What Are IBC Totes Used For? | Are They Reusable?

IBC totes, or intermediate bulk containers, are large containers used for storing and transporting various liquids and bulk materials. IBC totes are typically made of durable materials like plastic or steel and can hold up to 275 gallons of material or more.

One of the most common uses for IBC totes is storing and transporting food-grade materials like juices, oils, and syrups. Food-grade IBC totes are made with materials that won't contaminate or spoil the contents, making them a safe and reliable option for food and beverage manufacturers.

IBC totes are also often used for applications other than food-grade, like storing chemicals, detergents, and other hazardous materials. These totes can be made with different materials and liners to prevent the contents from reacting with the container.

While IBC totes can be used for various applications, they are also often reusable. Once a tote is emptied, it can be cleaned and sanitized for reuse. If a tote is no longer needed, it can be recycled through IBC tote recycling programs, which allow for the precious disposal of these containers without adding them to landfills.

Used IBC totes can also be valuable resources for businesses looking to save money. Rather than buying new totes, companies can seek out unwanted totes that have been cleaned and sanitized for reuse. These totes can often be purchased at a fraction of the cost of new totes, making them a more cost-effective option for many businesses.

Benefits of Repurposing Used Totes

Repurposing used IBC totes can be a sustainable and cost-effective solution for businesses. Here are some advantages of using recycled IBC tanks:

Environmental Benefits: Reusing IBC totes can prevent these containers from being sent to landfills, which can contribute to environmental pollution. By recycling used totes, businesses can help reduce waste and conserve resources.

Cost Savings: Purchasing new IBC totes can be costly for businesses. However, buying used totes that have been cleaned and sanitized can be a more affordable option. By reusing totes, companies can save money on storage and transportation needs.

Quality Control: Before IBC tanks are cleaned and sanitized for reuse, they undergo a quality inspection test to ensure they are in good condition. This ensures that the totes are suitable for storing products.

BPA-Free: Recycled IBC totes are often made with BPA-free materials, which makes them safe for storing food-grade products and other sensitive materials.

Water Storage: Reused totes can be repurposed for water storage, making them a great option for outdoor activities or emergency preparedness.

It's important to note that different types of IBC totes can be reused:

Food-Grade IBC Totes: These totes are designed to store food and beverage products. Food-grade totes must be cleaned and sanitized to strict standards to ensure they are safe for reuse.

Non-Food-Grade IBC Totes: These totes store other materials like hazardous chemicals and other hazardous substances. Non-food-grade totes may require different cleaning processes and may not be suitable for storing food products.

In conclusion, reusing IBC tanks can provide several benefits for businesses, including cost savings, environmental benefits, and quality control. By considering recycled totes for storage and transportation needs, businesses can reduce their environmental impact and potentially save money in the long run.

Where to find used IBC totes

If you're in the market for recycled IBC tanks, there are several places you can look to find them. Here are a few options to consider:

IBC Tote Collection Programs: Some companies offer IBC tote collection programs that allow businesses to recycle their totes. These companies may offer the option to purchase pre-owned totes cleaned and sanitized for reuse.

Recycling Areas: Many recycling centers accept IBC totes for recycling. These totes are typically cleaned and sanitized before they are sold or recycled.

Online Marketplaces: Websites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace may have listings for IBC totes in your area. Be sure to thoroughly review the listing details before making a purchase, and consider contacting the seller to ask any questions you may have.

Local Companies: Local companies that use IBC totes for their business may sell their used totes when they no longer need them. Contact companies in your area that use IBC containers to inquire about purchasing their totes.

IBC Tank Suppliers: IBC tank suppliers may sell totes used for other purposes, cleaned and sanitized for reuse. They may also offer details about the totes, such as their previous use and location.

When purchasing pre-owned IBC totes, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Condition: Ensure the used totes are in good condition and have been properly washed to remove any fluids or residue from previous use.
• BPA: If you plan to use the totes for storing food or beverages, make sure they are BPA-free.
• Location: Consider the seller's or supplier's background when purchasing, as this can affect the cost and logistics of obtaining the totes.

By exploring these different options and considering these essential details, you can find high-quality secondhand IBC totes for your business at an affordable cost.

Guidelines for Ensuring You Buy the Right IBC Tote

In conclusion, many options exist for businesses to find free IBC totes. From IBC tote collection programs to online marketplaces, plenty of resources exist to explore. However, it's essential to be mindful of what type of IBC tote you need for your business and to verify that it's safe to use. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind for IBC tote recycling:

• Check the IBC tote's label to suit your business's needs. Food-grade totes must be cleaned and sanitized to strict standards to ensure they are safe for reuse.
• Ask the seller for details about the IBC tote's history and what it was used to store. It's essential to avoid IBC totes that previously held hazardous or toxic substances.
• If possible, inspect the IBC tote in person before making a purchase. Check for any visible damage, such as cracks or leaks, which can compromise the tote's integrity.
• Be cautious when purchasing IBC totes from online marketplaces. Verify the seller's reputation and reviews, and ask for detailed information and photos of the tote before purchasing.

Following these guidelines, businesses can safely and sustainably find free IBC totes to suit their needs. Reusing IBC totes can provide several benefits for businesses, including cost savings, environmental benefits, and quality control. By considering recycled totes for storage and transportation needs, companies can reduce their environmental impact and save money in the long run.