We used to use asphalt in 55 gal drums and could never give the empty drums away. But, put a sign on them that says "$5 Each" and they'll steal them as fast as you set them out.
We sell them for $10 a piece, Sometimes we give them away to charities when they ask. The Food Bank cleans them out and uses them for food collection at various supermarkets. We save our 30 gallon barrels for water reservoirs for pumps and such.
Erik
Most of my customers simply avoid the issue by using Blendco products. They come in 6 gallon containers that are easy to dispose of. Keeps your equipment room much more open also.
We remove the empty barrels when we deliver chemicals to our customers. We even combine like chemicals to reduce drums left on site (delivery and related labor is free). I then stack them on pallets, shrink wrap and send them off to be recycled.