Reconditioning Services
Professional cleaning, repair, and testing to restore containers to like-new condition. Extend container life and reduce costs with certified reconditioning.
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About Our Reconditioning Services
PackMeUS reconditioning services breathe new life into used containers, delivering an economically attractive alternative to purchasing new while maintaining the quality, performance, and compliance standards your operations require. Professional reconditioning significantly extends container service life, providing excellent value while supporting environmental sustainability.
Our reconditioning capabilities encompass steel drums, plastic drums, and IBC totes—the container types where reconditioning delivers the greatest value. Each container type follows specialized processes designed for its specific materials and construction, ensuring optimal results.
Steel drum reconditioning is our cornerstone service, with comprehensive processes refined over decades of industry experience. Our 12-step reconditioning process includes: visual inspection and sorting, deheading (for open-head drums), residual product removal, high-pressure cleaning, interior inspection, dent removal and rolling, leak testing (hydrostatic or air pressure), shot blasting (interior and exterior), interior lining application if required, exterior priming and painting, gasket replacement, and final inspection with certification. The result is a drum that performs like new at a fraction of the cost.
Plastic drum reconditioning focuses on thorough cleaning and inspection. HDPE drums are cleaned using hot water, detergent, and rinsing processes matched to previous contents. Interior inspection verifies no cracks, stress marks, or degradation. Exterior cleaning and inspection complete the process. Reconditioned plastic drums provide reliable performance for compatible subsequent uses.
IBC tote reconditioning offers two pathways. Rebottling replaces the inner HDPE bottle while retaining the outer cage frame—providing essentially new containment at reduced cost. Full reconditioning cleans the existing bottle and cage for continued service when bottle condition permits. Both processes include valve inspection/replacement, cage inspection and repair, pallet inspection, and final testing.
UN recertification is available for containers requiring compliance with hazardous materials transportation regulations. Our reconditioning processes and testing protocols meet UN requirements, and reconditioned containers can receive appropriate UN markings (1A1, 1A2, 1H1, 1H2, 31HA1, etc.) following successful testing. UN certification is valid for the specified period from the reconditioning date.
Quality assurance is embedded throughout our reconditioning operations. Inspection checkpoints verify each processing step meets standards. Testing protocols confirm container integrity. Documentation traces each container through the reconditioning process. The result is reconditioned containers you can rely on with confidence.
Reconditioning supports environmental sustainability by extending container service life. Each reconditioning cycle avoids the energy and materials required to manufacture a new container. Steel drums can be reconditioned multiple times (5-7 cycles typical), multiplying this environmental benefit. Choosing reconditioned containers demonstrates environmental responsibility to stakeholders and customers.
Benefits of Our Reconditioning Services
Significant Cost Savings
Reconditioned containers typically cost 30-50% less than new containers while meeting equivalent performance standards. For high-volume users, these savings compound significantly. Reconditioning your own used containers can yield even greater value retention.
Quality-Assured Performance
Every container is thoroughly inspected, processed, and tested to ensure it meets applicable standards. Multi-point quality checks throughout the reconditioning process verify each step. The result is a container that performs reliably—not a used container with uncertain condition.
Extended Container Life
Professional reconditioning can double, triple, or further extend a container's useful life. Steel drums commonly achieve 5-7 reconditioning cycles. This extended service life maximizes your container investment and reduces ongoing packaging costs.
UN Recertification Available
Reconditioned containers can receive UN certification for hazardous materials transport. Our processes and testing meet UN requirements for 1A1, 1A2 (steel drums), 1H1, 1H2 (plastic drums), and 31HA1 (IBCs). Certification enables continued hazmat use without purchasing new containers.
Environmental Responsibility
Reconditioning reduces waste and avoids the energy, materials, and emissions required to manufacture new containers. Each reconditioning cycle delivers environmental benefit. Choosing reconditioned containers demonstrates sustainability commitment to stakeholders and customers.
Custom Specifications
Containers can be reconditioned to your specific requirements. Interior lining options (epoxy, phenolic, polyethylene) match your product chemistry. Exterior finishes and colors support your branding. Certification levels match your regulatory needs.
Comprehensive Processing
Our reconditioning addresses every aspect of container condition: cleaning, dent repair, coating restoration, gasket replacement, fitting inspection, and leak testing. Nothing is overlooked—containers leave our facility ready for demanding service.
Supply Chain Integration
Reconditioning integrates with PackMeUS buying, selling, and transportation services. Sell us your used containers, and we recondition them for resale. Or send your own containers for reconditioning and return. Flexible options match your operational model.
Our Process
Simple, efficient, and transparent every step of the way.
Collection & Receiving
Used containers are collected from your facility or received at our reconditioning plant. Containers are sorted by type, size, and previous contents. Initial assessment determines reconditioning viability and required processing.
Cleaning & Residue Removal
Previous contents are thoroughly removed using appropriate methods: high-pressure hot water, detergents, solvents, or specialized cleaning agents based on previous contents. Interior and exterior surfaces are cleaned to remove all residues and contaminants.
Inspection & Repair
Each container is inspected for damage, wear, and defects. Dents are removed and surfaces rolled smooth (steel drums). Cracks, stress marks, and degradation are identified (plastic). Damaged components are repaired or replaced.
Refinishing & Restoration
Steel drums are shot blasted to remove rust and old coatings, then primed and painted. Interior linings are applied if specified. Gaskets and fittings are replaced. Exterior surfaces are restored to near-new appearance and protection.
Testing & Certification
Containers undergo leak testing (hydrostatic or air pressure) to verify integrity. UN certification testing is performed when required. All test results are documented. Containers passing all tests receive certification marks and are ready for service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of containers can be reconditioned?
We recondition steel drums (all standard sizes, open-head and tight-head), plastic drums (HDPE), and IBC totes (rebottling and full reconditioning). Not all individual containers are suitable for reconditioning—severe damage, certain chemical exposures, or extensive degradation may render containers uneconomical or unsafe to recondition.
How much can I save with reconditioned containers?
Savings typically range from 30-50% compared to new container prices, depending on container type, specifications required, and market conditions. For high-volume users, annual savings can be substantial. Custom reconditioning of your own containers can retain even more value.
Can reconditioned containers be UN certified for hazmat?
Yes, properly reconditioned containers meeting UN specifications can receive UN certification marks. Our processes and testing protocols comply with UN requirements. Certification types include UN1A1/1A2 (steel drums), UN1H1/1H2 (plastic drums), and UN31HA1 (IBCs). Certification is valid from the reconditioning date.
How long does reconditioning take?
Standard turnaround is typically 1-2 weeks from container receipt, depending on volume, container condition, and specification requirements. Rush processing can be arranged for urgent needs. For ongoing programs, we can establish processing schedules matching your operational timing.
Can you recondition containers that held hazardous materials?
Yes, containers previously holding hazardous materials can be reconditioned with appropriate handling. Proper residue removal and cleaning procedures ensure safe processing. Some highly hazardous materials may require specialized handling. Provide previous contents information for accurate assessment.
What interior linings are available for steel drums?
We offer multiple lining options: epoxy phenolic (general chemical resistance), polyethylene (aggressive solvents), rust inhibitor (petroleum products), and specialized linings for specific applications. Our team can recommend appropriate linings based on your product chemistry.
Can I send my own used containers for reconditioning?
Absolutely. We offer toll reconditioning services where you send your used containers and receive them back reconditioned to your specifications. This model works well for operations wanting to retain their container fleet while benefiting from professional reconditioning.
What is the difference between IBC rebottling and reconditioning?
Rebottling replaces the inner HDPE bottle with a new bottle while retaining the existing cage frame—essentially providing new containment. Full reconditioning cleans and restores the existing bottle when its condition permits continued service. Rebottling costs more but provides longer remaining service life.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact us today to discuss your reconditioning services needs.