For decades, the 55 Gallon Drum has been a staple in industries that require safe and reliable storage of liquids, solids, and hazardous waste. Known for its durability, the fifty five gallon drum has become the default container for everything from chemicals to food products. But while the 55 Gallon Steel Drum has proven useful, it comes with challenges such as weight, corrosion, storage inefficiency, and high transportation costs. As businesses look for smarter solutions, many are asking: what is the alternative to steel drums?
The role of the 55 Gallon Steel Drum
A 55 Gallon Drum Container is one of the most standardized pieces of industrial equipment in the world. Typically, a 55 Gallon Barrel Metal option is chosen for its strength and ability to hold heavy materials without leaking. These drums can store about 208 liters and are widely available in warehouses, shipping yards, and manufacturing facilities. Companies that frequently buy 55 gallon drums find them useful for bulk storage, while a Plastic 55 Gallon Drum is often selected for corrosion resistance.
However, traditional gallon barrels come with limitations. Even empty, a steel drum weighs more than 40 pounds, making it labor-intensive to handle. It also occupies the same amount of space whether it is full or not, limiting warehouse efficiency. Over time, rust, dents, and wear reduce the lifespan of these drums, adding replacement costs and safety risks.
The growing need for alternatives
Businesses seeking a 55 gallon drum for sale today must weigh the long-term costs of steel containers against more efficient solutions. Companies are increasingly concerned about sustainability, worker safety, and transportation expenses. The weight and rigidity of steel drums increase freight costs and carbon emissions, while their disposal or recycling requires significant resources.
These challenges have prompted innovation in container technology, leading to the development of lighter, collapsible, and recyclable alternatives.
Introducing collapsible polypropylene drums
One of the most effective alternatives to the 55 Gallon Barrel is the collapsible polypropylene drum. Gorilla Drum™, for example, delivers the same 55-gallon capacity while weighing only about 7.5 pounds when empty. Unlike traditional gallon barrels, it collapses flat for storage, meaning up to 80 units can fit on a pallet and more than 4,000 on a truckload. This efficiency reduces both warehousing needs and transportation costs.
Designed with lift loops, dolly straps, reinforced zippers, and labeling windows, Gorilla Drum provides practical features that make handling and compliance easier. It also meets UN/DOT certification standards for hazardous and non-hazardous materials, ensuring that safety is not compromised.
To better understand why so many businesses are making the switch, read The Cost And Safety Benefits Of Switching From Steel Drums.
Comparing plastic and steel drums
When evaluating alternatives, some businesses consider whether a Plastic 55 Gallon Drum is a better choice than steel. Plastic drums resist rust and are lighter, but they remain rigid, consuming the same space even when not in use. They can also be less durable under certain conditions, such as exposure to extreme heat or heavy impact.
While both steel and plastic drums serve their purposes, collapsible designs like Gorilla Drum provide a middle ground that resolves the biggest drawbacks. They are light, recyclable, easy to store, and still compliant with regulations.
Benefits of switching to modern solutions
Switching to collapsible alternatives instead of sticking with a 55 Gallon Barrel Metal or plastic drum offers numerous advantages:
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Reduced handling risks: Workers can move lightweight drums more easily, reducing injury potential.
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Lower storage costs: Collapsible designs minimize wasted warehouse space.
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Transport efficiency: More units can be shipped in a single load, reducing costs and environmental impact.
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Durability and compliance: Certified to handle hazardous materials safely while being easier to manage.
By adopting these benefits, businesses modernize their operations while staying competitive and compliant.
Making the right choice
If you are evaluating whether to buy 55 gallon drums or explore alternatives, consider not only immediate needs but also long-term efficiency. Traditional gallon barrels may feel familiar, but collapsible polypropylene options represent the future of storage and transportation. They provide the same capacity as a fifty five gallon drum without the bulk, weight, and inefficiencies.
For a step-by-step guide to selecting the right option, review the Complete Guide To Choosing The Right 55 Gallon Drum Alternative. This resource outlines how to compare steel, plastic, and collapsible designs to determine the best fit for your business.
Final thoughts
So, what is the alternative to steel drums? While 55 Gallon Steel Drums and Plastic 55 Gallon Drums remain common, collapsible polypropylene containers like Gorilla Drum are redefining what gallon barrels can be. They provide the same 55-gallon storage capacity with greater efficiency, safety, and sustainability. For businesses aiming to cut costs, improve logistics, and modernize their operations, Gorilla Drum is the clear choice.
To learn more about how Gorilla Drum can replace traditional steel drums in your workflow, call +1 800-758-8079 today.