Bulk Order Requests
Need a large quantity of used or reconditioned IBC totes? Here is what to include in your request, and what to ask the partner supplier that follows up.
Make One Request, Get Supplier Responses
IBC Recycle passes your request to partner suppliers. Pricing is by quote from the supplier that follows up, and terms are agreed with the supplier.
Quote by Supplier
Large orders are quoted by partner suppliers based on condition, quantity, and location. Ask for the quote in writing.
Delivery Through Suppliers
Delivery is available through partner suppliers. Describe your receiving setup so the supplier can plan freight.
Choose Your Grades
State the grade you want, from like new to worn, and whether mixed grades are acceptable. Grade definitions vary by supplier.
Reuse Over New
Buying a used tote avoids manufacturing a new one. Condition varies, so check what you are getting.
What a Large Request Should Cover
The more complete your request, the easier it is for a supplier to quote. Cover these four areas.
What you need
Be specific
- Container type: IBC tote or tank
- Size, such as 275 or 330 gallon
- New-style or used cage and pallet type
- Bottle material and valve preferences
- Any caps, lids, or liners needed
How many, what condition
Say what is flexible
- Total unit count
- Preferred grade, such as A, B, C, or D
- Whether a mix of grades is acceptable
- Whether you will take partial fills
- Any cosmetic or cleanliness requirements
Where and how
Describe your site
- Delivery location
- Dock, forklift, or ground-level receiving
- Liftgate or inside delivery needs
- Single site or multiple sites
- Whether you can collect the order yourself
When and on what basis
Ask the supplier
- Target delivery or pickup window
- One order or staged deliveries
- Whether repeat purchases are possible
- Return and replacement terms, if any
- Payment terms the supplier offers
Availability Depends on Partner Suppliers
IBC Recycle does not hold inventory. What is available, in which grades and quantities, and how soon, is determined by the partner suppliers that respond to your request. It changes from week to week and from supplier to supplier.
For a large order, ask each supplier what it can supply from what it has, what it would need to source, and whether it can confirm the details before you commit. Do not assume a supplier can fill the whole quantity from one location.
We take requests from across the United States, but availability varies by region and by supplier.
Grade A - Like New
Typically minimal wear. Definitions vary by supplier.
Grade B - Good
Typically usable with minor cosmetic wear.
Grade C - Fair
Typically visible wear, suited to less demanding uses.
Grade D - Worn
Typically worn, may suit storage or parts reuse.
275 Gallon Totes
About 48 x 40 in footprint, about 46 in tall.
330 Gallon Totes
About 48 x 40 in footprint, about 53 in tall.
* General descriptions only. Grades are not a standard, so ask each supplier how it defines them.
How It Works
From your first request to your delivery, here is how a large order generally goes.
Request a Quote
Tell us what you need: product type, grade, quantity, and delivery location. We pass your request to partner suppliers.
Supplier Follow-Up
A partner supplier that may be able to meet your request follows up. Ask what it has available, which grades, and whether it can send photos of what you would receive.
Agree on Delivery
Work out the delivery or pickup method and timing with the supplier. Delivery is available through partner suppliers; options and costs vary by supplier and location.
Inspect on Receipt
When the containers arrive, check them against what the supplier described, and raise any concerns with the supplier promptly. Ask in advance what its process is for mismatches.
Requirements to Raise With Suppliers
Not every operation has the same needs. Whether a supplier can meet a particular requirement varies, so state yours early and ask.
Condition and Cleanliness
If you need containers that meet specific criteria, such as no printing, clean interiors, or minimal scuffing, say so. Ask whether the supplier can select units against your list and how it will confirm them.
Wrapping and Labeling
Ask whether containers can be shipped wrapped or labeled, and whether any labels from previous use are removed. Practices vary by supplier.
Caps, Lids, and Liners
If you need matching caps, lids, valves, or liners with your order, include them in the request. Ask whether the supplier can include them and what they are compatible with.
Inside Markings and History
Ask what the containers previously held, if the supplier knows. For any sensitive use, ask for documentation and check current regulations; IBC Recycle does not offer guidance on compliance.
Mixed-Grade Batches
If different uses call for different grades, ask whether the supplier can provide a mix and how it will describe what you would receive.
Staged Delivery
If your site has limited storage, ask whether the order can be delivered in stages rather than all at once, and whether that changes the cost.
Bulk Order Logistics
Delivery and pickup are arranged through partner suppliers. Here are the logistics topics worth raising for a large order.
Larger volumes
Full Truckload
Large orders are commonly shipped as a full truckload. Ask the supplier how many of your totes will fit on a trailer, who arranges the freight, and what the quote includes.
Smaller volumes
Less-Than-Truckload
Smaller orders may ship as less-than-truckload freight, which can add handling and a carrier accessorial schedule. Confirm with the carrier and the supplier how it works for palletized totes.
Multi-site
Multiple Destinations
If you need containers at more than one location, list each destination and quantity. Whether a supplier can split an order, and the cost, varies by supplier.
Ask the supplier
Tracking and Updates
Ask the supplier or carrier what shipment updates are available and who your contact is while the order is in transit. IBC Recycle does not track shipments.
Receiving
Dock Scheduling
Coordinate delivery times with your receiving team to avoid congestion and make sure a forklift is available for unloading. Ask the supplier or carrier about appointment requirements.
Site access
Liftgate and Inside Delivery
If your site has no dock or forklift, ask the carrier whether liftgate service or inside delivery is available. Accessorial charges are likely, so confirm them in advance.
Quality Checks to Ask For on Large Orders
Buying in volume makes consistency more important. IBC Recycle does not inspect or grade containers, so ask the supplier how it handles these points.
Sampling and Consistency
Ask whether the supplier samples a portion of a large order against the grade it described, and how it handles a unit that does not match. Practices differ.
Photos or Video
Ask for photos, or a video, of representative units from the lot you would receive. Make sure they show valves, caps, cage, and bottle interior.
Spec Matching
If your application has specific requirements, such as no printing or a certain cleanliness level, put them in writing and ask whether the supplier can select units against them.
Pre-Shipment Condition
Ask whether containers are checked before loading and how they are secured for transit. Wooden pallets that cross borders may need ISPM 15 heat treatment (56 °C for 30 minutes).
Damage in Transit
Note damage on the delivery paperwork before the driver leaves, and tell the supplier promptly. Ask about the supplier’s process for transit damage before ordering.
Documentation
Ask what the supplier can provide about the containers, such as prior contents, if known, and any certifications it holds. Use our container inspection checklist when units arrive.
Where Large Quantities of Used Totes Get Used
Used IBC totes are bought for many purposes. Check that a given tote suits your intended use before ordering.
Manufacturing
Used totes are commonly bought for handling raw materials, intermediates, and finished goods.
Distribution
Operations that move bulk liquids between sites may need larger quantities across several locations.
Agriculture
Farms and agricultural suppliers use IBC totes for water, nutrients, and other bulk liquids.
Water and Storage
Used totes are also bought for rainwater collection and general storage, where the specific history of the container matters less.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about requesting a large quantity of used IBC totes.
QWhat counts as a bulk order?
There is no fixed threshold at IBC Recycle. What counts as a large order depends on the partner supplier. If you need more than a handful of totes, say so in your request and give the total quantity so the supplier can respond accordingly.
QIs there a discount for large quantities?
IBC Recycle does not set prices or run a discount program. Pricing is by quote from partner suppliers and depends on condition, quantity, and location. Ask each supplier whether quantity affects the quote.
QCan I mix different container types in a single request?
You can list more than one container type or size in the same request. Whether a supplier can supply them together depends on what it has available. State the quantity of each so the supplier can tell you what it can cover.
QHow far in advance should I request a large order?
Sooner is better, especially if you need a specific grade or size. Availability depends on partner suppliers, and lead times vary. State your target window in the request and ask the supplier what is realistic.
QIs payment financing available?
IBC Recycle does not offer financing or payment terms. Payment arrangements are between you and the supplier. If terms matter to you, ask about them before committing.
QWhat if a supplier cannot fill my entire order?
A supplier may be able to supply part of what you need, offer a similar container, or decline. Ask whether partial fills or substitutions are possible, and confirm exactly what you would receive before you agree.
QCan I inspect containers before buying?
Ask the supplier whether it supports photos, a video, a site visit, or a sample unit. Practices vary by supplier. See our container inspection checklist for what to look for.
QWhat if the containers do not match the grade I was told?
Ask the supplier in advance how it handles that. Return, replacement, and refund policies, if any, are set by the supplier, not by IBC Recycle. Get the terms in writing and check the containers promptly on receipt.
QDo large orders come with a warranty?
IBC Recycle does not provide a warranty. Any warranty, return, or replacement terms come from the supplier. Ask what, if anything, is covered and for how long.
QCan I get repeat deliveries?
IBC Recycle does not run standing-order programs. If you expect to buy regularly, mention that in your request and ask the supplier whether it is open to repeat orders, and on what terms.
QCan an order be delivered to several locations?
List each location and the quantity needed at each in your request. Whether a supplier can split an order across sites, and what that costs, varies by supplier.
QHow are large orders shipped?
Large loads are commonly moved as full truckloads, and smaller loads as less-than-truckload freight. Delivery is available through partner suppliers, and methods, costs, and timing vary. Ask the supplier how it ships and who arranges and pays for freight.
Request Your Bulk Quote
Tell us the quantity, grade, and delivery location you need. This is a free, no-obligation quote request. A partner supplier follows up with pricing by quote; availability depends on partner suppliers.