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Product Overview

This 20-gallon salvage drum from Eagle Manufacturing is specifically designed as a secondary containment vessel for damaged or leaking smaller drums and containers. Constructed from HDPE polyethylene with a metal lever lock closure, it provides DOT-compliant overpacking for compromised containers up to approximately 10 gallons in size. UN/DOT rated 1H2/X75/S, this salvage drum is certified for Packing Groups I, II, and III with a maximum gross mass of 75 kg (165 lbs). Dimensions are 21" OD x 21" H with a 16 lb tare weight. The metal lever lock band provides a tamper-evident, secure seal that meets hauler and TSDF requirements for salvage operations. The yellow color provides instant hazmat identification. AbsorbentsOnline.com has been a trusted source for hazardous waste containers since 1985. FREE shipping on qualifying orders. SHIPS OVERSIZE or LTL.

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 differ from lab pack drums in one critical way: they are specifically designed and certified to contain a damaged or leaking inner container. While lab packs are used to accumulate many small containers of waste, salvage drums are used to overpack a single compromised container that can no longer be shipped in its original packaging. Under DOT regulations (49 CFR 173.3), salvage packaging must be marked with the letter "T" in the UN marking to indicate it is a salvage-certified container. The 20-gallon salvage drum (A1654E) with its 1H2/X75/S rating is ideal for containing leaking 5-gallon pails, small steel drums up to 10 gallons, and other compromised containers commonly found in laboratories and industrial settings. The metal lever lock closure is essential for salvage operations because it provides a stronger, more secure seal than plastic lever locks. During emergency overpacking, the drum may be subjected to rough handling, and the metal band maintains its integrity under stress. Always pack absorbent material between the inner container and salvage drum walls to capture leaked contents. The 21-inch diameter and 21-inch height create a compact, easy-to-handle package for small container salvage operations.

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.

  • 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.

    Mike L. — Warehouse Safety Supervisor, Chemical Distribution

    Verified Buyer
  • 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.

    Lt. Chris P. — Hazmat Team Lead, Fire Department

    Verified Buyer
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.