Frequently Asked Questions

IBC Recycle is a full-service packaging company that buys, sells, recycles, and transports used industrial containers. We specialize in IBC totes and tanks. Our mission is to keep containers in circulation as long as possible, reducing waste and saving our customers money. We operate from our facility at 1275 Lloyd Rd, Wickliffe, OH 44092, and serve businesses nationwide.

Our headquarters and primary warehouse are located at 1275 Lloyd Rd, Wickliffe, OH 44092. We operate a nationwide logistics network that allows us to serve businesses across all 50 states with competitive freight rates and fast delivery times. Whether you are on the East Coast, West Coast, or anywhere in between, we can deliver containers to your facility.

Our main offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Our warehouse and logistics operations often run extended hours to accommodate shipping schedules. For inquiries outside business hours, you can submit a request through our website contact form and we will respond first thing the next business day.

Yes, we provide nationwide service across all 50 states. Whether you need containers delivered to a single facility or multiple locations across the country, we have the logistics network to handle it. We can also arrange freight for customers in Canada and Mexico. Our most concentrated service areas are the Midwest and Eastern United States, but we regularly ship to every region.

IBC Recycle has over two decades of experience in the industrial packaging industry. Our team combines deep knowledge of container specifications, recycling processes, and logistics management. We have built lasting relationships with manufacturers, recyclers, and logistics providers across the country, enabling us to offer competitive pricing and reliable service.

We serve a wide range of industries including manufacturing (automotive, plastics, electronics, metals), agriculture, food and beverage, chemical and petroleum, pharmaceutical, retail and distribution, e-commerce and fulfillment, construction, recycling and waste management, and government and military. Each industry has unique packaging requirements, and our specialists can recommend the right containers for your specific application.

The best way to reach us is through the contact form on our website at ibcrecycle.com/contact. You can also email us directly. We respond to all inquiries within one business day, and most quotes are returned same-day. For detailed requests, please include the container types, sizes, quantities, and your delivery location so we can provide an accurate quote quickly.

We grade all used containers into three tiers. Grade A (Like New) containers have been used once or twice with minimal cosmetic wear and full structural integrity. Grade B (Good) containers show some cosmetic wear from multiple uses but are fully functional. Grade C (Economy) containers have visible wear and may have previous labeling, but remain structurally sound. You can mix grades within an order to optimize costs based on each container's end use.

We carry a comprehensive inventory of used and reconditioned IBC totes and tanks, including 275-gallon, 330-gallon, and 350-gallon composite IBC totes, as well as stainless steel IBCs in various capacities. All composite totes feature HDPE inner bottles with galvanized steel cages on integrated pallet bases. We also offer replacement valves, gaskets, and liners for IBC totes.

Yes, we offer reconditioned IBC totes specifically prepared for food-grade applications. These totes undergo our rigorous reconditioning process including triple rinsing, pressure testing, new valve and gasket installation, and thorough inspection. Each food-grade tote comes with documentation showing its cleaning history and previous product chain of custody. All food-grade HDPE bottles are FDA compliant.

Absolutely. We encourage customers to request samples, especially for first-time orders or when trying a different grade or product type. We can ship individual sample units so you can inspect the quality firsthand before committing to a larger purchase. Sample costs are typically credited toward your first production order.

We stock the most common IBC tote sizes including 275-gallon (the industry standard), 330-gallon, and 350-gallon composite IBC totes. The 275-gallon tote is the most widely available and our highest-volume product. We also carry stainless steel IBCs in various capacities for pharmaceutical and specialized chemical applications.

Yes, we carry all three wall thicknesses. Single-wall IBC totes are the lightest and most economical, suitable for lighter loads up to about 1,200 lbs. Double-wall IBC totes are the most common, handling loads up to 2,200 lbs. Triple-wall IBC totes are the heaviest-duty option, with weight capacities up to 3,500 lbs or more. Double-wall is our highest-volume product and offers the best balance of strength and cost.

We maintain inventory of 275-gallon, 330-gallon, and 350-gallon composite IBC totes. The 275-gallon tote is the most common globally and the most readily available in used condition. We also carry stainless steel IBCs in various capacities for pharmaceutical and specialized chemical applications. All composite totes feature HDPE inner bottles with galvanized steel cages on steel or composite pallets.

Our primary focus is used and reconditioned containers, which is where we provide the most value. However, we can also source new containers for applications where used units are not suitable, such as new HDPE composite totes for direct food contact or new stainless steel IBCs for pharmaceutical applications. Contact us with your requirements and we will recommend the most cost-effective option.

Yes, we sell polyethylene liners that fit standard IBC totes and tanks. Liners are essential for containing fine powders, granules, and moisture-sensitive materials. We offer clear and opaque liners in various thicknesses from 2 mil to 6 mil. Form-fit liners are also available for specific container sizes. Liners can be included as part of your container order or purchased separately.

Ordering is simple. You can contact us through the form on our website or email us directly. Tell us what container types, sizes, quantities, and grades you need along with your delivery location, and we will provide a quote within the same business day. Once you approve the quote, we process the order and schedule delivery. For repeat customers, we can set up standing orders and scheduled deliveries for seamless replenishment.

Most in-stock items ship within 24-48 hours of order confirmation. Standard delivery times are 3-5 business days for regional shipments and 5-7 business days for cross-country deliveries. Expedited shipping is available for urgent needs. Full truckload orders to the eastern half of the country typically arrive within 3 business days.

Yes, we offer tiered pricing based on order quantity. Truckload orders (typically 200+ IBC totes or 20+ IBC totes) receive the best per-unit pricing plus discounted freight rates. We also offer contract pricing for customers with regular, recurring container needs. Contact us for a volume quote tailored to your specific requirements.

Yes, buying used containers is a core part of our business. We purchase surplus IBC totes and tanks from businesses across the country. If you have containers to sell, send us photos and quantities through our website form and we will provide a competitive offer. We handle pickup and transportation, making it easy for you to turn surplus packaging into revenue.

We provide full-service transportation including flatbed, dry van, and dedicated truck delivery. We can arrange pickup of used containers from your facility and delivery of your new order in a single trip to maximize efficiency. Our logistics team optimizes routing to keep freight costs low. We also work with third-party carriers for specialized requirements.

We have no formal minimum order quantity, which is one of the advantages of buying from IBC Recycle. Whether you need a single IBC tote or a full truckload, we can accommodate your order. That said, shipping economics favor larger orders. A standard 53-foot trailer can hold approximately 20-24 IBC totes, which is the most common order size for bulk buyers.

Yes, we offer scheduled recurring deliveries for customers with predictable container needs. Whether you need a weekly delivery of 100 IBC totes or a monthly shipment of 20 IBC totes, we can set up an automatic schedule so you never run short. Recurring orders also qualify for contract pricing, which is typically lower than spot pricing.

Absolutely. Many of our customers have multiple warehouses, plants, or distribution centers. We can split a single order across multiple delivery addresses or set up separate recurring deliveries for each location. Our logistics team coordinates multi-stop routes to minimize freight costs when delivering to nearby facilities.

We accept ACH bank transfers, company checks, and wire transfers. For established accounts, we offer net-30 payment terms. New customers typically start with payment on delivery or prepayment, with credit terms available after the first few successful transactions. We do not currently accept credit cards for large orders due to processing fees.

Customer satisfaction is our priority. If a shipment does not match the quoted grade or specifications, contact us within 48 hours of delivery. We will arrange a replacement shipment or issue a credit for any containers that do not meet the agreed-upon standards. We ask that you take photos of any issues upon delivery so we can resolve the matter quickly.

Purchasing used containers keeps existing materials in circulation and avoids the environmental costs of new manufacturing. Every used IBC tote reused saves approximately 8 lbs of CO2, 18 gallons of water, and 12 kWh of energy compared to producing a new one. For IBC totes, the savings are even more dramatic: 120 lbs of CO2, 340 gallons of water, and 95 kWh of energy per tote reused. These savings are immediate and require no capital investment.

Containers that have reached the end of their useful life are processed for material recycling. Corrugated cardboard goes to paper mills to be pulped and reformed into new containerboard. HDPE plastic from IBC bottles is granulated and pelletized for use in manufacturing new plastic products. Steel from cages and metal containers is sent to foundries for smelting. We maintain a near-zero landfill rate across our operations.

Yes, we provide detailed sustainability reports for our customers showing the environmental impact of their used container purchases. Reports include metrics like CO2 emissions avoided, water conserved, energy saved, and landfill waste diverted. These figures can be incorporated into your ESG disclosures, sustainability reports, and corporate responsibility communications. Many of our customers use this data to meet supplier sustainability requirements from major retailers and OEMs.

When a composite IBC tote can no longer be reused, the HDPE bottle is separated from the steel cage and pallet base. The HDPE plastic is cleaned, shredded, and pelletized for use in manufacturing new plastic products such as drainage pipe, lumber alternatives, and non-food-contact containers. The steel cage and pallet components are sent to metal recyclers for smelting. HDPE is one of the most readily recyclable plastics, with strong demand from domestic and international regrind markets.

A well-maintained composite IBC tote can typically be reconditioned and reused multiple times over its service life. The steel cage can last 20 years or more, while the HDPE bottle may be replaced (rebottled) several times during that span. For hazardous materials transport, the bottle must be replaced every 5 years per UN regulations. Key factors in extending tote life include avoiding prolonged UV exposure, preventing chemical contamination, careful forklift handling, and proper stacking practices.

The steel cage and pallet of a composite IBC tote can last 20 years or more with proper maintenance. The HDPE inner bottle can be replaced (rebottled) multiple times throughout the cage life. For hazardous materials transport, composite IBCs have a maximum regulatory service life of 5 years from manufacture date, after which the bottle must be replaced to maintain UN certification. For non-hazmat use, totes can serve much longer.

IBC Recycle follows industry best practices for environmental management and waste minimization. We maintain detailed tracking of every container that passes through our facility, documenting whether it is resold for reuse, rebottled, or processed for material recycling. We provide quantified environmental impact reports that our customers use for their own ESG and sustainability disclosures.

The UN marking on an IBC tote certifies that it has been tested and approved for transporting hazardous materials. A typical marking reads: UN 31HA1/Y/0124/USA/SCHTZ-01234. This tells you: 31HA1 = composite IBC (HDPE bottle in steel cage), Y = approved for Packing Groups II and III, 0124 = manufactured January 2024, USA = country of manufacture, and the final code is the manufacturer serial number. Always verify UN markings are legible and within the 5-year service life before using for hazmat transport.

Rebottling is the process of replacing the HDPE inner bottle of a composite IBC tote while keeping the original steel cage and pallet base. This is done when the bottle has reached the end of its useful life due to age, UV degradation, or chemical exposure, but the cage remains structurally sound. A rebottled tote receives a new manufacture date and fresh UN certification, effectively resetting the tote service life for hazardous materials transport. Rebottling typically costs 40-60% less than purchasing a new tote.

The most common discharge valve is a 2-inch (50mm) butterfly valve, which is the standard across the vast majority of composite IBC totes worldwide. Ball valves in 2-inch are also available for applications requiring tighter shut-off. Some totes feature 3-inch outlets for high-viscosity products. The top fill opening is typically 6 inches (150mm) with a screw cap or camlock lid. Valves are commonly made from polypropylene (PP) with EPDM or Viton seals.

HDPE has limited compatibility with many organic solvents. Strong solvents like toluene, xylene, and acetone can cause swelling, softening, or chemical attack on HDPE plastic. For solvent storage and transport, stainless steel IBCs are the recommended choice. For mild solvents or short-term exposure, consult the specific chemical compatibility chart for HDPE. IBC Recycle can provide compatibility guidance for your specific product.

For composite IBC totes, most manufacturers recommend stacking no more than two high when filled to capacity. The steel cage provides excellent structural support, and most composite IBCs are designed and tested for two-high stacking. Always verify the stacking rating on the UN marking or manufacturer specifications. Ensure the ground surface is level and that totes are properly aligned when stacked. Never stack damaged or leaking totes.

Most composite IBC totes have a footprint of approximately 48x40 inches or 45x45 inches, depending on the manufacturer and capacity. The 275-gallon tote typically has a 45x45 inch footprint, while 330 and 350-gallon totes often use a 48x40 inch footprint. The integrated pallet base is designed to be compatible with standard forklifts and pallet jacks. Always verify the footprint dimensions when planning warehouse racking and trailer loading configurations.

Rebottling is the process of replacing the HDPE inner bottle of a composite IBC tote while retaining the steel cage and pallet base. This is done when the bottle has reached the end of its useful life (due to age, chemical exposure, or damage) but the cage remains structurally sound. Rebottling costs significantly less than purchasing a new tote and extends the cage life by another 5+ years. The new assembly receives a fresh manufacture date and UN certification.

Used IBC tote pricing varies based on size, wall thickness, grade, and order quantity. As a general guide, standard 48x40x36 double-wall used IBC totes range from $8 to $14 each, compared to $18 to $25 for new. Grade A commands the highest price, while Grade C is the most economical. Truckload orders (200+ boxes) receive the best per-unit pricing. Contact us for a quote specific to your needs.

Reconditioned 275-gallon composite IBC totes typically range from $100 to $180 each, compared to $280 to $350 for new. Pricing depends on the tote condition, whether it has been rebottled, valve type, and order quantity. Food-grade reconditioned totes with full documentation are at the higher end of the used range. Stainless steel IBCs command premium pricing but still offer 40-55% savings over new.

The ROI is immediate because there is no capital investment required. The savings begin with your very first order. A typical mid-sized manufacturer consuming 500 IBC totes per month can save $5,000 to $7,500 monthly by switching from new to used, translating to $60,000 to $90,000 in annual savings. For IBC totes, the savings per unit are even larger. Most customers see 40-65% cost reduction depending on container type and grade selected.

Yes, we offer contract pricing for customers who commit to regular, recurring orders. Contract pricing locks in favorable rates for a specified period (typically 6-12 months), protecting you from market price fluctuations. Contract customers also receive priority fulfillment during periods of high demand. Contact us to discuss a contract arrangement based on your projected annual volume.

The primary additional cost is freight/delivery. We provide all-inclusive quotes that show the per-unit price and the delivery cost separately so there are no surprises. For truckload orders, freight is often included in the per-unit price. There are no hidden fees, restocking charges, or service charges. The price we quote is the price you pay.

Absolutely. We actively purchase surplus IBC totes and tanks from businesses across the country. To get a purchase offer, send us photos and approximate quantities through our website form. We will provide a competitive offer typically within 24 hours. We handle all pickup logistics and transportation, so there is no effort required on your end beyond loading the truck.

IBC totes are shipped upright on flatbed or dry van trailers. A standard 53-foot trailer can hold approximately 20-24 totes depending on the size and configuration. For smaller orders, we ship via LTL with totes secured on their own integrated pallet bases. Reconditioned totes are shipped cleaned, with new valves and caps installed, ready for immediate use upon delivery. We recommend inspecting totes upon arrival and reporting any transit damage within 48 hours.

IBC totes are shipped upright on flatbed or dry van trailers. A standard 53-foot trailer can hold approximately 20-24 totes depending on the size. For smaller orders, we ship via LTL with totes secured on their own pallets. Reconditioned totes are shipped cleaned, with new valves and caps installed, ready for immediate use upon delivery. We recommend inspecting totes upon arrival and reporting any transit damage within 48 hours.

Yes, for full truckload orders we typically offer delivered pricing that includes freight. This simplifies budgeting and eliminates surprises. For LTL and partial orders, freight is quoted separately based on the delivery destination. We work with a network of carriers to negotiate competitive rates, and we pass those savings on to our customers.

Yes, we arrange all transportation for containers we purchase. You simply load the containers onto the truck, and we handle the rest. For large quantities (full truckloads), we can often schedule pickup within a few days. For smaller quantities, we coordinate with our LTL carriers to arrange cost-effective pickup. In many cases, we can combine a delivery of fresh containers with a pickup of your surplus on the same trip.

We primarily serve the United States, but we can arrange shipments to Canada and Mexico. For Canadian customers, we handle cross-border logistics including customs documentation. For Mexican shipments, we work with cross-border carriers experienced in industrial freight. International shipping beyond North America is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Contact us with your requirements and destination.