Long Live the Drums


Great Western Containers is highly recognized for our reconditioning standards and efficiencies. In order to maximize their life, customers' used drums may be reconditioned for re-use.

Typically, customers ship their drums to our facilities for storage in a raw (dirty) state and we maintain stock sheets on their behalf. When a customer has need of their drums stock they simply place their order and we schedule their drums for reconditioning in line with their required delivery date. The process varies slightly by facility and generally includes the following components at all locations:

  • Drums exteriors are washed
  • Residue of previous ladings is completely drained
  • Interior is purged of residual ladings with a pre-flush
  • Interior is cleaned on the wash rack
  • Interiors are dried and individually inspected
  • Drums with excessive corrosion are acid treated
  • Chimes are retightened
  • Serviceable dents are blown out
  • Drums are leak-tested
  • Clean fittings with new gaskets are inserted
  • Exterior finish is applied
  • Drums are shipped

GWC also offers customers the option to purchase used drums from our own inventory. These drums adhere to our stringent reconditioning process.

Industry-Leading Technologies

GWC has the ability to re-manufacture non-regulated drums (convert tight-head barrels to open-head barrels) and at our Edmonton and Winnipeg facilities we can also re-manufacture UN approved Open-head drums. Our Winnipeg facility offers Burn and Blast technology for use on Open-head drums.

The Edmonton GWC reconditioning plant uses an advanced progressive wash rack system and also has a 'Flamer' for re-finishing the exterior of poly drums. This facility is equipped with a computerized automated paint system as well.

GWC Advantages

All GWC facilities are Transport Canada registered and are strategically located in major centers across Canada for ideal logistic capabilities. We also offer customers alternate drum collection points (i.e. drop your drums off in Edmonton... have them cleaned in Calgary!)

GWC is also known for offering effective drum fleet management. We know what you have and can assist in forecasting your needs.