We keep 65-gallon salvage drums at every chemical storage area in our warehouse. When a drum gets damaged during handling, we can overpack it immediately and stay DOT compliant. The metal band closure seals tight and the yellow color makes them easy to spot.
20-Gallon Salvage Drum w/ Metal Lever Lock
★★★★★ 5.0 out of 4 reviews · Google Reviews- DOT 49 CFR 173.3 Compliant — approved for overpacking damaged drums
- HDPE Construction — chemical-resistant, UV-stable for indoor/outdoor
- Accepts small pails & lab packs —sized for compliant overpacking
- FREE Shipping — ships to the Continental US
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Product Overview
Technical Specifications
20-Gallon Salvage Drum w/ Metal Lever Lock — Technical Specifications
| SKU | A1654E |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 20 Gal |
| Material | HDPE Polyethylene |
| Closure | Metal Lever Lock |
| Color | Yellow |
| Dimensions | 21" OD x 21" H |
| Weight Capacity | 165 lbs |
| Drum Weight | 16 lbs |
| UN/DOT Rating | 1H2/X75/S |
| Type | Salvage Drum |
| Manufacturer | Eagle Manufacturing |
| Shipping | OVERSIZE or LTL |
Expert Insights
Salvage Drums in Action
Chemical warehouses stage salvage drums at every aisle end for rapid response to drum failures. Hazmat response teams deploy them during spill incidents to contain damaged containers for compliant transport to disposal facilities. Oil & gas operations use them to overpack damaged drums from remote well sites before trucking them to centralized disposal centers.
Purchased by hazmat coordinators, warehouse safety managers, environmental services companies, waste haulers, and RCRA compliance officers. DOT regulations (49 CFR 173.3) require overpacking damaged or leaking drums before transport — making salvage drums a legal necessity, not just a convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
20-Gallon Salvage Drum w/ Metal Lever Lock
What is the difference between a salvage drum and a lab pack drum?
A salvage drum is certified to contain a single damaged or leaking inner container for safe transport. A lab pack drum is used to accumulate multiple small containers of waste packed in absorbent material. Salvage drums typically carry a T designation in their DOT marking. Both are HDPE open-head drums but serve different regulatory purposes.
What size containers can this 20-gallon salvage drum hold?
The 20-gallon salvage drum can contain damaged containers up to approximately 10 gallons in size. The 21-inch inside diameter accommodates standard 5-gallon pails and small drums with room for absorbent packing material around the inner container. Always ensure the inner container plus absorbent does not exceed the 165 lb weight capacity.
Why does this salvage drum use a metal lever lock instead of a screw-on lid?
Metal lever locks are preferred for salvage operations because they can be opened and closed quickly during emergency situations when a leaking container needs immediate containment. The metal band also provides superior security and tamper evidence compared to plastic lever locks, which is important because salvage drums often contain compromised hazardous materials.
Do I need salvage drums in my facility?
If your facility stores or handles drums of hazardous materials, having appropriately sized salvage drums available is a best practice and may be required by your OSHA HAZWOPER plan, EPA SPCC plan, or facility emergency response procedures. Salvage drums are essential for containing leaking containers until a waste hauler can arrange proper disposal.
What absorbent material should I use inside a salvage drum?
Use vermiculite, perlite, or compatible absorbent pads. Place a layer of absorbent in the bottom of the salvage drum before lowering the damaged container inside. Fill the space around and above the inner container with additional absorbent. The absorbent must be chemically compatible with the contents of the leaking container.
What Our Customers Say
Real reviews from the facilities, field crews, and agencies that count on us.
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Our hazmat response team ordered the 95-gallon salvage drums for field operations. They hold a full 55-gallon drum with room for absorbent packing. Passed our DOT 49 CFR 173.3 compliance audit without any issues. Solid construction and fast free shipping.
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Cross-Reference Guide
This product is compatible with applications that use the following part numbers:
- introCompatible part numbers and cross-references:
- partsA1654EEagle 1654
- noteEagle Manufacturing 20-Gallon Salvage Drum with Metal Lever Lock, Yellow HDPE. SKU: A1654E. Also referenced as Eagle Model 1654.

