Buy Used IBC Totes in Long Beach

How to Buy Used IBC Totes in Long Beach Without Getting Ripped Off

What you'll get from this guide: Save 60-80% on storage containers, avoid costly mistakes, and find reliable suppliers in your area.

What Are IBC Totes and Why Buy Used?

IBC totes are large plastic containers that hold 275 to 550 gallons of liquid. Think of them as giant water bottles with metal cages around them. They're perfect for storing water, chemicals, food ingredients, or any liquid your business uses.

Buying used saves you serious money. A new IBC tote costs $150-200. Used ones cost $10-60. That's huge savings when you need several containers.

What You Can Store in IBC Totes

• Water for cleaning or processes
• Food ingredients like oils or syrups
• Non-hazardous chemicals
• Agricultural liquids like fertilizers
• Cleaning solutions

The key is matching the right container to your needs.

Types of Used IBC Totes You'll Find

"Used Dirty" - Cheapest option ($10-25)

• Previous contents still inside
• You clean them yourself
• Good if you're not picky about what was stored before

"Used Rinsed" - Middle option ($25-45)

• Rinsed out but not deep cleaned
• Some residue may remain
• Good for non-critical storage

"Reconditioned" - Most expensive ($45-60)

• Professionally cleaned and tested
• New valves and gaskets
• Best for food or sensitive materials

Where to Find Used IBC Totes in Long Beach

Online Marketplaces Most sellers list containers online now. You can see photos, ask questions, and compare prices before driving anywhere.

Local Industrial Areas Drive around industrial parks near the port. Many businesses retire containers regularly and sell them cheap.

Recycling Centers Some centers sell containers instead of scrapping them. Call ahead to check availability.

Manufacturing Facilities Food processors, chemical plants, and beverage companies often sell used containers. Build relationships with facility managers.

How Much Should You Pay?

Here's what people actually pay in Long Beach:

• Used dirty: $10-25 each
• Used rinsed: $25-45 each
• Reconditioned: $45-60 each
• Bulk discounts: 10-20% off for 10+ containers

On RePackify, the average price is $34-36 per container in Southern California.

Pro tip: Prices drop when you buy 5+ containers. Sellers prefer bulk sales because it's less work.

What to Check Before You Buy

Look at the Cage

• Bent or broken bars mean it won't stack safely
• Rust is okay if it's surface level
• Make sure the pallet base isn't cracked

Check the Valve

• Turn it to make sure it opens and closes
• Look for cracks in the plastic threads
• A new valve costs $15-40 if you need to replace it

Inspect the Container

• Small scratches are normal
• Avoid containers with cracks or holes
• Sniff inside - strong chemical smells may never come out

Ask About Previous Contents

• Food products are safest
• Avoid anything that held toxic chemicals
• Water treatment chemicals are usually fine

Transportation Tips

Each empty container weighs about 100 pounds and measures 4 feet by 4 feet. Here's how to move them:

Pickup Truck

• Can handle 2-3 containers max
• Bring tie-down straps
• Load carefully to avoid damage

Trailer

• Best for buying 5+ containers
• Make sure trailer can handle the weight
• Stack only if containers are in good condition

Delivery Service

• Many sellers offer delivery for $50-100
• Worth it if you're buying bulk
• Ask about forklift unloading

Cleaning Your Used Containers

Basic Cleaning (for non-food use)

Rinse with hot water

Use degreasing soap

Rinse again thoroughly

Air dry completely

Deep Cleaning (for food or sensitive materials)

Hot water rinse

Food-grade sanitizer

Let soak for 30 minutes

Triple rinse with clean water

Air dry in sunlight if possible

Legal Requirements You Need to Know

For Non-Hazardous Materials

• No special permits needed
• Just use common sense safety

For Hazardous Materials

• Container must be UN/DOT approved
• Look for markings on the container
• May need professional testing and certification

For Food Products

• Must be food-grade certified
• Get written proof of previous contents
• Consider professional cleaning service

Red Flags to Avoid

Don't Buy If:

• Seller won't tell you what was stored inside
• Price seems too good to be true (under $10 for clean containers)
• Container has strong chemical odors
• Cage is severely damaged
• Seller pressures you to buy immediately

Trust Your Gut If something feels wrong, walk away. There are plenty of containers available.

Getting the Best Deal

Buy in Bulk

• 5+ containers often get 10% off
• 10+ containers can get 20% off
• Split orders with other businesses

Time Your Purchase

• End of quarter when businesses clean house
• After facility shutdowns or moves
• Avoid peak seasons when demand is high

Build Relationships

• Regular customers get better prices
• Referrals often lead to deals
• Small suppliers appreciate loyalty

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Buying Too Many Too Fast Start with 1-2 containers to test your needs. It's easy to buy more later.

Ignoring Transportation Costs Factor in pickup costs. A "cheap" container 100 miles away might cost more than a local one.

Not Testing Before Full Use Run a small test batch before committing to large-scale storage.

Forgetting About Accessories You might need pumps, hoses, or stands. Budget for these extras.

Final Tips for Success

Start small - Buy 1-2 containers first to learn what works

Ask questions - Good sellers are happy to educate buyers

Inspect in person - Photos don't show everything

Build relationships - Repeat customers get better deals

Plan ahead - Don't wait until you're desperate

Buying used IBC totes in Long Beach is straightforward when you know what to look for. Focus on finding reliable sellers, understanding what you're buying, and planning your transportation. With these basics, you'll save money and get containers that serve your business well for years.

Remember: The goal isn't to find the cheapest container. It's to find the right container at a fair price from someone you can trust.