Free Container Pickup
We come to you. Schedule a free pickup for your used containers and either get paid or earn credit toward future purchases. Zero hassle, zero cost for qualifying quantities.
Turn Your Used Containers into Cash
Why pay for waste hauling when your used containers have real value? Our free pickup program is designed for businesses that generate surplus IBC totes and tanks on a regular basis.
We bring our own trucks and equipment, handle all loading, and leave your facility cleaner than we found it. You get paid for containers that would otherwise cost you money to dispose of.
It is a win for your bottom line and a win for the environment. Every container we pick up is one less in a landfill.
$0
Pickup cost
24hr
Response time
50
States served
Environmental Impact
Every pickup we make diverts thousands of pounds of material from landfills. When you participate in our program, you are not just cleaning up your facility -- you are contributing to a more sustainable future.
Pickup Fleet & Equipment
Our fleet is purpose-built for industrial container collection. Every vehicle is equipped to handle any pickup scenario safely and efficiently.
Capacity: 80 IBC totes
26-Foot Box Trucks
For standard pickups of 20-80 IBC totes or 10-20 IBC totes. Equipped with liftgates for facilities without loading docks. Ideal for local and regional pickups.
Capacity: 600 IBC totes
53-Foot Flatbeds
For large-volume pickups that fill a full trailer. Flatbed design allows loading from the side or rear. Used for truckload pickups of 400+ IBC totes or 80+ IBC totes.
Capacity: 5,000 lb lift
Forklift-Equipped Units
Our trucks carry electric forklifts with 5,000 lb capacity for loading palletized containers. For tight spaces, we bring manual pallet jacks that can navigate narrow aisles.
Capacity: Variable
Specialized Trailers
Enclosed trailers for weather-sensitive pickups and curtain-side trailers for rapid loading of bulky containers. GPS-tracked for real-time delivery monitoring.
How to Prepare for Your Pickup
A little preparation goes a long way. Follow these simple steps to ensure a fast and efficient pickup experience.
Empty All Containers
Remove all contents, liners, and loose debris from containers. IBC totes should be drained of all liquids. The cleaner the container, the higher the value we can offer.
Separate by Type
Group containers by type (IBC totes, IBC tanks) in your staging area. This speeds up the on-site assessment and loading process significantly.
Stage Near Loading Area
Move containers as close to your loading dock or pickup access point as possible. If containers are stored on upper floors or in hard-to-reach areas, let us know in advance so we can bring appropriate equipment.
Remove Personal Labels
While not required, removing company-specific labels, proprietary markings, or confidential barcodes before pickup saves time and protects your business information.
Count and Document
Having an approximate count of containers by type helps us send the right-sized vehicle and crew. It does not need to be exact -- a rough estimate is fine.
Clear Access Path
Ensure our truck can access the loading area and that there is sufficient room for forklift operation. A standard parking space for a 53-foot trailer requires approximately 70 feet of clear space.
How Pickup Works
Four simple steps from scheduling to payment. We handle the logistics so you do not have to.
Schedule Your Pickup
Contact us with your location, container types, and estimated quantities. We will confirm a pickup date and time window that works for your operation -- often as soon as the next business day.
We Arrive On-Site
Our professional pickup crew arrives with the right equipment -- flatbed trucks, forklifts, and strapping materials. We handle all the heavy lifting so your team can focus on what they do best.
Inspect & Load
We perform a quick on-site assessment of each container, count quantities, and load everything onto our trucks. You receive a detailed receipt documenting every item collected.
Get Paid or Credit
Choose your compensation method: direct payment by check or ACH, credit toward future container purchases, or a combination. Payment is processed within 5 business days of pickup.
Scheduling Options
Whether you need a one-time cleanup or an ongoing collection service, we have a scheduling option that fits your operations.
One-Time Pickup
Perfect for warehouse cleanouts, plant closures, or seasonal surplus. Schedule a single pickup when you need it, with no recurring commitment. Available nationwide with flexible timing.
- No commitment required
- Available on-demand
- Any container type or quantity
- Payment within 5 business days
Recurring Schedule
For businesses that generate containers on an ongoing basis. Set a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly schedule and we show up automatically. The most popular option for manufacturing and distribution operations.
- Automatic scheduling
- Dedicated driver assignment
- Enhanced per-container pricing
- Monthly consolidated reporting
- Priority overflow pickups
Emergency Pickup
Need containers removed urgently? Our emergency pickup service is available for situations like unexpected audits, facility relocations, or time-sensitive cleanouts. Available within 24 hours in most areas.
- 24-hour response guarantee
- Weekend availability
- Priority dispatching
- Available for any volume
What We Pick Up
We accept a wide range of industrial packaging containers . If it is reusable or recyclable, we want it.
IBC Totes
275, 330, and 350 gallon
IBC Tanks
Steel, composite, and stainless steel
Pickup Pricing Transparency
We believe in straightforward, fair pricing for your used containers. The amount we pay depends on the type, condition, and quantity of containers collected. Here are the factors that determine your payout.
You can choose between cash payment (check or ACH within 5 business days) or credit toward future container purchases. Credits are valued at 110% of cash value, giving you a bonus for reinvesting with us.
Container Type
IBC tanks command higher per-unit value than totes
Condition
Cleaner, less damaged containers earn higher payouts
Quantity
Larger volumes qualify for enhanced per-unit pricing
Market Demand
In-demand container types may earn premium pricing
Recurring Schedule
Recurring customers receive enhanced pricing on every pickup
Estimated Value Ranges
These ranges represent typical per-unit cash values for containers in fair to good condition. Actual pricing is confirmed during the on-site assessment.
* Prices fluctuate based on market conditions and container condition. Credit values are 110% of cash equivalents.
Pickup Service Zones
We service the entire United States with tiered response times based on your location relative to our facilities.
Local
Same-Day
Within 50 miles of our warehouse locations. Often available for same-day or next-day pickup.
Regional
2-3 Days
Within our extended service area covering major metropolitan regions. Scheduled within 2-3 business days.
Nationwide
5-7 Days
We service all 50 states for qualifying volumes. Full truckload pickups receive priority scheduling nationwide.
What Happens After Pickup
Your containers go through a detailed process from the moment they leave your facility to the moment they find their next use.
Transport
Containers are securely transported to our nearest processing facility.
Unloading & Sorting
Containers are unloaded, sorted by type, and logged into our inventory system.
Inspection & Grading
Each container goes through our full 10-step inspection and grading process.
Cleaning & Repair
Containers are cleaned, sanitized, and repaired as needed to maximize their useful life.
Resale or Recycling
Qualifying containers are listed for sale. Those that do not pass are responsibly recycled.
Minimum Quantities for Free Pickup
Free pickup is available when you meet these minimum thresholds. Have fewer containers? Contact us for options -- we may still be able to help.
10+
IBC Totes
5+
IBC Tanks
15+ total
Mixed Containers
Below minimum quantities? We offer affordable paid pickup options starting at competitive flat rates. Contact us for details.
Referral Program
Know another business with used containers they want to get rid of? Refer them to IBC Recycle and earn a referral bonus when their first pickup is completed. It is our way of saying thanks for helping us grow our container recovery network.
There is no limit to the number of referrals you can make, and bonuses are paid for every successful first pickup. Some of our best recurring customers started as referrals from other satisfied businesses.
$100
Bonus per referral (standard)
$250
Bonus for truckload referrals
How the Referral Program Works
Tell us about the business you are referring -- name, contact, and what containers they have.
We reach out to them, mention your referral, and schedule their first pickup.
Once their first pickup is completed and processed, we send you your referral bonus.
Receive $100 for standard pickups or $250 for truckload-volume pickups. Paid by check or credit.
Multi-Location Pickup Programs
For businesses with multiple facilities, our multi-location program provides centralized management of container pickups across all your sites.
Single Point of Contact
One dedicated account manager coordinates pickups across all your locations. No need to manage separate relationships for each facility.
Centralized Reporting
Receive consolidated monthly reports showing total containers collected, environmental impact, and payment summaries across all locations.
Flexible Per-Location Scheduling
Each facility can have its own pickup schedule based on its container generation rate. Weekly at your busiest plant, monthly at smaller offices.
Volume-Based Pricing
Your per-container pricing is based on total volume across all locations combined, meaning each facility benefits from the aggregate discount.
Service Level Agreements
For recurring and enterprise customers, we offer formal SLAs that guarantee our service standards. Here is what we commit to.
Within 4 hours
Scheduling Response
We confirm your pickup request within 4 business hours of receiving it.
95%+ on-time rate
On-Time Arrival
Our trucks arrive within the agreed pickup window 95% of the time or better.
Within 5 business days
Payment Processing
Cash or credit is issued within 5 business days of the pickup date.
Within 24 hours
Issue Resolution
Any pickup-related issues or disputes are resolved within one business day.
Scheduled Recurring Pickups
For businesses that generate used containers on an ongoing basis, our recurring pickup program takes the hassle out of container management entirely. We will show up on a regular schedule -- weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly -- so your facility stays clean and organized.
Recurring customers enjoy priority scheduling, guaranteed pickup windows, and enhanced per-container pricing. It is the most efficient way to manage your container surplus.
- Fixed pickup schedule tailored to your output
- Priority response for unscheduled overflow
- Dedicated driver who knows your facility
- Simplified monthly invoicing and reporting
- Environmental impact reports for your sustainability goals
Warehouses
Clear out surplus packaging quickly without disrupting daily operations. We work around your schedule.
Manufacturers
Turn your used packaging waste stream into revenue. Regular pickups keep your production floor clean.
Distribution Centers
High-volume pickup for fast-moving facilities. We can handle hundreds of containers in a single visit.
Retail Chains
Multi-location pickup programs for national retailers. One point of contact for all your facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our pickup program.
QIs the pickup really free?
Yes, for containers that meet our minimum quantity thresholds. We cover all transportation, labor, and equipment costs. There is no hidden fee. We make our money by refurbishing and reselling the containers we collect, which allows us to offer the pickup service at no cost to you.
QWhat if I have fewer containers than the minimum?
We offer affordable paid pickup options for quantities below our free thresholds. Alternatively, you can accumulate containers until you reach the minimum and schedule a pickup at that point. We also accept drop-offs at our warehouse locations if you prefer to transport them yourself.
QHow do I know what my containers are worth?
Container value depends on type, condition, and current market demand. During the on-site inspection, our pickup crew provides an assessment of each container and a fair market value. You can also request a preliminary estimate before scheduling by sending us photos and descriptions of your containers.
QCan I schedule a recurring pickup?
Absolutely. Our recurring pickup program is designed for businesses that generate containers on a regular basis. Choose a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly schedule, and we will show up automatically. Recurring customers enjoy priority scheduling, a dedicated driver who knows your facility, and enhanced per-container pricing.
QWhat happens to the containers after you pick them up?
Containers go through our full 10-step inspection and grading process at our facility. Those that pass inspection are cleaned, graded, and resold to businesses that need used containers. Containers that do not pass inspection are responsibly recycled -- corrugated goes to paper mills, plastic is shredded for pellets, and metal goes to scrap recyclers. We maintain a near-zero landfill rate.
QDo you pick up contaminated containers?
We can pick up most containers regardless of condition, but contaminated containers may not qualify for payment. Containers with hazardous chemical residue, biological contamination, or other safety concerns may incur a disposal fee rather than earning credit. Let us know about any contamination when you schedule so we can advise on the best approach.
QHow quickly can you schedule a pickup?
For local pickups (within 50 miles of our facilities), we can often arrange same-day or next-day service. Regional pickups are typically scheduled within 2-3 business days. Nationwide pickups for full truckloads are scheduled within 5-7 business days. Emergency pickups are available for an additional fee.
QDo you provide environmental documentation for pickups?
Yes. For every pickup, we provide a collection receipt that documents the quantity, type, and estimated weight of containers collected. For recurring customers, we provide quarterly environmental impact reports showing total diversion from landfill, estimated carbon offset, and recycling metrics. These reports can be used for your corporate sustainability reporting.
QCan you pick up from multiple locations in one trip?
Yes. Our multi-location program is designed for businesses with several facilities. We coordinate efficient routes that collect from multiple sites in a single trip, minimizing cost and environmental impact. One point of contact manages the entire process across all your locations.
QWhat equipment do your pickup crews bring?
Our trucks are equipped with forklifts (or pallet jacks for tight spaces), strapping materials, and protective equipment. For large pickups, we may deploy a flatbed trailer. Our crews are trained to operate in active warehouse environments and will follow your facility safety protocols.
Ready to Schedule Your First Pickup?
Fill out the form below and our logistics team will contact you within 24 hours with a pickup plan tailored to your facility and volume.
Schedule a Pickup
Tell us about your containers and location. We will get back to you with a pickup date, pricing, and logistics plan within one business day.