The Mid-Atlantic's leader for industrial container recycling and reconditioning
Sustainable Drum Recycling and Eco‑Focused Practices
At Patrick J. Kelly Drums, sustainable drum recycling is central to how we operate. Extending the life of steel drums, plastic drums, and fiber drums reduces environmental impact while supporting responsible industrial operations. Manufacturing a new steel drum generates significantly more CO2 and landfill waste than reconditioning an existing container. Reconditioning requires far less energy and conserves valuable natural resources across the recycling industry.
Industrial drum recycling is inherently environmentally friendly, but our commitment goes further. Through structured cleaning, inspection, and reconditioning and recycling systems, we help customers reduce landfill contributions while maintaining compliance and safety.
PKD: Environmental Facts
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Manufacturing a new drum generates 4 times more waste for landfill than reconditioning a drum.
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Manufacturing a new drum uses 60% more energy than reconditioning a drum measured in BTU’s.
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Manufacturing a new drum generates 70% more CO2 than reconditioning a drum.
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Every container the PKD receives leaves as either a container or a raw material except for waste.
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Unusable steel drums are crushed, tote cages are shredded for sale to Camden Iron.
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Plastic drums and tote inner tanks are shredded and sold for plastic pipe manufacturing.
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Over 5 million lbs. of recycled plastic sold in 2022 by PKD.
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We collect rain water – use it – treat it – send it for further treatment – for final POTW discharge back into the Delaware River.
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We recondition over 6million lbs of plastic that would otherwise go to a landfill.
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We recondition or scrap 10 million lbs of steel that otherwise go to a landfill.
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All waste in reconditioning/recycling process is properly contained and shipped offsite using a trusted environmental partner.
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We are currently looking to put in a rail spur to reduce carbon footprint of trucking.