If you are sitting on a surplus of drums, totes, or buckets, you are sitting on money. Companies across the USA sell used plastic drums, IBC totes, and buckets to wholesalers every week — turning a disposal cost into revenue. We buy used containers in truckload quantities, and this guide explains how the process works and what your containers are worth.
Who Buys Used Containers? We Do.
Used Bulk Buckets buys used and refurbished containers directly from businesses nationwide: 55-gallon plastic and steel drums, IBC totes, 5-gallon buckets, and 4-gallon square buckets — in truckload quantities. Instead of paying a waste hauler to take them away, you get paid for them.
Our typical sellers: food processors with surplus ingredient drums, chemical blenders rotating container stock, agricultural operations, paint manufacturers, car washes, and logistics companies clearing warehouse space.
What Used Containers Are Worth
Value depends on four factors:
- Quantity: Truckload quantities (200–240 drums, 60 IBC totes, 6,240 buckets) get the best offers. Smaller lots may still qualify — ask.
- Condition: Clean, undamaged containers with intact lids, valves, and cages are worth the most.
- Prior contents: Food-grade prior contents are the most valuable and versatile. Chemical containers are bought selectively based on contents.
- Material: HDPE plastic drums and totes, steel drums, and HDPE buckets all have active resale markets.
The fastest way to find out what yours are worth: send us photos, quantities, and prior contents. We respond with an offer quickly — no obligation. Facilities that sell used plastic drums in full truckloads usually see the strongest offers, since efficient freight keeps costs down.
How Selling Your Used Containers Works
- Contact us — call +1 920 360 0485 or email alex@thosebucketpeople.com with your container type, quantity, and location.
- Get an offer — we evaluate based on quantity, condition, and prior contents and make you a firm offer.
- We arrange pickup — for truckload quantities, we schedule the freight. You just make the containers accessible.
- You get paid — straightforward terms, no hassle.
What We Buy: The Full List
- 55-gallon plastic drums (open-top and closed-top)
- 55-gallon steel drums
- 275 and 330-gallon IBC totes (with cages and working valves)
- 5-gallon plastic buckets (with or without lids)
- 4-gallon square buckets
Have something else? Ask — if it is a reusable HDPE or steel container in volume, we are interested. Many of our suppliers sell used plastic drums to us in mixed truckloads with totes and buckets.
Sell Used Plastic Drums Instead of Paying for Disposal
Many businesses still pay waste companies to haul away containers that have real resale value. A single truckload of 200+ drums or 60 IBC totes can flip a disposal expense into a meaningful payment. When you sell used plastic drums for reuse instead of paying for disposal, you turn a sunk cost into revenue — and according to the EPA’s recycling guidelines, keeping containers in circulation beats landfilling them. Even if you are unsure about condition or quantity, one call costs nothing: +1 920 360 0485.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who buys used plastic drums near me?
We buy used plastic drums nationwide in truckload quantities and arrange the freight pickup ourselves — your location does not disqualify you. If you want to sell used plastic drums quickly, send us your quantities and photos for a fast offer.
What quantities do you buy?
Truckload quantities get the best offers: 200–240 drums, 60 IBC totes, or thousands of buckets. Smaller quantities may qualify — contact us with details.
Do my containers need to be clean?
Not perfectly — we recondition containers ourselves. But cleaner, undamaged containers earn better offers. Just be upfront about condition and prior contents.
How fast can you pick up?
Once we agree on terms, truckload pickups are typically scheduled within days. Call for current scheduling.
Get an Offer for Your Used Containers
Ready to sell used plastic drums, totes, or buckets? Send your quantities and photos today. Call +1 920 360 0485 or email alex@thosebucketpeople.com — turn your surplus containers into cash.