If you're looking for a dependable, cost-effective way to store or move liquids, powders or granules in the UK, blue plastic drums (also called plastic barrels or poly drums, and sometimes listed as blue drums, plastic barrels or blue barrels) are a proven option. They're widely used across manufacturing, food production, agriculture, facilities management and logistics because they're durable, easy to handle and available in practical sizes (often 30 litres up to 220 litres).
At Kingfisher Direct, we supply a wide range of blue plastic drums and barrels to customers across the UK. Below, we'll cover what they're made of, common uses, how to choose between open-head and tight-head designs, and what to consider around safety and reuse.
At a glance: common uses for blue plastic drums
- Storage and transport of compatible chemicals, detergents, oils, ingredients and powders.
- Process and production (batching, holding and decanting with the right accessories).
- On-site containment for workshops, warehouses and maintenance teams.
- Space-efficient handling thanks to stackable, rigid drum designs.
What are blue plastic barrels made of?
What are blue plastic barrels used for?
What can you store in blue plastic barrels?
How our customers are using blue plastic barrels
Can blue plastic barrels be reused?
Browse our range of plastic drums, handling equipment and accessories
What is a plastic drum?
Plastic drums are cylindrical containers designed to store and transport an array of liquids, solids and powders. They're commonly used in commercial and industrial settings and come in multiple capacities, typically from 30 litres up to 220 litres.
Two common types are tight-headed plastic drums and open-headed plastic drums.
- Tight-head drums (sealed top with bungs) are often chosen for liquids and where secure closure matters.
- Open-head drums (removable lid) are often chosen for powders, solids or applications that need frequent access.
We stock tight-head and open-head drums in sizes ranging from 30 litres to 220 litres, with accessories to help you handle, decant and dispense safely.
What are blue plastic barrels made of?
Blue plastic barrels are typically made from High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE is lightweight and durable, and it's resistant to many chemical solvents. It can also be UV-resistant, non-leaching and BPA-free (when manufactured as food-grade), which makes certain drums suitable for storing foodstuffs.
Because specifications can vary by product, we recommend checking the individual product details to confirm suitability (for example, food-grade status or any approvals for your application).
What are blue plastic barrels used for?
In workplaces, blue plastic barrels are primarily used for storing and transporting compatible substances. Their rigidity helps them keep their shape under load, and many designs are suitable for stacking to help make better use of warehouse or production-floor space. They're also practical to move around site either by hand (smaller sizes) or using handling equipment and standard warehouse processes.
What can you store in blue plastic barrels?
Blue plastic barrels are versatile, but it's important to use the right drum for the substance and your handling process. To help reduce cross-contamination risks, avoid using the same barrel for multiple different substances unless it has been cleaned and assessed as suitable.
Chemicals, solvents and corrosive materials (where compatible)
Because HDPE is resistant to many corrosive chemicals, plastic barrels are commonly used to store and transport substances such as certain acids, lubricants, reagents, bases, detergents, oils, and greases. That makes them popular in manufacturing, facilities management, textiles, and chemical handling applications.
In the textile sector, drums are often used for liquids such as sodium hypochlorite, bleach, and softeners. Lidded designs can also support storage of cleaning solutions for hospitals, schools, and offices (with the right site safety controls).
Food ingredients and grains (food-grade drums)
The food-grade versions of these drums are BPA-free, making them a popular solution for those in the food, manufacturing and agricultural industries. They are commonly used to store and transport large quantities of liquids, semi-solid and powdered foodstuffs as they provide an airtight and spill-proof container that keeps contents fresh and prevents contamination.
Lubricants and oils
Blue plastic barrels are a common choice for storing and transporting industrial liquids such as lubricants and oils. Tight-head drums are often preferred for liquids where you want a secure closure.
To make decanting safer and cleaner, many sites use specialised pumps and funnels matched to the drum size and product type.
Pharmaceuticals and other sensitive products
For sensitive products, a secure closure can help reduce the risk of spills and support controlled handling. Tight-head designs are often used where an airtight, robust closure is beneficial.
How our customers are using blue plastic barrels
Alongside the conventional uses above, some customers have shared practical, business-led ways they've integrated drums into their operations.
Bulk feed storage and dispensing (agriculture)
One customer adapted a blue plastic barrel into a simple bulk feed dispenser by drilling holes near the base to allow controlled access.
One of our customers showed us how he adapted a blue plastic barrel into a feeder for their chickens
Workshop dust collection (maintenance and fabrication)
Another customer used a tight-headed plastic barrel as a dust collector in a workshop extraction system. Because the lid is sealed to the barrel, it was a good choice for helping to maintain an airtight setup, and they were able to modify the lid to fit their cyclone.
Our tight-headed plastic barrels have a robust airtight design and are available with optional pumps to transfer and decant liquids
Keeping equipment dry on expeditions (outdoor programmes)
We've also heard from customers running outdoor programmes who use 60-litre blue plastic drums to keep equipment protected during open canoe expeditions across the UK and Europe. The removable lids helped provide a more robust alternative to fabric containers that can get wet, and the integrated handles made the drums easier to pass between people and vehicles.
Smaller open-head drums feature handles for easier manoeuvring.
Can blue plastic barrels be reused?
One of the main advantages of blue plastic barrels is that they can be reused, provided they're regularly cleaned, maintained and assessed as suitable for the next use. Between each use, clean thoroughly and inspect for damage. If you spot signs of excessive wear and tear, the barrel should be replaced.
Take extra care if reusing drums for different kinds of substances. For example, if a barrel has previously stored corrosive chemicals or solvents, it should not be used for potable water, food or ingredients.
Browse our range of plastic drums, handling equipment and accessories
We stock a wide range of plastic drums and barrels suitable for industrial products and consumables, including blue plastic drums, tight-head and open-head designs, plus handling equipment and accessories to support safe on-site use.
If you'd like help choosing the right drum for your application (size, lid type, approvals and accessories), contact our team on 01777 858009 or email sales@kingfisherdirect.co.uk.
Frequently asked questions
Why are blue plastic drums blue?
The blue pigment used in many polyethylene drums has higher resistance to UV light compared to some other colours, which can help protect the integrity of the drum and its contents. Blue plastic drums are also commonly associated with food applications, as many are manufactured as food-grade. Always check the specification for the particular drum you're buying.
Can I store fuel in plastic drums?
Whilst plastic drums can be used to store many chemicals, solvents and oils (where compatible), they are not generally safe to store fuel. The chemical composition of fuel can react with polymers, affecting both the integrity of the drum and the fuel itself. An alternative storage solution for fuel would be a bunded oil tank.
Are blue plastic barrels recyclable?
Yes, blue plastic barrels are recyclable. If they've been thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated, they can also be reused and repurposed, meaning the same barrel can be used for several years before needing to be replaced.
What is the lifespan of a blue plastic barrel?
The lifespan of a blue plastic barrel depends on factors including what it has stored, how it has been handled, and how it has been cleaned and maintained. With the correct steps, many businesses use drums for several years.
Are all blue plastic barrels BPA-free?
Food-grade blue plastic barrels can be BPA-free. However, this may not apply to all drums, so always refer to the manufacturer's specification for the specific product.