What is an open head poly drum used for?

An open head poly drum is commonly used for storing and transporting powders, semi-solids, specialty chemicals, recycling materials, and other products that require easy access.

What is the difference between an open head and tight head plastic drum?

An open head plastic drum has a removable lid secured by a locking ring, allowing full access to the contents. A tight head drum has a permanently sealed top with bung openings designed primarily for liquids.

Are open head poly drums available in different sizes?

Yes. We offer both 30 gallon poly open head drum and 55 gallon open head poly drum options to meet different storage and handling requirements.

Are open head poly drums available with UN ratings?

Yes. Selected open head poly drums are available with UN rated configurations for approved hazardous material applications. Our team can help you select the appropriate drum based on your shipping and compliance needs.

Can open head plastic drums be recycled?

Yes. Many HDPE drums can be recycled or reconditioned depending on their condition and previous contents.

Open Head Poly Drum Solutions for Industrial Storage

An open head poly drum is a versatile container designed for storing, handling, and transporting solids, powders, pastes, and semi-liquid materials. Featuring a removable lid and durable high-density polyethylene construction, these drums provide convenient access while delivering the strength needed for demanding industrial applications.

At Patrick Kelly Drums, we offer open head poly drum solutions in multiple sizes, including 30 gallon and 55 gallon options. Our plastic open head drum inventory supports a wide range of industries looking for dependable, corrosion-resistant storage containers that are built for repeated use.

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What Is an Open Head Poly Drum?

An open head poly drum, also referred to as an open head plastic drum or poly open top drum, features a removable lid secured with a locking ring or clamp. Unlike tight head drums designed primarily for liquids, open head designs allow full access to the contents, making filling, dispensing, cleaning, and inspection much easier.

Manufactured from durable HDPE, these drums resist corrosion, moisture, and many industrial chemicals while remaining lightweight enough for efficient handling and transport.

Available Sizes: 30 and 55 Gallon Open Head Poly Drums

Selecting the right drum size helps improve storage efficiency while supporting safe handling throughout your operation.

30 Gallon Poly Open Head Drum

The 30 gallon poly open head drum is ideal for facilities that need a compact container for smaller material volumes. Its manageable size makes it easy to move while still providing excellent durability for industrial applications.

These drums are commonly used for powders, resins, specialty chemicals, cleaning compounds, waste collection, and other materials that require convenient access.

55 Gallon Open Head Poly Drum

The 55 gallon open head poly drum is one of the most popular container sizes for industrial operations. Its larger capacity supports bulk storage while remaining compatible with standard pallets, forklifts, and warehouse storage systems.

This size is commonly selected for dry materials, semi-solids, recycling materials, food ingredients when approved, and industrial compounds requiring secure containment.

Specifications Overview

Specifications include:

30 gallon and 55 gallon capacities
HDPE construction
Open head design with removable lid
Locking ring closure system
Corrosion-resistant body
Standard dimensions compatible with pallets and forklifts
UN rated options available depending on application
Suitable for repeated industrial use

Our team can help identify the appropriate drum specifications based on your storage, transportation, and compliance requirements.

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Material and Construction

High-Density Polyethylene Design

Manufactured using high-density polyethylene, each HDPE open head drum is engineered to withstand demanding industrial environments. HDPE offers excellent durability while resisting corrosion, moisture, and many chemicals that may damage metal containers.

The lightweight construction also makes these drums easier to move throughout warehouses, production facilities, and distribution centers without sacrificing strength.

Built for Long-Term Performance

Open head plastic drums are designed for repeated use in industrial operations. Their durable construction helps withstand routine loading, unloading, and handling while maintaining dependable performance throughout multiple use cycles.

Because HDPE does not rust, these containers continue performing well in humid environments or outdoor storage applications when appropriate.

Lid and Closure System

UN Rating and Compliance

The defining feature of an open head poly drum is its removable lid. Each drum is equipped with a secure locking ring that keeps contents protected during storage and transport while allowing quick access whenever needed.

This closure system makes the drum particularly useful for products that require manual loading, frequent inspection, or complete removal of contents. The wide opening also simplifies cleaning between uses, helping support operational efficiency.

Many open head poly drums are available with UN-rated configurations for approved hazardous materials applications. These containers undergo performance testing to verify durability, leak resistance, stacking strength, and transportation performance.

Selecting the proper drum depends on your material, shipping requirements, and applicable regulations. Our team can help determine the right configuration for your operation and answer questions about compliance.

Applications Across Industries

Common Applications

Open head poly drums are commonly used for:

Powders and dry materials
Industrial chemicals
Cleaning compounds
Adhesives and resins
Recycling materials
Food ingredients when approved
Pharmaceutical ingredients
Waste collection

The removable lid provides convenient access for products that need to be scooped, poured, or manually loaded.

Industries Served

These drums support a wide range of industries, including:

Chemical manufacturing
Food and beverage processing
Pharmaceutical production
Agriculture
Environmental services
Industrial manufacturing
Recycling operations
Distribution and logistics

Storage and Transport Performance

Open head poly drums provide dependable protection during storage and shipping. Their lightweight construction simplifies handling while helping reduce transportation weight compared to steel alternatives.

The removable lid and locking ring create a secure closure that helps protect contents throughout transport while allowing quick access when materials need to be loaded or removed.

Sustainability and Reconditioning

HDPE drums support environmentally responsible operations through reuse and recycling. Depending on their previous contents and condition, many plastic drums can be cleaned, inspected, and reconditioned for additional service.

At the end of their usable life, HDPE material can be recycled into new industrial products, helping reduce landfill waste and support sustainability initiatives.

Kelly Drums also offers pickup, recycling, and container reconditioning services to help customers manage the complete lifecycle of their industrial containers.