Plastic Drums
Plastic drums are used to store and transport liquids, powders and other materials. Plastic drums are used often preferred to steel because they do not rust. Plastics such as nylon, polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are specifically used to transport caustic and acidic materials. In transporting radioactive, flammable, or otherwise hazardous waste, however, steel drums are required.
Plastic drums are often called 55 gallon drums, the standard size of drums. Plastic drums may be open-top or closed top drums. Open-top drums have a top that can be removed and replaced and can be used to store either liquids or solids such as powders and small items. Closed-top drums, in contrast, do not open at the top and hence can only be used to store liquid, which is dispensed through bung holes. Closed-top drums may also be referred to as barrels.