Save 60% on Storage Containers: Your Guide to Buying Used IBC Totes in Port St. Lucie
You'll save hundreds of dollars and help the environment by buying used IBC totes instead of new ones. This guide shows you exactly how to do it safely and smartly.
What You'll Get From This Guide
- Save $200-400 per container compared to buying new
- Know exactly what to look for when buying used totes
- Understand safety rules to keep your business compliant
- Find the best local supplier in Port St. Lucie
What Are IBC Totes?
IBC stands for "Intermediate Bulk Container." Think of them as big plastic tanks inside metal cages. They hold 275 to 330 gallons of liquid - perfect for storing water, chemicals, or food ingredients.
Why businesses love them:
- They stack like building blocks
- Forklifts can move them easily
- They last for years with proper care
- You can clean and reuse them many times
The Money You'll Save
Here's the math that matters:
- New IBC tote: $400-600
- Used IBC tote: $150-250
- Your savings: $200-400 per tote
If you need 10 totes, you'll save $2,000-4,000. That's real money back in your pocket.
Two Types You Need to Know
Food-Grade Totes
- Safe for drinking water, food ingredients, and beverages
- Cost more but meet strict safety rules
- Previously held things like fruit juice or cooking oil
Industrial Totes
- For chemicals, oils, and non-food liquids
- Cost less than food-grade
- Previously held things like soap or lubricants
Important: Never use industrial totes for food or drinking water. It's not safe and breaks the law.
What to Check Before You Buy
Look at the Outside
- No cracks in the plastic tank
- Metal cage isn't bent or broken
- Wooden pallet underneath is solid
- Valves open and close properly
Check the Paperwork
Every good used tote has:
- UN marking (proves it's safe for transport)
- Date it was made
- What it previously held
- Cleaning certificate
Ask These Questions
"What did this tote hold before?"
"When was it last cleaned?"
"Do you have the leak test results?"
"Can I see it before I buy?"
Port St. Lucie Pricing Reality
In Port St. Lucie, expect to pay around $190 per used tote. This is higher than other Florida cities because:
- Fewer suppliers in the area
- High demand from local businesses
- Transportation costs
Pro tip: If you need several totes, ask for a volume discount. Most suppliers will negotiate.
Safety Rules You Must Follow
Florida Law Requirements
- Label what's inside each tote
- Keep containers off the ground (use pallets)
- Have spill cleanup materials ready
- Keep records of what you store
Common Sense Safety
- Never mix different chemicals
- Store totes away from heat sources
- Inspect them every few months
- Train your workers on proper handling
Cleaning and Maintenance
When You Get a Used Tote
Rinse it thoroughly with clean water
Check for any strange smells
Look inside with a flashlight
Test the valve by filling it with water
Monthly Checks
- Look for new cracks or damage
- Make sure the valve doesn't leak
- Check that labels are still readable
- Verify the tote sits level
The Environmental Win
Every used tote you buy:
- Keeps one tote out of the landfill
- Saves the plastic and metal needed for a new one
- Reduces manufacturing pollution
- Supports the local recycling economy
It's good business and good for the planet.
Your Local Solution: RePackify
RePackify operates right here in Port St. Lucie. They offer:
What They Sell:
- 275-gallon totes (most popular size)
- 330-gallon totes (for bigger jobs)
- Both food-grade and industrial types
What They Do:
- Pick up your old totes for free
- Clean and test every tote they sell
- Deliver to your location
- Give you quick price quotes
Why Choose Local:
- Faster delivery (same day possible)
- Lower shipping costs
- You can inspect totes before buying
- Support your local economy
Making Your Purchase Decision
Start Simple
Count how many totes you need
Decide if you need food-grade or industrial
Set your budget
Call RePackify for a quote
Before You Sign
- See the totes in person if possible
- Get all paperwork (cleaning certificates, etc.)
- Confirm delivery date and cost
- Ask about their return policy
Plan for the Future
- How will you clean them when empty?
- Where will you store extras?
- What happens when they wear out?
- Do you have spill cleanup supplies?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't:
- Buy the cheapest totes without seeing them
- Use food-grade totes for chemicals (ruins them forever)
- Store totes directly on concrete
- Ignore the paperwork
Do:
- Inspect before you buy
- Keep detailed records
- Plan for proper storage
- Build a relationship with one good supplier
When Used Totes Don't Make Sense
Sometimes buying new is better:
- You need totes for pharmaceuticals
- Your insurance requires new containers
- You're storing very expensive materials
- Local regulations demand new equipment
Be honest about your needs. The wrong choice costs more in the long run.
Your Next Steps
Calculate your needs: How many totes and what type?
Set your budget: Include delivery and any cleaning costs
Contact RePackify: Get a quote and ask questions
Inspect options: See the totes before you decide
Plan storage: Make sure you have space and proper setup
The Bottom Line
Used IBC totes offer real savings and environmental benefits when you buy smart. In Port St. Lucie, RePackify provides local expertise and reliable service.
Start with a small order to test their quality. If you're happy, buy more. If not, you haven't risked much money.
The key is asking good questions, inspecting what you buy, and following safety rules. Do this right, and you'll save thousands of dollars while getting containers that work just as well as new ones.
Ready to start saving? Contact RePackify in Port St. Lucie today for a no-obligation quote on used IBC totes that meet your needs and budget.