Buy Used IBC Totes in Atlanta

How to Buy Used IBC Totes in Atlanta: Save Money and Get Quality Containers

What you'll get from this guide: Learn where to find reliable used IBC totes in Atlanta, what prices to expect, and how to avoid costly mistakes when buying.

Why Buy Used IBC Totes?

Used IBC totes cost 50-80% less than new ones. A new 275-gallon tote costs $150-200. A used one costs $10-70. That's real money saved.

These containers work great for:

• Storing water for construction sites
• Holding chemicals and oils
• Collecting rainwater
• Emergency water storage
• Food ingredients (if food-grade)

What You Need to Know First

IBC totes come in two main sizes:

• 275 gallons (most common)
• 330 gallons (less common, costs more)

Three condition levels exist:

Dirty used ($10-30) - Needs cleaning, cheapest option

Triple-rinsed ($30-55) - Already cleaned, ready to use

Food-grade certified ($45-75) - Safe for food and drinks

Where to Find Used IBC Totes in Atlanta

Atlanta has many suppliers because it's a major shipping hub. The city processes over 50,000 used totes each year.

Best areas to look:

• I-285 perimeter (lots of industrial suppliers)
• Southside Industrial District
• Near the airport (Hartsfield-Jackson area)

What suppliers offer:

• Pickup and delivery service
• Different condition grades
• Bulk discounts (buy 20+ totes)
• Cleaning services

Pricing Guide

Here's what you'll actually pay:

275-gallon totes (most common size):

• Dirty used: $10-25 - Good for non-critical storage if you're willing to clean
• Triple-rinsed: $30-50 - Ready for industrial use right away
• Food-grade: $45-70 - Safe for food, drinks, and potable water

330-gallon totes (larger capacity):

• Dirty used: $15-30 - Best for bigger storage needs
• Triple-rinsed: $35-55 - Industrial use with maximum capacity
• Food-grade: $50-75 - Food and drink storage with largest size available

Money-saving tips:

• Buy 60-80 totes at once for 10-15% discounts
• Spring and summer cost more (high demand season)
• Fall and winter are cheaper

What to Check Before Buying

Ask these questions:

What was stored in it before?

Has it been cleaned? How?

Are there any cracks or leaks?

Do you have cleaning certificates?

Can you deliver it?

Red flags to avoid:

• No information about previous contents
• Suspicious odors or stains
• Cracks in the plastic
• Missing or damaged valves
• No certification for food-grade claims

Food-Grade vs Regular Totes

Food-grade totes are required for:

• Drinking water
• Food ingredients
• Beverages
• Anything people will consume

Look for these markings:

• FDA approval stamps
• UN certification numbers
• "Food Grade" molded into plastic

Regular totes work fine for:

• Industrial chemicals
• Paints and solvents
• Irrigation water
• Construction materials

Legal Requirements You Must Know

For hazardous materials:

• Must have proper DOT placards
• Need hazmat transportation permits
• Previous contents must be documented

For food use:

• FDA certification required
• Complete cleaning documentation needed
• Chain of custody records

Georgia state rules:

• Can't dump damaged totes in regular trash
• Must recycle at certified facilities
• Some counties offer rebates for recycling

Seasonal Buying Patterns

Best times to buy (cheaper prices):

• November through February
• After harvest season ends
• Before construction season starts

Expensive times:

• March through May (planting season)
• Summer months (construction peak)
• Before major festivals and events

Getting the Best Deal

Negotiation tips:

Buy in bulk - 20+ totes get discounts

Pick up yourself to save delivery fees

Accept lower grades if you can clean them

Build relationships with suppliers

Plan purchases for off-season

Contract must include:

• Exact condition description
• What happens if totes are damaged
• Delivery timeline and costs
• Return policy for defective units

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't:

• Buy without seeing the totes first
• Ignore previous contents information
• Skip certification for food use
• Forget about delivery costs
• Buy from uncertified suppliers

Do:

• Inspect before paying
• Get cleaning certificates
• Understand total costs
• Build supplier relationships
• Plan for seasonal price changes

Environmental Benefits

Buying used totes helps the environment:

• Saves 30% of energy compared to new plastic
• Keeps containers out of landfills
• Reduces manufacturing demand
• Supports local recycling economy

Many companies now require used containers for sustainability goals.

Getting Started

Your first purchase checklist:

Decide how many totes you need

Determine if you need food-grade

Set your budget (include delivery)

Find 3-5 suppliers to compare

Inspect totes before buying

Get all certifications in writing

Questions to ask suppliers:

• "What's your return policy?"
• "Can you deliver to my location?"
• "Do you offer bulk discounts?"
• "What cleaning process do you use?"
• "Can I see the totes before buying?"

Bottom Line

Atlanta's used IBC tote market offers excellent value if you know what to look for. Focus on reputable suppliers, understand the true costs including delivery, and don't cut corners on safety certifications.

Start small with a few totes to test your supplier. Build relationships with 2-3 reliable sources. Plan purchases for off-season savings.

Most importantly: never compromise on safety requirements, especially for food-grade applications. The money you save isn't worth the risk of contamination or legal problems.

The used tote market in Atlanta will save you significant money while meeting your storage needs. Just follow these guidelines and you'll find quality containers at fair prices.