What comes in big black plastic drums

[DrRod]

I have a couple of big [like 40 gal] black plastic drums. They've been here for around 15-20 years. I opened one and there is a small amount of fluid in the bottom. The labels are all gone so I have no idea what it might be. I've seen these drums in various colors so I'm wondering if there might be a code for this; e.g. blue for pools, white for food, etc. So please let me know or even make a guess -- all good food for thought.

 

[Jstpssng]

Experience has taught me that if I reply, somebody will quickly step in with the right answer. :laughing:
I don't believe that the color alone indicates what it was used for, and since you don't know the origins, nobody can say how many times nefarious elements have been added to the mix. I've seen blue and white barrels which originally held anything from food products to industrial chemicals, and the only way to know is to read the label. The only thing I've seen black barrels used for is industrial dish soap and petroleum products, so I suspect that they may have a different process when being manufactured.

Please don't do what I once saw a former boss do... we were cleaning out the company garage and he tasted the liquid in a 55 gallon drum to see what it was.

 

[jack707]

I bought mine for making into a smoker IT HAD SALAD OIL IN IT.

 

[MossRoad]

I bought mine for making into a smoker IT HAD SALAD OIL IN IT.

A plastic drum for a smoker?

 

[MossRoad]

I don't think there's any code for what types of materials go in what color plastic drums. We get all kinds of stuff in all colors of 55 gallon barrels. All of them have about the same health and safety ratings. Chemicals, lubricant, solvents, etc.... there doesn't seem to be a rhyme or reason to it.

 

[RickB]

Antifreeze comes in black plastic drums. At least " here".

 

[Coyote machine]

What are you looking to do with them?

 

[jack707]

A plastic drum for a smoker?

METAL

 

[DrRod]

I'm planning to attach a square of plywood on the top to use as an outdoor workbench of sorts. I have a big thick stump there now but after 20 years its starting to come apart. I figured a barrel with a flat surface would be as good or better. It sits right outside of the garage and tool shed and its just the handiest thing ever. Its a great place to set your key, gas can, chain saw, tools, whatever when you are working outside.

 

[MossRoad]

Antifreeze comes in black plastic drums. At least " here".

So does moonshine. :drink: