New vs. Reconditioned Plastic Drums: Which Is Right for Your Business?

Plastic drums are a staple of modern industry. You’ll find them in use across chemical plants, food production facilities, waste management centers, and countless manufacturing lines. These durable containers move everything from lubricants to flavoring agents, and when chosen wisely, they can save your business serious money, time, and risk. 

But as supply chain costs and sustainability standards evolve, the question becomes more relevant than ever: should you buy new or opt for reconditioned plastic drums? Before placing your next bulk order or arranging a pickup, here’s what you need to know.

Key Takeaways

• Reconditioned plastic drums are tested, safe, and more cost-effective for many industrial uses.

• New drums are best for food-grade, pharmaceutical, or chemically sensitive materials.

• Choosing between new vs reconditioned drums depends on safety, compliance, and intended use.

• Patrick Kelly Drums offers full pickup, disposal, and plastic drum recycling services.

• Businesses can lower overhead and meet sustainability goals without cutting corners.

  
  

What Are Reconditioned Plastic Drums?

Reconditioned plastic drums are containers that have already been used in industrial applications, but instead of being discarded, they go through a certified process that prepares them for safe reuse. At Patrick J. Kelly Drums, that process includes:

• High-pressure washing and drying

• Thorough leak testing and integrity inspection

• Interior and exterior cleaning (removal of residue or labels)

• Final assessment and reclassification for resale

All reconditioning is done under strict environmental and safety protocols. The drums are typically made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is both durable and recyclable. This makes them ideal for industries that need performance, but don’t necessarily require a container fresh off the line.

When reused properly, these drums help reduce landfill waste, conserve resources, and support circular economy practices endorsed by sustainability advocates and environmental agencies alike. The EPA has noted that reusing durable goods is one of the most effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions linked to manufacturing.

The Advantages of Going Reconditioned

For many businesses, the biggest benefit of reconditioned drums is cost. Depending on volume, you might spend 20 to 40 percent less compared to new containers. That savings can scale quickly when you're ordering dozens—or hundreds—of drums per year.

Availability is another factor. Because these containers are locally sourced and reconditioned at Patrick Kelly Drums’ own facilities, turnaround times are faster than waiting on new production, especially during supply chain slowdowns.

And let’s not overlook sustainability. Reconditioned plastic drums significantly reduce waste output and energy consumption. When paired with a professional pickup and recycling program, they become part of a closed-loop solution that helps your company meet its environmental targets without compromising operational efficiency.

When It’s Better to Choose New Plastic Drums

There are times when reconditioned plastic drums won’t meet the safety requirements of your operation. This is especially true if you're storing or transporting:

• Food-grade ingredients

• Pharmaceuticals

• High-purity chemicals

• Volatile, flammable, or highly reactive substances

In these cases, regulations typically demand virgin materials that have never held prior substances. A brand-new HDPE drum ensures there’s no risk of cross-contamination or residual material. It’s also often required by FDA or EPA standards for specific industries.

Patrick Kelly Drums supplies 55 gallon plastic drums for sale, available in tight head (closed top) and open head formats, both lined and unlined. Our team can help you determine whether your application calls for a fresh container or a trusted, reconditioned one.

How Plastic Drum Recycling Fits Into the Process

Eventually, every drum reaches the end of its usable life. Whether it's been punctured, weathered, or simply cycled through enough loads, it's no longer safe for reuse. That’s where plastic drum recycling comes into play.

At PKD, we collect RCRA-empty containers from businesses throughout the Mid-Atlantic and process them for safe recycling. Drums that can't be reconditioned are shredded and sorted for materials recovery, with full compliance documentation provided. We also offer onsite pickup to make recycling as easy as possible for your facility.

Not only does this reduce your liability, but it closes the loop in a responsible way. Recycling with PKD also supports your sustainability reporting and environmental certifications—especially for businesses reporting under ESG or ISO 14001 frameworks.

Making the Right Choice for Your Business

The choice between new vs reconditioned drums isn’t always clear-cut. It depends on what you’re storing, your industry’s compliance requirements, and how important budget and sustainability are to your operation.

For many industrial teams, the smartest move is to use a combination of both. New drums for critical or sensitive materials; reconditioned ones for non-hazardous, non-food products. And when they’re no longer usable, recycle them responsibly through a certified provider like Patrick Kelly Drums.

Need help deciding? We’re here for that. Our team brings over 40 years of container management expertise, along with a deep understanding of industry standards and compliance requirements. We can evaluate your needs, recommend the right product mix, and arrange delivery or pickup based on your schedule.

Contact us today to compare new and reconditioned plastic drum options for your operation.

FAQ

Are reconditioned plastic drums safe to use?

Yes. As long as they’re properly cleaned and tested (as they are at Patrick Kelly Drums) reconditioned plastic drums are safe for non-sensitive materials. Reach out to discuss your storage needs.

When should I choose new drums instead of reconditioned?

If you're handling food, pharmaceuticals, or corrosive materials, new drums offer the safest choice. They meet strict regulatory standards for purity and compliance. Contact us to explore your options.

Do you offer 55 gallon plastic drums for sale in bulk?

We do. Both new and reconditioned 55-gallon drums are available with bulk pricing and local delivery. Let us know your volume and delivery needs.

What happens to plastic drums that can't be reused?

We recycle them. Damaged or non-reconditionable drums are shredded and processed through our compliant plastic drum recycling system. Schedule a pickup with our team.

Can I mix new and reconditioned drums in my order?

Yes. Many customers use both, depending on material sensitivity. We’ll help you build a smart, compliant inventory plan. Get a tailored quote.