UN Steel Drums — Carbon & Stainless | 10 to 85 Gallon | Los Angeles, CA

Open Head vs Tight Head Drums — Which Do You Need?

The most common question buyers ask before ordering. Here is the plain-English answer:

Open Head Drum

• Removable llid secured by bolt ring

• Best for solids and semi-solid waste

• Easy to fill, empty, and clean

• Can be reused and reconditioned

• Common in auto shops, manufacturing

Carbon Steel vs Stainless Steel — The Right Choice for Your Waste Stream

Carbon steel drums are the industry standard for most solid and liquid industrial waste. They are cost-effective, widely accepted by transporters, and fully UN-certified for hazardous materials. Choose carbon steel when your waste is not highly corrosive and does not require contamination-free contact surfaces. 

Stainless steel drums are required when contents are aggressive acids, caustic chemicals, or pharmaceutical and food-grade materials where carbon steel would corrode or contaminate the product. Our 304 stainless steel drums with 2B finish are the choice of California pharmaceutical manufacturers, biotech facilities, and specialty chemical distributors.

Full Size Range: 10, 16, 30, 55, and 85 Gallon Options

•       10 gallon — Lab waste, small-quantity generators, tight storage spaces

•       16 gallon — Specialty applications, niche compliance requirements

•       30 gallon — Small manufacturing operations, paint and solvent shops

•       55 gallon — The industry standard. Most common size for California EHS programs

•       85 gallon salvage drum — Required by RCRA for over-packing damaged or leaking 55-gallon containers

 All sizes are available in open head and tight head configurations. Carbon steel options are available across the full range. Stainless steel is available in 30, 55, and 85 gallon.

UN1A1 and UN1A2 Certification — What It Means for California Compliance

UN1A1 designates a closed-head (tight head) steel drum certified for liquid hazardous materials. UN1A2 designates an open-head steel drum certified for solid and semi-solid hazardous waste. Both certifications are required under DOT 49 CFR for interstate transport of hazardous materials, and under California DTSC regulations for on-site storage and disposal contractor pickup.

Industries We Serve Across Southern California

Our steel drums ship to businesses throughout Los Angeles County, Orange County, the Inland Empire, and San Diego County. Common customers include:

•       Auto repair shops and dealerships — used oil, brake fluid, solvents

•       Metal fabricators and machine shops — coolants, cutting oils, metal shavings

•       Electronics manufacturers — solvent waste, acid rinse solutions

•       Chemical distributors — bulk liquid repackaging

•       Environmental remediation contractors — excavated soil, contaminated liquids

•       Pharmaceutical and biotech facilities — process waste, lab chemicals

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between UN1A1 and UN1A2?

UN1A1 is a tight-head (closed-top) steel drum rated for liquids. UN1A2 is an open-head drum rated for solids. Choose UN1A1 for liquid waste streams and UN1A2 for solid or semi-solid materials that require access through a removable lid. 

Do I need an 85-gallon salvage drum?

California RCRA regulations require that damaged, leaking, or non-standard containers be over-packed in a salvage drum before transport. If you have a 55-gallon drum that has been compromised, an 85-gallon salvage drum is the compliant solution. 

Do you deliver to the Inland Empire and San Diego?

Yes. Our flat-rate freight covers all of Southern California within 150 miles of our Compton warehouse, including Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario, Anaheim, and San Diego.

 Can I pick up my order at the warehouse?

Yes. Will-call pickup is available at our Compton, CA facility. Orders placed for pickup require a minimum of one hour of processing time before collection.