30 Gallon Lab Pack, Yellow, Metal Lever Lock
★★★★★ 5.0 on Google (4 reviews) · See reviews- UN 1H2 / DOT Certified — approved for hazardous waste transport
- HDPE Construction — chemical-resistant, won’t rust or corrode
- Metal lever-lock ring —strongest closure for DOT transport
- FREE Shipping — ships to the Continental US
Fill out the form below and we’ll respond within 1 business day.
Share this product
Product Overview
Dual UN/DOT rated 1H2/X120/S and 1H2/Y180/S, this is one of the highest-rated lab pack drums available. Dimensions are 21.25" OD x 28.5" H with a 396 lb weight capacity and 18 lb tare weight. The galvanized steel lever lock band creates a positive seal that resists vibration loosening during transport.
AbsorbentsOnline.com has been a trusted source for hazardous waste containers since 1985. FREE shipping on qualifying orders. SHIPS OVERSIZE or LTL.
Technical Specifications
30 Gallon Lab Pack, Yellow, Metal Lever Lock — Technical Specifications
| SKU | A1601ME |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 30 Gal |
| Material | HDPE Polyethylene |
| Closure | Metal Lever Lock |
| Color | Yellow |
| Dimensions | 21.25" OD x 28.5" H |
| Weight Capacity | 396 lbs |
| Drum Weight | 18 lbs |
| UN/DOT Rating | 1H2/X120/S & 1H2/Y180/S |
| Manufacturer | Eagle Manufacturing |
| Shipping | OVERSIZE or LTL |
Compare Poly Drum Types
Choose the right drum for lab waste packing, damaged drum salvage, or secondary containment
| Feature | Lab Pack DrumsYou're Viewing | Salvage Drums | Overpack Drums |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Collecting & shipping small containers of hazardous waste to TSDFs | Overpacking leaking or damaged drums for safe DOT transport | Secondary containment around a standard 55-gallon drum |
| Typical Use | Labs, schools, paint shops — consolidate small bottles & cans for disposal | Emergency response — contain leaking drums during transport | Spill containment & secondary protection for drum storage areas |
| Material | High-density polyethylene (HDPE) | High-density polyethylene (HDPE) | High-density polyethylene (HDPE) |
| Available Sizes | 14, 20, and 30 gallon | 20, 30, 65, and 95 gallon | 65 and 95 gallon |
| Closure Options | Screw-on lid, plastic lever lock, or metal lever lock | Metal lever lock (20 & 30 gal) or metal band w/ bolt (65 & 95 gal) | Screw-on lid |
| DOT Compliant | ✓ Yes — UN1H2 rated for hazardous waste transport | ✓ Yes — DOT 49 CFR 173.3 for damaged container transport | ✓ Yes — meets overpack containment requirements |
| Fits Standard 55-Gal Drum? | ✗ No — designed for small containers only | ✓ Yes — 65 & 95 gal models accept a 55-gal drum | ✓ Yes — both sizes designed to hold a 55-gal drum |
| Accessories | Vermiculite packing material (sold separately) | Absorbent packing for void fill (sold separately) | Drum dolly available for 95-gal model |
| Shipping | FREE to Continental US | FREE to Continental US | FREE to Continental US |
| Shop Now | ✓ You’re Viewing This Product | View Salvage Drums → | View Overpack Drums → |
Expert Insights
The metal lever lock closure is critical for several reasons. First, it provides tamper evidence because the band shows visible deformation if someone attempts to pry it open. Second, it meets the DOT closure requirements for Packing Group II materials, which some plastic lever locks do not. Third, many TSDFs and waste haulers contractually require metal closures on drums entering their facilities.
The Y180/S rating is exceptional, allowing up to 180 kg gross mass for Packing Group II materials. This means you can load dense waste streams like heavy reagent bottles, metal containers, and solid chemical stocks without approaching the weight limit. The yellow color is the universal signal for hazardous waste in most facility color-coding systems, ensuring proper identification by waste haulers, inspectors, and emergency responders. When ordering, note that the yellow metal lever lock (A1601ME) and blue metal lever lock (A1601MBE) share identical drum bodies and differ only in color.
Lab Pack Drums in Action
University and hospital labs use lab pack drums as satellite accumulation containers at each workstation, consolidating spent solvents, expired reagents, and waste chemicals for scheduled hazmat pickup. Pharmaceutical R&D labs use them during formulation changes to collect off-spec batches. Environmental services companies use them during lab clean-outs to systematically pack and remove dozens of small chemical containers in a single compliant shipment.
Purchased by lab managers, EHS coordinators, hazmat waste haulers, environmental services firms, and university safety officers. Facilities typically maintain a 90-day accumulation inventory — the maximum satellite accumulation period under EPA RCRA 40 CFR 262.15.
Frequently Asked Questions
30 Gallon Lab Pack, Yellow, Metal Lever Lock
Why does the metal lever lock version have the same weight capacity as the screw-on lid version?
Both the metal lever lock (A1601ME) and screw-on lid (A1600SLE) 30-gallon drums share the same dual UN/DOT ratings of 1H2/X120/S and 1H2/Y180/S, resulting in identical 396 lb weight capacities. The metal lever lock band provides closure strength comparable to the threaded lid, unlike the lighter plastic lever lock which is rated lower.
What is the difference between this yellow drum and the blue version?
The yellow (A1601ME) and blue (A1601MBE) 30-gallon metal lever lock drums are physically identical except for color. Yellow is the industry standard for hazardous chemical waste including flammables and toxics. Blue is typically used for laboratory waste, corrosives, or non-hazardous chemical waste. Choose based on your facility color-coding system.
Is the metal lever lock reusable or single-use?
The metal lever lock band is designed for multiple open-close cycles during the waste accumulation period. The galvanized steel construction resists corrosion and maintains its spring tension through repeated use. However, if the band shows any signs of deformation, cracking, or loss of tension, replace it before sealing the drum for transport.
What DOT markings are required on this drum for shipment?
For off-site transport, the drum must display the UN marking (already molded into the drum body), proper shipping name, UN identification number, hazard class label, generator information, and the 24-hour emergency response phone number. Your waste hauler will typically apply the required DOT labels at the time of pickup.
Can I mix different waste types in the same lab pack drum?
Lab packs can contain multiple waste types provided they are chemically compatible. Never pack oxidizers with flammables, acids with cyanides, or water-reactive materials with aqueous solutions in the same drum. Each internal container must be individually sealed. Your waste management provider can supply a compatibility chart for lab pack waste segregation.
Why Customers Choose AbsorbentsOnline
Facilities, field crews and government buyers have ordered from us since 1985.
- 5.0 on Google See our reviews
-
Family-owned since 1985
-
Free shipping to the lower 48 states
-
Ships from the warehouse nearest you Faster delivery, lower freight costs
- Real experts at (800) 869-9633
Our Most Popular Product Lines
Absorbent Pads & Rolls
Marine Absorbents & Booms
Cross-Reference Guide
Compatible part numbers and cross-references:
- A1601ME
- Eagle 1601M
Eagle Manufacturing 30-Gallon Lab Pack Drum with Metal Lever Lock, Yellow HDPE. SKU: A1601ME. Also referenced as Eagle Model 1601M.
