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Product Overview

This 30-gallon salvage drum from Eagle Manufacturing provides DOT-compliant secondary containment for damaged or leaking drums up to approximately 20 gallons. Built from HDPE polyethylene with a metal lever lock closure, it is the mid-size option in the salvage drum lineup for containing compromised containers during emergency response and regulated transport. UN/DOT rated 1H2/X100/S, this salvage drum is certified for Packing Groups I, II, and III with a maximum gross mass of 100 kg (220 lbs). Dimensions are 21.25" OD x 28.5" H with an 18 lb tare weight. The metal lever lock band provides a secure, tamper-evident seal required for salvage packaging operations. The yellow HDPE body resists chemical attack from most common industrial and laboratory chemicals. 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 Salvage Drum w/ Metal Lever Lock — Technical Specifications

SKU A1602E
Capacity 30 Gal
Material HDPE Polyethylene
Closure Metal Lever Lock
Color Yellow
Dimensions 21.25" OD x 28.5" H
Weight Capacity 220 lbs
Drum Weight 18 lbs
UN/DOT Rating 1H2/X100/S
Type Salvage Drum
Manufacturer Eagle Manufacturing
Shipping OVERSIZE or LTL

Expert Insights

The 30-gallon salvage drum fills an important gap in the salvage drum lineup. It accepts inner containers up to approximately 20 gallons, which covers the most common pail and small drum sizes used in industrial and laboratory settings. The 21.25-inch diameter matches the 30-gallon lab pack drums, providing consistent storage footprint across both product lines. The UN/DOT rating H2/X100/S certifies this salvage drum for all three Packing Groups at up to 100 kg gross mass. This rating is critical because salvage drums are used in emergency situations where the contents of the inner container may not be immediately known. The X performance level ensures the broadest possible material compatibility from a regulatory standpoint. Salvage drum selection follows a simple rule: the salvage drum must be large enough to contain the inner drum plus absorbent packing material, and its UN rating must cover the inner drum contents. For this 30-gallon model, the practical inner container limit is about 20 gallons when accounting for 2 to 3 inches of absorbent on all sides. The metal lever lock is critical for salvage drums because these containers often endure rougher handling than standard waste drums during emergency deployment. Always maintain a supply of salvage drums in each major storage area sized to match the largest containers stored in that area.

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

30-Gallon Salvage Drum w/ Metal Lever Lock

What size drum can I overpack in this 30-gallon salvage drum?

This 30-gallon salvage drum can contain damaged inner containers up to approximately 20 gallons. The 21.25-inch inside diameter accommodates standard 5-gallon pails and drums up to 20 gallons with room for absorbent material around and above the inner container.

How does this salvage drum compare to the 30-gallon lab pack drums?

The 30-gallon salvage drum (A1602E) shares similar dimensions with the 30-gallon lab pack drums but is specifically certified for salvage (overpacking) operations. Salvage drums are designed to contain a single damaged or leaking inner container, while lab pack drums are used to accumulate many small waste containers with absorbent. The regulatory certifications and intended uses differ.

Is the metal lever lock essential for salvage drums?

Yes. Salvage drums are used during emergency situations where containers are already compromised. The metal lever lock provides the strongest closure type, maintaining seal integrity even when the drum is handled roughly during emergency deployment. Many waste haulers require metal closures on salvage drums as a condition of acceptance.

How many salvage drums should I keep in stock?

A good rule of thumb is to keep at least one salvage drum of each size at each major storage location. The 30-gallon salvage drum should be readily accessible wherever you store 10 to 20-gallon containers of hazardous materials. Having the right size salvage drum pre-positioned reduces emergency response time.

Can I use a salvage drum as a regular waste accumulation drum?

While physically possible, it is not recommended. Salvage drums carry specific DOT certifications for overpacking operations and are typically more expensive than standard lab pack drums. Using salvage drums for routine waste accumulation depletes your emergency containment inventory. Reserve salvage drums for their intended purpose and use lab pack drums for routine waste collection.

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:
  • partsA1602EEagle 1602
  • noteEagle Manufacturing 30-Gallon Salvage Drum with Metal Lever Lock, Yellow HDPE. SKU: A1602E. Also referenced as Eagle Model 1602.