Buy Used IBC Totes in Los Angeles

Save Money on Bulk Storage: Your Guide to Buying Used IBC Totes in Los Angeles

Why read this guide? You'll learn how to cut storage costs by up to 70% while getting reliable containers for your business. We'll show you exactly what to look for, what to avoid, and how to buy smart.

What Are IBC Totes and Why Buy Used?

IBC totes are large plastic containers in steel cages. Think of them as super-sized water coolers for businesses. Most hold 275 or 330 gallons and stack like building blocks.

Why buy used instead of new?

• Save $100-200 per container
• Get the same function at half the price
• Help the environment by reusing containers

These containers work great for storing liquids like water, chemicals, or food ingredients. The steel cage protects the plastic tank inside, and you can move them with a forklift.

What's Available in Los Angeles

In LA, you'll find two main sizes:

• 275-gallon totes: 40" x 48" x 46" tall
• 330-gallon totes: 40" x 48" x 54" tall

Container conditions:

• Used Dirty: Needs cleaning, cheapest option ($35-45 each)
• Used Rinsed: Basic cleaning done ($45-60 each)
• Food-Grade: Clean and safe for food/water ($60-80 each)
• Rebottled: New liner in old cage ($150-250 each)

Example: A restaurant buying water storage totes would choose food-grade rinsed containers. A car wash needing soap storage might pick used dirty ones to save money.

What You'll Pay in Los Angeles

Los Angeles prices run higher than other California cities. Here's what to expect:

Current LA prices:

• Basic used totes: $35-45 each
• Food-grade rinsed: $60-80 each
• Rebottled containers: $150-250 each

Money-saving tips:

• Buy 60+ containers for bulk discounts (save 10-15%)
• Pick up yourself to avoid delivery fees
• Buy during slow seasons (winter months)

Real example: A landscaping company saved $800 by buying 30 containers at once instead of buying them individually.

How to Buy Smart

Step 1: Know what you need

• How many gallons do you need to store?
• What liquid will you put in it?
• Do you need food-grade quality?

Step 2: Contact suppliers

• Get quotes from multiple sources
• Ask about minimum orders
• Check pickup vs. delivery options

Step 3: Inspect before buying

• Check the steel cage for rust or bent bars
• Look inside the plastic tank for cracks
• Test the valve at the bottom
• Smell inside - bad odors mean contamination

What to Check Before You Buy

Red flags to avoid:

• Rust holes in the steel cage
• Cracks in the plastic tank
• Valves that don't close properly
• Strong chemical smells
• Missing labels or certifications

Green lights to look for:

• Clean, intact steel cage
• Clear plastic with no cloudiness
• Working valve that opens and closes smoothly
• Fresh smell inside
• Proper UN certification markings

Example: One buyer saved themselves trouble by rejecting containers with bent cage bars. Those containers would have been unstable when stacked.

Legal Requirements You Need to Know

For any liquid storage:

• Keep original UN markings on the container
• Don't exceed the weight limit printed on the label
• Use proper forklifts for moving

For food or water:

• Only use containers marked food-grade
• Check that previous contents were food-safe
• Get cleaning certificates when required

For chemicals:

• Match container ratings to your chemical type
• Follow DOT shipping rules if transporting
• Keep safety data sheets for contents

Most businesses don't need to worry about complex regulations. Just match your container grade to your liquid type.

Moving and Storing Your Containers

Delivery options:

• Truck delivery: 60 empty containers or 10-14 full ones
• Pickup: Bring a trailer and save on delivery fees
• Local delivery: Often available within LA County

Storage tips:

• Stack empty containers up to 4 high
• Stack full containers only 2 high maximum
• Store on level ground
• Keep away from extreme heat

Example: A brewery arranged for morning delivery to avoid traffic delays and ensure their forklift operator was available for unloading.

Environmental Benefits

Buying used containers helps the environment:

• Saves plastic from landfills
• Reduces energy needed to make new containers
• Cuts transportation emissions by buying locally
• Extends the useful life of materials

One RePackify customer calculated they prevented 2 tons of plastic waste by choosing used containers over new ones for their 100-container purchase.

Where to Find Quality Used Containers

RePackify serves the Los Angeles market with:

• 275 and 330-gallon containers in stock
• Various condition levels from basic to food-grade
• Local pickup and delivery options
• Volume discounts for bulk orders
• Same-day quotes for local businesses

Their LA inventory typically includes 60+ containers with monthly restocking up to 180 units.

Your Next Steps

Calculate your needs: How many containers and what grade?

Get quotes: Contact suppliers for current pricing

Plan logistics: Arrange pickup or delivery

Inspect on arrival: Check condition before accepting

Start saving: Enjoy lower storage costs

Remember: The best deal isn't always the cheapest container. Factor in condition, delivery costs, and your specific needs to find the best value.

Ready to start? Contact RePackify for current inventory and pricing in the Los Angeles area. Most quotes are provided the same day for local businesses.