The Mid-Atlantic's leader for industrial container recycling and reconditioning
Poly Drums NJ: 30 and 55 Gallon HDPE Drums, New and Reconditioned
Patrick Kelly Drums supplies new and reconditioned poly drums in NJ, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and throughout the Mid-Atlantic. Our inventory includes the 55 gallon poly drum and 30 gallon poly drum in open head and tight head styles, along with 15 gallon drums and 95 gallon overpacks. Each HDPE drum is selected for durability, chemical resistance, and dependable handling in industrial, food, and pharmaceutical operations. As a family-owned company with over 40 years in the container business, we also recondition and recycle used poly drums so fewer containers end up in landfills.
HDPE Drum Specifications and Material Benefits
Poly drums are molded from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a rigid plastic known for its strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to moisture, rust, and many corrosive materials. An HDPE drum weighs considerably less than a comparable steel drum, which makes manual handling, loading, and freight simpler.
Material: High-density polyethylene (HDPE), resin identification code 2
Tight head closure: Permanently sealed top with bung openings for controlled filling and dispensing of liquids
Open head closure: Removable lid secured with a lever lock or bolt ring for solids, powders, pastes, and materials needing frequent access
Chemical resistance: Resists many acids, bases, salts, and water-based solutions. Some solvents and hydrocarbons may not be compatible, so material compatibility should always be reviewed.
Corrosion resistance: HDPE will not rust, which helps in wet, washdown, and outdoor storage environments
Colors: Blue, black, and natural white, depending on size and current inventory
UN rating: Many poly drums carry UN markings for specific packing groups and material densities. Our team can help confirm whether a drum is properly rated for your application.
Food Grade Poly Drums
Our new food grade poly drums are made with HDPE that holds up well against acidic ingredients such as tomato products, pickles, and brines. When a drum is approved for food contact and used within its intended application, the container helps protect product quality during storage and transport. Food grade use applies to new drums only, since reconditioned drums have prior contents.
Poly Drum Size Guide
Choosing the right size depends on fill volume, material type, handling equipment, and available storage space. The table below outlines our current poly drum options.
15 GALLON POLY OPEN HEAD
AVAILABILITY:
RECONDITIONED
APPROX. DIMENSIONS
14 to 15 in. dia. x 21 to 24 in. H
COMMON USES
Small batches, samples, specialty ingredients
15 GAL POLY TIGHT HEAD:
AVAILABILITY:
NEW OR RECONDITIONED
APPROX. DIMENSIONS
14 to 15 in. dia. x 21 to 24 in. H
COMMON USES
Small-volume liquids, cleaning agents
30 GALLON OPEN HEAD
AVAILABILITY:
NEW OR RECONDITIONED
APPROX. DIMENSIONS
19 in. dia. x 29 to 31 in. H
COMMON USES
Powders, pastes, food ingredients
30 GALLON TIGHT HEAD
AVAILABILITY:
New or reconditioned, blue or natural white
APPROX. DIMENSIONS
19 in. dia. x 29 to 31 in. H
COMMON USES
Chemicals, oils, liquid concentrates
30 GALLON OPEN HEAD STACKABLE
AVAILABILITY:
New or reconditioned
APPROX. DIMENSIONS
19 in. dia. x 29 to 31 in. H
COMMON USES
Warehouse storage with limited floor space
55 GALLON OPEN HEAD
AVAILABILITY:
New or reconditioned
APPROX. DIMENSIONS
23 in. dia. x 35 to 39 in. H
COMMON USES
Solids, waste collection, bulk dry goods
55 GALLON OPEN HEAD
NESTABLE
AVAILABILITY:
NEW!
APPROX. DIMENSIONS
Tapered design
COMMON USES
Shipping and storing empty drums efficiently
55 GALLON TIGHT HEAD
AVAILABILITY:
New or reconditioned, blue, black, or natural white
APPROX. DIMENSIONS
23 in. dia. x 35 to 36 in. H
COMMON USES
Bulk liquids, chemicals, agricultural liquids
95 GALLON OVERPACK
AVAILABILITY:
New or reconditioned
APPROX. DIMENSIONS
31 in. dia. x 36 to 38 in. H
COMMON USES
Containing damaged or leaking 55 gallon drums
Dimensions vary by manufacturer. Contact our team to confirm exact specifications before ordering.
30 Gallon Poly Drum
55 Gallon Poly Drum
The 30 gallon poly drum is a practical middle size for operations that need more capacity than a pail but less weight than a full 55 gallon drum. Open head versions work well for powders and ingredients, while tight head versions suit liquid concentrates. Stackable open head models help maximize vertical storage.
The 55 gallon poly drum is the industry standard for bulk storage and shipping. It fits standard drum pallets and handling equipment. Nestable open head drums have a tapered body, so empty units stack inside one another and take up far less truck and warehouse space.
95 Gallon Overpack Drum
Overpack drums, also called salvage drums, are sized to hold a 55 gallon drum inside. They are used to contain damaged, leaking, or compromised drums for safe transport and disposal when properly rated for the application.
New vs. Reconditioned Poly Drums
Both options have a place in industrial operations. The right choice depends on your material, compliance requirements, and budget.
New Poly Drums
New drums come directly from the manufacturer and have never held product. They are the preferred choice for food grade, pharmaceutical, and sensitive applications where prior contents are a concern. Patrick Kelly Drums is a chosen reseller for three major drum manufacturers, which helps us keep dependable supply on hand.
Reconditioned Poly Drums
Reconditioned drums are inspected, cleaned, tested, and evaluated in our dedicated reconditioning facility before they return to service. They offer a cost-efficient option for industrial liquids, solids, and waste collection. Reuse also reduces demand for newly manufactured plastic, since reconditioning uses much less energy than producing a new drum.
A Note on Recycled Plastic Drums
Buyers searching for recycled plastic drums are often looking for reconditioned drums that have been cleaned and put back into service. When a drum cannot be reconditioned, it is shredded and the plastic is sold into reuse streams such as plastic pipe manufacturing. Our team can help you decide which option fits your application.
Industries and Applications
Pharmaceuticals: Poly drums offer a lightweight, secure option for transporting pharmaceutical ingredients and sensitive materials. A tight-fitting closure helps protect against contamination during storage and transport when the drum is approved for the application.
Food and Beverage: Open head poly drums are widely used for dry ingredients such as spices, grains, and powders. Their smooth, non-porous surface is easy to clean, and HDPE resists moisture that can affect product quality.
Chemical Manufacturing: HDPE drums are compatible with a broad range of acids, bases, resins, and powders. Tight head drums support controlled dispensing of liquids, while secure closures help reduce the risk of leaks. Material compatibility should always be reviewed, especially for solvents.
Environmental Services: Reconditioned poly drums are commonly used in cleanup and waste management for collecting contaminated soil and industrial waste. Drums used for hazardous materials must be properly UN rated, compatible with the material, and handled in line with DOT and EPA requirements.
Poly Drum Reconditioning and Plastic Drum Recycling
Environmental responsibility is the foundation of our business. Every container we receive leaves as either a usable container or raw material, with the exception of process waste. Patrick Kelly Drums reconditions over 6 million pounds of plastic each year that would otherwise go to landfill, and we sold over 5 million pounds of recycled plastic in 2022.
All waste from the reconditioning and recycling process is properly captured, contained, and shipped offsite through trusted environmental partners. We also schedule pickup of used poly drums from facilities across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. Containers must be RCRA-empty to be eligible for pickup, recycling, or reconditioning.
Why Buy Poly Drums from Patrick Kelly Drums
Looking for a plastic drum for sale in NJ from a supplier who understands the full container lifecycle? Patrick Kelly Drums has been family owned since 1985 and supports customers with new drums, reconditioned drums, used drum pickup, and recycling from our Camden, NJ operations. We work with procurement teams, plant managers, and environmental departments who need reliable supply, clear communication, and product guidance they can trust.