Buy Used IBC Totes in Kodiak

How to Buy Used IBC Totes in Kodiak, Alaska: Save Money and Get What You Need

What you'll learn: Where to find used IBC totes in Kodiak, how much they cost, and what to check before buying.

Why this matters: Used IBC totes cost 50-70% less than new ones and work just as well for most jobs.

What Are IBC Totes?

IBC stands for Intermediate Bulk Container. Think of them as large plastic tanks in metal cages. They hold 275 to 330 gallons of liquid. People use them for:

• Storing water
• Mixing chemicals
• Transporting liquids
• Collecting rainwater

Where to Buy in Kodiak

Online Options:

• Repackify - Ships to Kodiak, includes freight costs

Why buy local? No shipping delays. You can inspect before buying. Seattle Barrel Company knows what works in Alaska's climate.

How Much Do They Cost?

2025 Prices in Kodiak:

• Basic used totes: $100-150
• Clean, reconditioned: $150-200
• Food-grade (triple-cleaned): $200-250

Compare this to Anchorage: Their prices jumped 68% to $270 per tote. Kodiak stayed steady at $240 average.

Why the difference? Kodiak has steady local supply. Less price swings.

Types You Can Buy

275-Gallon Standard

• Most common size
• Good for general storage
• Fits through most doorways

330-Gallon Large

• More storage space
• Harder to move when full
• Better value per gallon

Condition Grades:

• Value grade: Some stains, minor dents. Works fine.
• Standard reconditioned: Cleaned, tested, looks good.
• Food grade: Triple-washed, safe for drinking water.

What to Check Before Buying

The Plastic Tank:

• Look for cracks (especially corners)
• Check if it's brittle or faded
• Make sure the top cap screws on tight

The Metal Cage:

• Should not be bent or rusty
• All welds should be solid
• Check the pallet base for damage

The Paperwork:

• UN/DOT certification tag must be readable
• Should show pressure rating
• Food-grade needs FDA certification

Example: A cracked corner might leak under pressure. A bent cage won't stack safely.

Getting Them to Your Location

By Barge (Cheapest):

• Works for multiple totes
• Takes 1-2 weeks
• Best in summer months

By Plane (Fastest):

• Costs 3-4 times more
• For urgent single units
• Available year-round

Local Pickup:

• Seattle Barrel Company has dock access
• Bring a truck or trailer
• Call ahead to check stock

Following the Rules

Cleaning Requirements: Alaska requires triple-rinsing before disposal. This removes chemical residue.

Disposal Rules:

• Regular plastic: Can go to recycling
• Chemical residue: Needs special handling
• Some suppliers take old ones back

Why this matters: Fines for improper disposal can cost thousands.

Smart Buying Tips

Start Small: Buy one tote first. Test it for your needs. Then buy more if it works.

Ask About History: What was stored in it before? Food products are safer than chemicals.

Time Your Purchase: Summer has better shipping rates. Winter has fewer options.

Inspect Everything: Returns from Kodiak cost a lot. Check thoroughly before buying.

Bottom Line

Used IBC totes save money and work well in Kodiak. Seattle Barrel Company offers the easiest local option. For multiple units, compare online prices including shipping. Always inspect before buying - returns are expensive from an island.

Best deal: Buy 2-3 reconditioned totes in summer when shipping is cheap.

Avoid: Very cheap totes with unknown history. Chemical contamination isn't worth the savings.