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★★★★★5 star reviews

Product Overview

This 30-gallon open-head lab pack drum from Eagle Manufacturing features heavy-duty HDPE polyethylene construction with a plastic lever lock closure for fast, tool-free access. The 30-gallon capacity is the largest standard lab pack size, ideal for high-volume waste generators who need to maximize container count per drum. UN/DOT rated 1H2/X100/S, this drum is certified for ground transport of regulated solid materials with a maximum gross mass of 100 kg. Dimensions are 21.25" OD x 28.5" H with a 220 lb weight capacity and 16 lb tare weight. The plastic lever lock allows rapid opening and closing during daily waste accumulation without degrading the seal. 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, Plastic Lever Lock — Technical Specifications

SKU A1601E
Capacity 30 Gal
Material HDPE Polyethylene
Closure Plastic Lever Lock
Color Yellow
Dimensions 21.25" OD x 28.5" H
Weight Capacity 220 lbs
Drum Weight 16 lbs
UN/DOT Rating 1H2/X100/S
Manufacturer Eagle Manufacturing
Shipping OVERSIZE or LTL

Expert Insights

The 30-gallon plastic lever lock lab pack strikes a balance between convenience and performance. The plastic lever lock ring provides tool-free opening and closing, which is valuable in active laboratories where waste is added to the drum multiple times per day. Unlike metal lever locks, the plastic ring will not corrode when exposed to chemical vapors inside the drum. The UN/DOT rating 1H2/X100/S certifies this drum for Packing Groups I, II, and III solids with a gross mass up to 100 kg (220 lbs). This is a solid mid-range rating that covers the vast majority of laboratory waste streams. For heavier waste loads, consider the screw-on lid version (A1600SLE) which is rated to 396 lbs. Key selection criteria between the plastic lever lock (A1601E) and the metal lever lock (A1601ME): the plastic lever lock is lighter, corrosion-resistant, and easier to operate. The metal lever lock offers higher tamper resistance and is required by some waste haulers. Both share identical drum dimensions (21.25" OD x 28.5" H), making them interchangeable in storage configurations. When stacking, limit loaded 30-gallon drums to two high maximum.

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, Plastic Lever Lock

What is the weight difference between the plastic and metal lever lock 30-gallon drums?

The plastic lever lock version (A1601E) weighs 16 lbs while the metal lever lock version (A1601ME) weighs 18 lbs. The 2 lb difference comes from the heavier galvanized steel locking band. Both drums share identical HDPE bodies and dimensions at 21.25 inches OD x 28.5 inches H.

Why would I choose plastic lever lock over screw-on lid for a 30-gallon drum?

Choose the plastic lever lock when the drum will be opened frequently during the accumulation period, such as in active research labs where waste is added daily. The lever lock opens in seconds without threading. Choose the screw-on lid for drums that will be sealed and stored for longer periods, or when you need the higher 396 lb weight capacity.

Is HDPE compatible with all types of chemical waste?

HDPE is resistant to most acids, bases, alcohols, and aqueous solutions. However, it is not compatible with strong oxidizers, some chlorinated solvents, and aromatic hydrocarbons at high concentrations. Always check the HDPE chemical compatibility chart against your specific waste stream before selecting a drum material.

What happens if the plastic lever lock breaks?

If the lever lock ring is damaged, the drum cannot be sealed to DOT standards and should not be used for transport. Contact your supplier for replacement locking rings. During the accumulation period, a damaged lock ring means the drum is no longer in compliance with RCRA closure requirements and the waste should be transferred to an intact drum.

Can this drum be reused after the waste is disposed of?

Drums that have held hazardous waste are considered contaminated and must be managed according to RCRA empty container rules (40 CFR 261.7). A container is considered empty if all waste has been removed using standard practices and no more than one inch of residue remains. Reuse for the same waste stream is possible but consult your environmental compliance team.

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:
  • partsA1601EEagle 1601
  • noteEagle Manufacturing 30-Gallon Lab Pack Drum with Plastic Lever Lock, Yellow HDPE. SKU: A1601E. Also referenced as Eagle Model 1601.