Reconditioning involves cleaning, repairing, and refurbishing used. Drums to restore them to near- new condition. This process is commonly applied to:  

• Plastic Drums: Ideal for chemical, food- grade or water storage.
• Metal drums suitable for oil, fuel and industrial liquids.  

Key Benefits of reconditioning drums:  

• Reduces waste and environmental impact.  
• Lowers costs compared to purchasing new drums.
• Meets sustainability goals in industries like manufacturing and logistics.  

Steps to recondition drums 

Reconditioning involves a detailed process to ensure safety and functionality 

 Step 1: Inspect the Drum 

• Check for dents, cracks or corrosion.
• Determine if the drum is repairable or needs replacement. 

 Step 2: Clean thoroughly

Plastic Drums:  

• Use warm water and a non abrasive detergent.
• For chemical residues, apply a neutralizing agent specific to the subtance stored.  

Metal Drums:  

• Clean with industrial grade solvents to remove oil or fuel.
• Use pressure washing for stubborn residues. 

 Step 3: Repair Damage 

Plastic Drums:  

• Use a heat gun to repair minor cracks
• For severe damage, plastic welding kits can be used.  

 Metal Drums:  

• Sand rusted areas and apply anti corrosion treatment.  
• Weld and seal holes to ensure the drum is leak-proof 

 Step 4: Dry Completely  

• Ensure the drum is thoroughly dried to prevent mold or rust.
• Use industrial dryers or air- dryers in a well-ventilated area. 

Step 5: Repaint or Label 

• Repaint metal drums with a corrosion resistant finish.
• Add clear, updated labels indicating the drums content and condition 

Tools and products for drums reconditioning 

Having the right tools ensures effective and safe reconditioning 

For Cleaning:  

• Pressure Washers
• Detergents and neutralizers
• Solvent based cleaners 

For Repair:  

• Heat Guns (Plastic Drums)
• Weldin kits (Plastic Drums and Metal Drums)
• Anti-corrosion treatments (metal drums) 

For finishing 

• Industrial grade paint  
• Labeling tools 

Safety considerations for reconditioning Drums:  

Reconditioning drums, especially those used for hazardous materials, requires adherence to safety protocols.  

• Wear protective gear: Gloves, goggles and masks are essential when handling chemicals or sharp tools.  
• Handle residues properly: Dispose of leftover chemicals according to local regulations. 
• Check certification needs: If the drum is reused for food or hazardous materials, ensure it meet is safety certifications like un or FDA standards
• Avoid cross contamination: Never reuse drums for incompatible materials 

 When to replace instead of reconditioning 

• Not all drums are candidates for reconditioning. Replace the drum if  
• Cracks or holes are beyond repair
• The Drum has been used to store highly toxic or corrosive materials
• The structural integrity is compromised 

Frequently Asked questions about reconditioning Drums

Q- How many times can a drum be reconditioned? It depends on the material and usage , but most drums can be reconditioned multiple times if properly maintained.  

 Q- Can reconditioned drums be used for food storage? Yes, but only if certified as food grade and cleaned with food safe products.  

 Q- is reconditioning cost effective for small scale businesses? Absolutely! It's an affordable way to maintain quality storage and reduce waste 

Reconditioning drums is an effective way to extend their life while saving costs and reducing environmental impact. By following the outlined steps and adhering to safety standards, you can restore drums to a like new condition, making them reliable for various uses.