– Head type: Open head for easy content access
– Use case: Suitable for regulated materials with required venting or access
15 Gallon Drum (Note: Not 55 Gal) – Food Grade
Included here for completeness in the 55-gallon container ecosystem is guidance on smaller equivalents. The 15-gallon drum is designed for water storage and chemical storage with BPA-free HDPE construction and fittings. While it does not meet the 55-gallon capacity, it helps illustrate the range of options available for different storage needs, including food-grade and UN-rated configurations.
Buying Guide
- Material choice: Plastic (HDPE) drums resist chemicals and weather; steel drums offer high strength and better puncture resistance but may require rust protection.
- Head type: Open-head drums allow rapid access and venting; closed-head drums provide a tight seal and are often preferred for liquids requiring secure containment.
- Internal lining: Steel drums may include rust inhibitors; plastic drums naturally resist many chemicals but confirm compatibility with the stored material.
- Regulatory alignment: For hazardous materials, ensure UN ratings, DOT compliance, and packaging group suitability align with your transport and storage needs.
- Capacity and weight: 55 gallons is a standard size; check load capacity and the overall height to fit storage spaces, racks, and transport equipment.
- Closure systems: Lever-lock rings and gasketed closures improve sealing and reopening efficiency, especially for frequent access scenarios.
- Liner compatibility: If using inner liners or carboys, select drums that accommodate liners and prevent punctures or leaks.
- Color and labeling: Some industries require color-coding or specific labeling; ensure the drum design supports clear labeling for compliance.
- Reusability and disposal: Consider whether the drum will be cleaned and reused, or if disposal steps are required at the end of life.