Buy Used IBC Totes in Mobile

Save Money on Storage: Where to Buy Used IBC Totes in Mobile, Alabama

What You'll Get From This Guide

You'll learn where to find reliable used IBC totes in Mobile at the best prices. We'll show you what to look for, how much to expect to pay, and how to avoid common buying mistakes.

What Are IBC Totes?

IBC totes are large plastic containers that hold liquids. Most hold either 275 gallons or 330 gallons. Businesses use them to store water, chemicals, food ingredients, and other liquids.

Where to Find Used IBC Totes in Mobile

Online Marketplaces

• RePackify - Offers new, used, and custom totes with free delivery and pickup across Alabama
• Regional classified ads
• Industrial equipment websites
• Local Facebook marketplace groups

Local Options

• Industrial recycling companies
• Chemical plants selling their empties
• Food processing facilities
• Agricultural suppliers
• Warehouse liquidators

Types of Used Totes You'll Find

Dirty Totes

• Never been cleaned
• Cheapest option
• Good for non-critical uses like rainwater collection

Rinsed Totes

• Washed once
• Safe for water or basic chemicals
• Mid-range price

Food-Grade Totes

• Cleaned to food safety standards
• Safe for drinking water or food products
• Higher price but worth it for food use

Reconditioned Totes

• Fully refurbished with new parts
• Almost like buying new
• Most expensive but most reliable

What to Expect to Pay

Prices depend on three things:

• Condition: Dirty totes cost less than clean ones
• How many you buy: Buying 10 totes costs less per tote than buying 1
• Delivery: Some sellers include delivery, others charge extra

How to Buy Smart

Step 1: Know What You Need

Ask yourself:

• How much liquid do I need to store?
• What type of liquid? (water, chemicals, food)
• How many totes do I need?
• Do I need delivery or can I pick up?

Step 2: Check the Tote Before You Buy

Look for:

• Cracks in the plastic
• Working valves at the bottom
• Clean smell inside
• Dents or damage to the metal cage

Step 3: Ask the Right Questions

• What was stored in it before?
• Has it been cleaned?
• Do you offer delivery?
• What's your return policy?
• Are there volume discounts?

Step 4: Compare Your Options

Get quotes from at least three sellers. Include:

• Price per tote
• Delivery costs
• Minimum order requirements
• Condition guarantees

Common Sizes Available

275 Gallon Totes

• Most common size
• Easier to handle when full
• Good for smaller operations

330 Gallon Totes

• Holds more liquid
• Better value per gallon
• Heavier when full

Red Flags to Avoid

Don't buy if:

• The seller won't tell you what was stored in it
• The tote smells bad or has stains
• The valve leaks
• The price seems too good to be true
• The seller has no return policy

Getting the Best Deal

Buy in bulk - Most sellers offer discounts for multiple totes

Pick up yourself - Save on delivery charges if you have a truck

Buy dirty and clean yourself - Cheapest option if you can clean them

Shop around - Prices vary widely between sellers

Example: What a Good Deal Looks Like

A local business needed 5 totes for storing cleaning supplies. They found:

• Rinsed 275-gallon totes
• $75 each for 5 totes
• Free delivery within 20 miles
• 30-day return policy
• Previous contents: food-grade corn syrup

This was a fair deal because the totes were clean, reasonably priced, and came with guarantees.

Final Tips

Start your search online to compare prices, then call local suppliers for the best deals. Most sellers are flexible on price, especially for multiple totes.

Remember: the cheapest tote isn't always the best deal. A slightly more expensive tote that's properly cleaned and guaranteed will save you headaches later.

In Mobile's market, you should find plenty of options. Take your time, ask questions, and don't be afraid to negotiate.