An overpack drum is an oversized, closable drum that a leaking, damaged or non-conforming container goes into so it can be stored, moved or shipped without releasing its contents. Choosing one comes down to four decisions: whether the container must carry the Transport Canada "T" salvage marking, which size fits the drum you need to contain, whether it must be wheeled, and how you will move and empty it. This guide covers each and the ENPAC, Eagle and Mauser overpacks and salvage drums ERE carries for Canadian plants, labs and spill-response crews.
In this guide
- What is an overpack drum?
- What is the difference between an overpack and a salvage drum?
- What do Canadian rules say about salvage containers?
- Which overpack size do you need?
- Poly or steel: which material suits the job?
- How do you move and empty a drum?
- How do you choose an overpack, step by step?
- Which overpack drums does ERE carry?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is an Overpack Drum?
An overpack drum is a larger drum, usually yellow polyethylene or steel, with a sealing lid, built to take a smaller drum, a pail or loose debris inside it. It turns a leaking 55 US gallon drum into a contained unit while you arrange disposal, and it gives a spill-response crew a place to put contaminated absorbent and damaged containers.
The same product family covers three jobs: containing a leaker, holding spill-kit waste, and acting as a secondary container for sound drums in transit. The ENPAC Poly-Overpack range is described for exactly this use, with a double-start thread so the lid needs only half a turn to tighten, and nesting lids so stacked units lock together.
What Is the Difference Between an Overpack Drum and a Salvage Drum?
In shop talk the two names overlap, and many suppliers list the same yellow drum under both. The practical difference is what the container is approved for. A salvage container is the one approved to carry a damaged or leaking container on the road, and it is identified by the "T" marking. A plain overpack may only be rated or described for sound containers.
ERE's records show the split clearly:
- The ENPAC Poly-Overpack Salvage Drum, 95 US gal. lists UN 1H2/X295/S, DOT 49 CFR 173.3(c), EPA, SPCC and NPDES. The 1H2 part of the code is a plastic drum with a removable head, and S means it is marked for solids or inner packagings.
- The Eagle Overpack Plastic Drum Barrel, 95 US gal. is described for larger non-damaged containers, cans and drums of non-leaking hazardous materials, and says that if it is used with leaking containers it must be packed with sufficient sorbent so no free liquid remains.
The ERE product records do not show a "T" marking on any listed unit, so send us the shipping scenario and we will confirm the marking on the exact part number before you order.
What Do Canadian Rules Say About Salvage Containers?
Transport of dangerous goods in Canada falls under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (SOR/2001-286), and CCOHS notes that there are both federal and provincial TDG Regulations. The container standard that covers salvage is Transport Canada TP 14850, Small Containers for Transport of Dangerous Goods, whose Part 2 sets these salvage rules:
| Clause | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 13.1 Application | Damaged, defective, leaking or non-conforming containers, or dangerous goods that have spilled or leaked, may be transported in a salvage container marked with the letter "T". |
| 13.2 Before filling | Inspect the salvage container for corrosion, contamination or other damage. A unit showing reduced strength must be repaired or reconditioned, or taken out of service. |
| 13.3 Capacity | Maximum capacity may exceed the normal figure by 20% if measures prevent excessive movement of the damaged container inside. |
| 13.4 Liquids | Add enough inert absorbent to eliminate free liquid. All cushioning and absorbent must be compatible with the dangerous goods in the damaged container. |
Two practical points follow. First, inspecting the drum before every use is a standing duty, not a one-time check. Second, the absorbent has to suit the leaked product: use the absorbent sold for it, not whatever is closest. Rules for your load, route and mode can differ, so confirm with your carrier or a TDG-trained person.
Which Overpack Drum Size Do You Need?
Pick the overpack that holds the drum with room for absorbent, then check the lid still closes. ERE lists ENPAC Poly-Overpacks in 20, 30, 65 and 95 US gallon sizes, plus the 65 and 95 gallon stand-alone units below.
| Size (US gal) | Approx. litres | On ERE's range | Record notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 76 | Poly-Overpack 20 | Size option of the ENPAC Poly-Overpack; record gives no further detail |
| 30 | 114 | Poly-Overpack 30 | Size option of the ENPAC Poly-Overpack; record gives no further detail |
| 65 | 246 | ENPAC Poly-Overpack 65 | UN 1H2/X200/S; gasket lid; record says it directly contains solids and sludges |
| 95 | 360 | ENPAC Poly-Overpack 95, Wheeled Overpack 95, Eagle Overpack 95 | Stationary X295/S; wheeled X125/S; Eagle for non-damaged containers |
Litres are converted from the US gallon nameplate (1 US gal = 3.785 L). The product records do not give interior diameter or lid clearance, and the ENPAC 65 record says it is designed to fit 30-gallon drums. Tell us the drum you need to contain, such as a 55 US gallon steel drum, and we will confirm the fit against the manufacturer's dimensions before you order.
Poly or Steel: Which Overpack Material Suits the Job?
Match the material to the product that leaked: ERE lists poly and steel units. Poly units such as the Eagle overpack are described as yellow blow-molded high-density polyethylene with UV inhibitors, weather and chemical resistant, with a screw-on lid. The Mauser Packaging Steel Salvage Drum is recommended for containing leaking drums of petroleum solvents and includes a 12-gauge ring and hoop closure on an open-head steel top.
Whatever the material, check the safety data sheet of the leaked product against the drum and the absorbent. A chemical that attacks polyethylene is a steel-drum job, and a corrosive that attacks steel is the opposite.
How Do You Move and Empty a 55-Gallon Drum Safely?
A full drum weighs several hundred pounds, so move it on a purpose-built carrier instead of tipping it. ERE's overpack collection includes the handling gear that goes with the drum:
- Wheels built in: the ENPAC Wheeled Overpack 95 has built-in handles and 6 in. polyolefin wheels and removes the need for a separate dolly. The record calls it ideal for mobile spill kits.
- Dolly: the ENPAC Poly-Dolly 5300-YE is listed for easy dispensing and transport of drums.
- Scooter: the Spill Scooter is listed for easy transport of drums.
- Pouring: the Drums-Up and Drums-Up Jr. and the Universal Poly Drum Funnel are listed to pour liquids without drips or splashes.
For pumping liquid out of a drum, see the drum pump guide. For keeping a drum on a containment base, see the spill containment pallet guide.
How Do You Choose an Overpack Drum, Step by Step?
- Define the job. Containing a leaker, holding spill-kit waste, or secondary containment for sound containers.
- Decide if the drum will travel. If a damaged container must be transported, ask for a unit with the "T" salvage marking.
- Identify the product. Read the safety data sheet and match the drum material and the absorbent to it.
- Measure the drum to be contained. Choose the overpack size with room for absorbent and a closing lid.
- Pick stationary or wheeled. Wheeled for mobile spill kits and crews, stationary for fixed storage and stacking.
- Add handling. Dolly or scooter if the drum is not wheeled; a funnel or Drums-Up for pouring.
- Inspect before each use. Corrosion, contamination or damage takes the unit out of service.
- Plan the absorbent and labels. Enough absorbent to leave no free liquid, and labels that match the contents.
Which Overpack Drums Does ERE Carry?
ERE carries ENPAC Poly-Overpacks and Wheeled Overpacks, Eagle overpack drums and Mauser steel salvage drums, plus drum dollies, scooters and funnels, in the Overpacks collection. For a full response setup, pair them with a kit from our spill kit guide and approved containers from the safety can guide. ERE has supplied Canadian environmental and industrial customers since 1994, so we can help with the sizing and the paperwork questions too.
Need help picking an overpack drum?
Tell us the container you need to contain, the product, and whether it will be shipped. We will match the size, material and marking and confirm the part number before you order.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is an overpack drum?
An overpack drum is a larger closable drum, usually yellow polyethylene or steel, that takes a smaller drum, pail or loose debris inside it. It is used to contain a leaking drum, to hold spill-kit waste, and as secondary containment.
What is the difference between an overpack drum and a salvage drum?
A salvage container is approved to transport damaged or leaking containers and carries the letter "T" under Transport Canada's TP 14850. A plain overpack may be described only for sound containers, so check the marking and the manufacturer's description.
How much absorbent goes in a salvage drum?
Enough inert absorbent to eliminate free liquid. TP 14850 clause 13.4 also requires that all cushioning and absorbent be compatible with the dangerous goods in the leaking container.
What size overpack do I need for a 55-gallon drum?
Choose an overpack larger than the drum, with room for absorbent, and confirm the interior dimensions. ERE lists Poly-Overpacks in 20, 30, 65 and 95 US gallons. Send us the drum and we will confirm the fit.
Can a salvage container be filled beyond its rated capacity?
Slightly. TP 14850 clause 13.3 allows the capacity to exceed the normal figure by 20% when measures prevent excessive movement of the damaged container inside.
Related articles
- Spill Kit Guide: Oil-Only, Universal and Hazmat Kits for Canadian Sites
- Spill Containment Pallets: Sump Capacity, Hardcovers and Drum Handling
- Drum Pump: How to Choose a Hand Pump for 55-Gallon Drums
- Safety Can Guide: Type I vs Type II, Oily Waste Cans and Storage for Canadian Sites
Lire en français : Fût de surcontenant : guide des fûts de récupération, formats et règles TMD pour les sites canadiens