Shop 55 gallon food-grade plastic drums in open-head and closed-head (tight-head) styles. Open-head drums give you easy filling and clean-out; closed-head drums seal tight for liquid storage and transport. UN rated for regulated shipping, no minimum order.
55 Gallon Plastic Drums for Food & Industrial Use
Food-grade HDPE. UN rated. Open-head and closed-head styles. No minimum order.
Open Head vs. Closed Head: Which Drum Do You Need?
Open-head drums (1H2) have a fully removable lid secured by a galvanized steel lever-lock ring. Choose open head when you need to fill, mix, scoop, or clean between uses — ideal for dry ingredients, powders, granular products, and thick liquids like honey or syrup. Lids include threaded openings so you can still pour and vent without removing the lid.
Closed-head drums (1H1), also called tight-head drums, are molded as one sealed piece with threaded bung openings on top. Choose closed head for thin liquids you'll pump or pour — the sealed design maximizes structural integrity and leak resistance for storage and transport.
Why Businesses Choose Our Plastic Drums
⚠️ UN Rated
Every drum carries a UN rating (1H2 open head for solids, 1H1 closed head for liquids) for regulated materials shipping under DOT requirements.
🥇 Food-Grade HDPE
FDA-compliant, BPA-free #2 HDPE resin safe for food-contact applications — from bulk ingredients to beverage processing.
🛡️ Built to Last
Polyethylene drums never rust or corrode, indoors or out, across a 0°F to 120°F service range.
🏆 Wholesale Pricing
Competitive per-drum pricing with no minimum order — buy one drum or a truckload.
🚚 Fast Shipping
Drums ship quickly via LTL motor freight. Need help estimating freight? Our team can quote your order before you buy.
🎖️ Veteran Owned
ePackageSupply is majority veteran-owned and trusted by 6,000+ businesses nationwide.
Popular Uses for Drums
Food & Beverage Processing
Bulk storage of dry ingredients, sweeteners, brines, sauces, and juice concentrates in FDA-compliant containers.
Agriculture
Feed storage, fertilizer handling, and rainwater collection that stands up to outdoor conditions without rusting.
Chemical & Industrial
UN-rated transport of regulated solids and liquids, detergents, lubricants, and process chemicals.
Brewing & Fermentation
Large-batch fermenting, aging, and ingredient staging in food-safe, easy-clean vessels.
Emergency Preparedness
Long-term dry goods storage — a 55 gallon drum holds up to 550 lbs of solids.
Waste & Recycling
Collection and transport of non-hazardous waste streams, shop rags, and recyclables.
Compare Our Drums
| Drum | Style | UN Rating | Best For | Dimensions (H × Dia) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 Gallon Open Head | Removable lever-lock lid | 1H2/Y250/S | Solids, dry goods, thick liquids | 36" × 22¾" |
| 55 Gallon Closed Head | Sealed top, 2" bungs | 1H1/Y1.9/100 | Liquids, pumping, transport | 34¼" × 23¼" |
Frequently Asked Questions About Drums
Are your plastic drums food grade?
Yes. All drums are molded from FDA-compliant, BPA-free HDPE resin. As with any new container, clean before first food-contact use.
What do the UN ratings mean?
The first code identifies the container type — 1H2 is an open-head plastic drum, 1H1 is a closed-head plastic drum. The letter (Y) means approval for Packing Group II and III materials. The final code indicates the rating basis: "S" for solids, or a pressure/gravity figure for liquids. Our open-head drum is rated for regulated solids; the closed-head drum is rated for regulated liquids.
Should I choose an open-head or closed-head drum?
Open head if you need access — filling, mixing, scooping, or cleaning between uses. Closed head if you're storing or transporting thin liquids you'll pump or pour through the bung openings.
Can these drums store drinking water?
They're not rated for long-term potable water storage or fuel. For food ingredients, solids, and most liquids they're fully food-safe.
How do plastic drums ship?
Drums ship via LTL motor freight due to their size. Our team can quote freight before you order.
Do the open-head lids seal tight?
Yes — each open-head lid has a gasket and is secured by a galvanized steel lever-lock ring that snaps closed by hand and won't pop open in transit. Lids also include threaded 2" and ¾" openings for pouring and venting.
Find the Right Drum for Your Operation
Questions about UN ratings, freight, or bulk pricing? Our packaging experts are ready to help at 888-853-4481.