"Nobody sells 'em new around here," the clerk at the hardware store had told him, leaning over the counter. "You want the heavy-duty ones. Food-grade. Go see Miller. He’s got a sea of blue out past the rusted tractors."
Specialized recyclers often refurbish and resell them for rain barrel enthusiasts. where to buy blue plastic barrels
When Silas arrived, the sight was unmistakable. Stacked three high against a corrugated fence were dozens of vibrant, cobalt-blue drums. They stood like polyethylene soldiers, shimmering under the midday sun. "Nobody sells 'em new around here," the clerk
"These held bulk vinegar," Miller grunted, tilting one to show the 'HDPE 2' recycling symbol on the bottom. "Safe for your tomatoes, safe for the earth. Ten bucks a pop if you haul 'em yourself. If you want the fancy ones with the removable lids and the metal rings, they’re twenty." Go see Miller
Places like Tractor Supply often stock new ones, though they cost significantly more than used.
Check Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for "55-gallon drums."
If you'd like to turn these into a functional system, I can help you with: for rain barrels. A shopping list for the necessary valves and seals. Maintenance tips to prevent algae and mosquitoes.