Buy Used IBC Totes in Port Orange

Your Complete Guide to Buying Used IBC Totes in Port Orange, Florida

What you'll get from this guide: Save money, find reliable suppliers, and avoid costly mistakes when buying used storage containers for your business.

What Are IBC Totes and Why Buy Used?

IBC totes are large plastic containers (275-330 gallons) inside steel cages. Think of them as super-sized water bottles with handles for forklifts.

Benefits of buying used:

• Save 50-70% compared to new containers
• Good for the environment (recycling)
• Perfect for water storage, chemicals, or food products
• Ready to use immediately

Common uses:

• Storing drinking water
• Chemical storage for businesses
• Food processing
• Rain water collection
• Fish tanks for farming

Understanding Container Quality Levels

Not all used containers are the same. Here's what each grade means:

Food Grade ($125-150 each)

• Safe for drinking water and food
• Cleaned and tested by professionals
• Comes with safety certificates
• Best choice for anything you'll consume

Industrial Grade ($65-85 each)

• Good for chemicals and non-food liquids
• Basic cleaning only
• No food safety guarantees
• Perfect for most business uses

Salvage Grade (cheapest)

• Sold as-is, no cleaning
• You don't know what was stored before
• Needs thorough cleaning before use
• Only buy if you can clean them yourself

What to Check Before You Buy

Previous Contents Matter Ask what was stored in the container before. Some chemicals can soak into plastic and contaminate new contents. Get written proof of what was inside.

Physical Inspection

• Look for cracks in the plastic
• Check if the steel cage is bent or rusted
• Test the valve to make sure it doesn't leak
• Make sure the bottom pallet isn't rotting

Required Papers For food or chemical storage, you need:

• UN certification numbers (proves it's safe)
• Cleaning certificates (proves it's clean)
• Previous contents documentation

Where to Buy in Port Orange Area

Local Suppliers

• Check businesses in Orlando (30 minutes away)
• Look in Daytona Beach (15 minutes away)
• Visit industrial areas near highways

Online Options RePackify offers delivery throughout Florida with good pricing for bulk orders. They include shipping costs for orders of 60+ containers.

What to Ask Suppliers:

• Can I inspect before buying?
• What was stored in these containers?
• Do you offer cleaning services?
• What's your return policy?

Money-Saving Tips

Buy in Bulk

• 15+ containers: 10% discount
• 60+ containers: 20% discount plus free shipping
• 100+ containers: negotiate custom pricing

Timing Your Purchase

• Spring and fall have better inventory
• End of quarter pricing can be lower
• Call multiple suppliers for price comparison

Hidden Costs to Consider

• Delivery fees (unless included)
• Cleaning costs if buying salvage grade
• Valve replacement ($10-20 each)
• Storage space rental

Florida-Specific Considerations

Weather Protection

• Sun can damage plastic over time
• Salt air rusts steel cages faster
• Cover outdoor storage with tarps
• Consider coating steel parts

Transportation

• Use proper tie-downs for transport
• Protect containers from road salt
• Check weight limits for your truck

Getting Started: Your Action Plan

Step 1: Decide what you'll store (this determines what grade you need)

Step 2: Calculate how many containers you need

Step 3: Contact 3-5 suppliers for quotes

Step 4: Visit to inspect containers in person

Step 5: Negotiate bulk pricing and delivery

Step 6: Arrange proper storage location

Red Flags to Avoid

Don't Buy If:

• Seller won't tell you previous contents
• No inspection allowed before purchase
• Containers smell strange or have stains
• Steel cage is severely bent or rusted
• Price seems too good to be true

Warning Signs:

• Seller pressures you to buy immediately
• No return policy or guarantee
• Can't provide proper documentation
• Containers stored in poor conditions

Real Success Stories

Local Farm Example A Port Orange farm bought 20 food-grade containers for $2,800. They use them for rainwater collection, saving $200 monthly on water bills. The containers paid for themselves in 14 months.

Small Business Example A cleaning company bought 8 industrial-grade containers for chemical storage. Total cost: $600. This replaced expensive monthly chemical deliveries and improved their cash flow.

Bottom Line

Used IBC totes can save your business thousands of dollars if you buy smart. Focus on getting the right grade for your needs, inspect everything carefully, and work with honest suppliers.

Key takeaways:

• Food grade costs more but worth it for safety
• Always inspect before buying
• Buy in bulk for better pricing
• Factor in all costs, not just purchase price

Start by calling local suppliers and asking for current inventory. Most will work with you to find containers that fit your needs and budget.