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★★★★★5 star reviews

Product Overview

This 30-gallon open-head lab pack drum from Eagle Manufacturing combines a yellow HDPE polyethylene body with a metal lever lock closure for maximum security and hazmat identification. The yellow color coding immediately signals hazardous chemical waste, while the metal lever lock band provides a tamper-resistant seal that meets the strictest hauler requirements. Dual UN/DOT rated 1H2/X120/S and 1H2/Y180/S, this is one of the highest-rated lab pack drums available. Dimensions are 21.25" OD x 28.5" H with a 396 lb weight capacity and 18 lb tare weight. The galvanized steel lever lock band creates a positive seal that resists vibration loosening during 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, Yellow, Metal Lever Lock — Technical Specifications

SKU A1601ME
Capacity 30 Gal
Material HDPE Polyethylene
Closure Metal Lever Lock
Color Yellow
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 30-gallon yellow metal lever lock lab pack represents the premium option in the lab pack drum lineup. It combines the highest dual UN/DOT ratings (1H2/X120/S and 1H2/Y180/S) with the most secure closure type and the standard hazmat color coding. This is the drum that most experienced waste management professionals specify for regulated hazardous waste shipments. The metal lever lock closure is critical for several reasons. First, it provides tamper evidence because the band shows visible deformation if someone attempts to pry it open. Second, it meets the DOT closure requirements for Packing Group II materials, which some plastic lever locks do not. Third, many TSDFs and waste haulers contractually require metal closures on drums entering their facilities. The Y180/S rating is exceptional, allowing up to 180 kg gross mass for Packing Group II materials. This means you can load dense waste streams like heavy reagent bottles, metal containers, and solid chemical stocks without approaching the weight limit. The yellow color is the universal signal for hazardous waste in most facility color-coding systems, ensuring proper identification by waste haulers, inspectors, and emergency responders. When ordering, note that the yellow metal lever lock (A1601ME) and blue metal lever lock (A1601MBE) share identical drum bodies and differ only in color.

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, Yellow, Metal Lever Lock

Why does the metal lever lock version have the same weight capacity as the screw-on lid version?

Both the metal lever lock (A1601ME) and screw-on lid (A1600SLE) 30-gallon drums share the same dual UN/DOT ratings of 1H2/X120/S and 1H2/Y180/S, resulting in identical 396 lb weight capacities. The metal lever lock band provides closure strength comparable to the threaded lid, unlike the lighter plastic lever lock which is rated lower.

What is the difference between this yellow drum and the blue version?

The yellow (A1601ME) and blue (A1601MBE) 30-gallon metal lever lock drums are physically identical except for color. Yellow is the industry standard for hazardous chemical waste including flammables and toxics. Blue is typically used for laboratory waste, corrosives, or non-hazardous chemical waste. Choose based on your facility color-coding system.

Is the metal lever lock reusable or single-use?

The metal lever lock band is designed for multiple open-close cycles during the waste accumulation period. The galvanized steel construction resists corrosion and maintains its spring tension through repeated use. However, if the band shows any signs of deformation, cracking, or loss of tension, replace it before sealing the drum for transport.

What DOT markings are required on this drum for shipment?

For off-site transport, the drum must display the UN marking (already molded into the drum body), proper shipping name, UN identification number, hazard class label, generator information, and the 24-hour emergency response phone number. Your waste hauler will typically apply the required DOT labels at the time of pickup.

Can I mix different waste types in the same lab pack drum?

Lab packs can contain multiple waste types provided they are chemically compatible. Never pack oxidizers with flammables, acids with cyanides, or water-reactive materials with aqueous solutions in the same drum. Each internal container must be individually sealed. Your waste management provider can supply a compatibility chart for lab pack waste segregation.

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:
  • partsA1601MEEagle 1601M
  • noteEagle Manufacturing 30-Gallon Lab Pack Drum with Metal Lever Lock, Yellow HDPE. SKU: A1601ME. Also referenced as Eagle Model 1601M.