Buy Used IBC Totes in Riverside

How to Buy Used IBC Totes in Riverside for 70% Less Than State Average

What you'll get from this guide: Save money on bulk storage containers, avoid common buying mistakes, and find reliable suppliers in Riverside, California.

What Are IBC Totes?

IBC stands for Intermediate Bulk Container. Think of them as big plastic tanks in metal cages. They hold 275 or 330 gallons of liquid.

Most people use them for:

• Water storage
• Chemical storage
• Food products like cooking oil
• Agricultural liquids

They're popular because you can stack them, move them with a forklift, and they last for years.

Why Riverside Is Great for Buying Used Totes

Riverside has some of the best prices in California. Here's why:

Average price: $10.25 per tote (that's 70% less than other California cities)

Why so cheap?

• Lots of businesses sell their used totes here
• Good recycling networks
• Easy shipping from this location

For comparison, if you bought the same tote in San Francisco, you'd pay around $35.

Two Main Types You'll Find

275-Gallon Totes

• Most common size
• Easier to handle
• Usually cost $40-60 used
• Good for small to medium businesses

330-Gallon Totes

• Hold more liquid
• Slightly harder to move
• Cost $50-70 used
• Better for larger operations

Food-Grade vs Industrial

Food-grade: Previously held cooking oil, syrup, or other food products. Safe for drinking water storage.

Industrial: Held chemicals or cleaning products. Only use for non-food liquids.

How to Inspect Before You Buy

Never buy without checking these things:

The Plastic Tank

• Look for cracks or holes
• Check if it's discolored (might mean chemical damage)
• Make sure the bottom isn't warped

The Metal Cage

• Bent bars mean it might not stack safely
• Rust is okay if it's just surface rust
• Check that the pallet base isn't cracked

The Valve

• Turn it on and off - should move smoothly
• Look for leaks around the threads
• Replace if it's damaged (costs about $15)

Ask These Questions

• What was stored in it before?
• When was it last cleaned?
• Is there a test certificate?

Where to Buy in Riverside

RePackify (Best for Large Orders)

• Minimum order: 60 totes
• Delivers full truckloads
• Has over 300 totes in stock
• Includes food-grade options

What to Expect

Most suppliers offer pickup within 45 miles of Riverside. Delivery usually takes 1-2 weeks for large orders.

Legal Requirements You Need to Know

If you're storing or moving liquids commercially, your totes need certifications:

UN/DOT Standards

• Totes must pass pressure tests
• Need inspection every 30 months
• Look for the metal plate with test dates

What Happens If You Skip This

• Shipping companies won't take your products
• You could get fined
• Insurance might not cover damage

Money-Saving Tips

Buy in Bulk

• 60+ totes: Get wholesale pricing
• Share a truckload with other businesses
• Negotiate better rates for repeat orders

Timing Matters

• Best deals in late fall/early winter
• Avoid peak agricultural seasons (spring/summer)
• End of fiscal years (December/March) often have deals

Calculate Total Costs

Don't just look at the tote price. Add:

• Delivery fees ($200-500 per truckload)
• Cleaning supplies ($10-20 per tote)
• Valve replacements if needed ($15 each)

Red Flags to Avoid

Bad Sellers

• Won't let you inspect before buying
• Can't tell you what was stored inside
• No cleaning records
• Prices that seem too good to be true

Damaged Totes

• Cracks in the plastic (even small ones)
• Bent metal cage that won't stack
• Strong chemical smells that won't wash out
• Missing or damaged valves

Simple Buying Process

Decide what you need: How many totes? What size? Food-grade or industrial?

Set your budget: Include delivery and cleaning costs

Contact RePackify: For large orders (60+) or check local listings for smaller amounts

Inspect samples: Always see the actual totes before buying large quantities

Arrange delivery: Schedule when you can receive them

Clean before use: Even "clean" totes need a final rinse

Bottom Line

Riverside offers excellent deals on used IBC totes - you can save hundreds compared to buying new or shopping elsewhere in California.

Start small to test quality, then buy in bulk once you find a reliable supplier. Always inspect before buying, and don't skip the legal requirements if you're using them commercially.

Next step: Contact RePackify for bulk orders or check local listings to start with 1-2 totes for testing.