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Product Overview

This 30-gallon open-head lab pack drum from Eagle Manufacturing features a blue HDPE polyethylene body with a metal lever lock closure. The blue color coding designates this container for laboratory chemical waste, corrosives, and non-flammable hazardous waste streams, providing clear visual differentiation from yellow hazmat drums in multi-waste-stream facilities. Dual UN/DOT rated 1H2/X120/S and 1H2/Y180/S, this drum carries the highest performance ratings in the lab pack series. Dimensions are 21.25" OD x 28.5" H with a 396 lb weight capacity and 18 lb tare weight. The galvanized steel metal lever lock band provides tamper-evident, vibration-resistant sealing for secure transport. AbsorbentsOnline.com has been a trusted source for hazardous waste containers since 1985. FREE shipping on qualifying orders. SHIPS OVERSIZE or LTL.

Technical Specifications

30 Gallon Lab Pack, Blue, Metal Lever Lock — Technical Specifications

SKU A1601MBE
Capacity 30 Gal
Material HDPE Polyethylene
Closure Metal Lever Lock
Color Blue
Dimensions 21.25" OD x 28.5" H
Weight Capacity 396 lbs
Drum Weight 18 lbs
UN/DOT Rating 1H2/X120/S & 1H2/Y180/S
Manufacturer Eagle Manufacturing
Shipping OVERSIZE or LTL

Expert Insights

The blue 30-gallon metal lever lock lab pack is the counterpart to the yellow A1601ME, sharing identical construction, UN/DOT ratings, and dimensions. The only difference is the blue color, which serves an important waste segregation function in facilities that use color-coded drum systems. In many university and pharmaceutical lab environments, blue drums are designated for laboratory chemical waste that includes corrosives (acids and bases), water-reactive materials, or oxidizers, while yellow drums collect flammable solvents and general hazmat. Some facilities use blue specifically for non-RCRA regulated waste or for waste streams that require separate handling from flammable materials. The dual UN/DOT ratings of 1H2/X120/S and 1H2/Y180/S make this drum suitable for the widest range of waste classifications. The metal lever lock provides the tamper-evident seal required by most waste haulers and TSDFs. When establishing a drum color-coding system, document it in your facility waste management plan and train all personnel on the color assignments. Consistency in color coding prevents cross-contamination of incompatible waste streams and simplifies waste hauler communications.

Lab Pack Drums in Action

University and hospital labs use lab pack drums as satellite accumulation containers at each workstation, consolidating spent solvents, expired reagents, and waste chemicals for scheduled hazmat pickup. Pharmaceutical R&D labs use them during formulation changes to collect off-spec batches. Environmental services companies use them during lab clean-outs to systematically pack and remove dozens of small chemical containers in a single compliant shipment.

Purchased by lab managers, EHS coordinators, hazmat waste haulers, environmental services firms, and university safety officers. Facilities typically maintain a 90-day accumulation inventory — the maximum satellite accumulation period under EPA RCRA 40 CFR 262.15.

Frequently Asked Questions

30 Gallon Lab Pack, Blue, Metal Lever Lock

Is this blue drum identical to the yellow version except for color?

Yes. The blue (A1601MBE) and yellow (A1601ME) 30-gallon metal lever lock drums share the same HDPE body, metal lever lock band, dimensions (21.25 inches OD x 28.5 inches H), weight capacity (396 lbs), and dual UN/DOT ratings (1H2/X120/S and 1H2/Y180/S). The only difference is the drum body color.

What waste streams are typically collected in blue lab pack drums?

Blue lab pack drums are commonly used for laboratory chemical waste including corrosives (acids and bases), oxidizers, water-reactive materials, and non-flammable hazardous chemicals. Some facilities also use blue for non-RCRA regulated waste. Your facility waste management plan should define the specific color-coding assignments.

Can I order both yellow and blue drums for waste segregation?

Yes, and this is recommended for facilities that generate multiple waste streams. Using both yellow (A1601ME) and blue (A1601MBE) drums creates a visual segregation system that helps prevent incompatible waste from being mixed. Both drums have identical performance ratings so they can be managed using the same handling procedures.

What is the maximum stacking height for loaded 30-gallon lab packs?

Loaded 30-gallon lab pack drums should be stacked no more than two high during storage. Place the heavier drum on the bottom. Ensure the storage area has adequate secondary containment and meets RCRA spacing requirements. The top drum must be stable and not at risk of falling.

Does the blue color affect the chemical resistance of the HDPE?

No. The blue pigment is integrated into the HDPE during manufacturing and does not affect the chemical resistance properties of the polyethylene. Both blue and yellow drums have identical chemical compatibility profiles and resistance to acids, bases, alcohols, and aqueous solutions.

What Our Customers Say

Real reviews from the facilities, field crews, and agencies that count on us.

  • We switched to these lab pack drums for our satellite accumulation points. The lever-lock closure is easy to operate with gloves and the UN rating means we can ship directly to our TSDF without repacking. Great price per drum compared to our previous supplier.

    Dr. Sarah M. — Lab Safety Officer, University Research

    Verified Buyer
  • Ordering these 30-gallon lab packs in bulk saved us thousands annually. The HDPE construction handles our chemical waste streams without issue. Metal lever-lock rings give us confidence during DOT transport. Fast shipping too.

    Kevin R. — Environmental Services Manager, Pharmaceutical

    Verified Buyer
Cross-Reference Guide

This product is compatible with applications that use the following part numbers:

  • introCompatible part numbers and cross-references:
  • partsA1601MBEEagle 1601MB
  • noteEagle Manufacturing 30-Gallon Lab Pack Drum with Metal Lever Lock, Blue HDPE. SKU: A1601MBE. Also referenced as Eagle Model 1601MB.