unusual uses for 55 gal drums (plastic or metal)

David, we have no idea where you are. Trying your local craigslist or kijiji might be more productive.

But if you scrounge up a great find, we want to hear about it!

I made a composter out of a white, food grade drum. First, I cut out a generous sized loading gate and attached hinges and a locking mechanism.  Then, I fastened a thin metal plate top and bottom, centered. I drilled a 2" hole top and bottom and ran a 2" metal pipe through so I had about 2' of pipe out each end. I used cinder blocks to get it up off the ground. I also ran a couple of pieces of all thread parallel to the pipe to help break up chunks. Lastly, I drilled 3/8ths inch holes all over to allow for air.
I can stuff that thing full of of fresh cut grass and give it a good spin every day. I'll have some good compost in about 2 weeks. Usually I keep it stuffed for a month or so before letting it go to for compost. The old clippings helps the new clippings convert faster.
It's been sitting in the sun for about a decade. Still works like a champ!

I got a bunch of white barrels pretty cheap.  I cut the top and bottoms out of them and used them as tree protectors.  With a hot wire wrapped around them they kept the goats well at bay.  The wire was tied to my main fence to keep them from blowing over.  Other colors may get too hot.

I have since removed most of them, mostly by cutting them down the side.  Now I use PVC conduit posts with hot wire.  A bit more expensive but more aesthetically pleasing.

Don't know if it  was already mentioned, I am looking for some metal barrels to make Savonius wind turbines for low level power generation. My property has a constant wind, sometimes high, but never still. I have felt it still maybe 2 or 3 times. My base wind is about 5 mph, and goes up from there.

They are neat low tech. They have have relatively low efficiency but high reliability. (Oooh, looking for a link I found something  I hadn't heard:  Heat your House with a Mechanical Windmill I'm gonna have to read that one!)