Save Money on Bulk Storage: Your Guide to Buying Used IBC Totes in Marietta, Georgia
What you'll learn: How to find quality used IBC totes in Marietta, save up to 70% on storage costs, and avoid common buying mistakes.
Why Buy Used IBC Totes?
Used IBC totes offer three main benefits:
- Cost savings: Pay $20-$250 instead of $300-$500 for new containers
- Environmental impact: Reduce plastic waste by reusing containers
- Immediate availability: Get containers faster than ordering new ones
What Are IBC Totes?
IBC stands for Intermediate Bulk Container. These are large plastic containers that hold 275 or 330 gallons of liquid. Think of them as giant milk jugs for businesses.
Common uses include:
- Water storage for farms
- Chemical storage for factories
- Food ingredients for restaurants
- Construction site water supply
Types of Used IBC Totes Available
Food-Grade Totes ($50-$150)
- Previously held food products like juice or syrup
- Safe for drinking water storage
- Thoroughly cleaned and inspected
- Best choice for food businesses
Non-Food-Grade Totes ($20-$70)
- Previously held chemicals or oils
- Good for non-consumable liquids
- Lower price but limited uses
- Perfect for construction or irrigation
Reconditioned Totes ($75-$250)
- Professionally cleaned and tested
- New gaskets and valves installed
- Like-new condition
- Best long-term value
Where to Find Used IBC Totes in Marietta
Online Marketplaces
RePackify connects buyers with local sellers. Benefits include:
- Easy online ordering
- Competitive pricing
- Delivery coordination
- Quality guarantees
Local Recycling Centers
Marietta has several recycling centers that buy and sell used totes. They offer:
- Quick pickup of empty containers
- Cash payments for quality totes
- Variety of conditions available
Industrial Supply Companies
Local suppliers often have used inventory alongside new containers.
How to Buy Used IBC Totes: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Determine Your Needs
Ask yourself:
- How many gallons do I need to store?
- What type of liquid will I store?
- Do I need food-grade containers?
- How many containers do I need?
Step 2: Set Your Budget
- Single containers: $20-$250 each
- Bulk orders (10+ units): 10-20% discount
- Delivery costs: $50-$200 depending on distance
Step 3: Find Suppliers
- Search online marketplaces like RePackify
- Contact local recycling centers
- Ask other businesses for recommendations
Step 4: Inspect Before Buying
Check for:
- Cracks in the plastic
- Damaged valves
- Strong odors
- Proper cage condition
Step 5: Arrange Delivery
- Coordinate with your forklift operator
- Ensure clear access for delivery truck
- Verify delivery date and time
What to Look For When Buying
Good Signs
- Clean appearance
- No visible cracks
- Working valve
- Proper UN certification markings
- Clear previous contents label
Warning Signs
- Strong chemical odors
- Visible cracks or damage
- Bent or broken cage
- Missing valve parts
- Unknown previous contents
Pricing Guide
Single Purchase Prices
- Basic non-food-grade: $20-$40
- Rinsed food-grade: $50-$100
- Reconditioned: $75-$150
- Premium reconditioned: $150-$250
Bulk Purchase Savings
- 5-10 units: 5% discount
- 10-25 units: 10% discount
- 25+ units: 15-20% discount
- Full truckload (60 units): 25% discount
Legal Requirements
DOT Regulations
If transporting hazardous materials, ensure:
- Proper UN markings are visible
- Containers meet DOT standards
- Proper shipping papers are completed
Georgia Environmental Rules
- Empty containers must be triple-rinsed
- Hazardous waste containers need special handling
- Keep records of container history
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't Buy Without Inspecting
Example: A restaurant owner bought 10 totes online without seeing them. Half arrived with chemical odors, making them unusable for food storage.
Don't Ignore Previous Contents
Example: A farm bought cheap totes that previously held pesticides. They couldn't use them for drinking water storage as planned.
Don't Forget About Delivery Costs
Example: A small business found $30 totes but paid $150 delivery for two containers. New totes with free delivery would have been cheaper.
Storage and Maintenance Tips
Proper Storage
- Store in shaded areas to prevent UV damage
- Keep valves closed when not in use
- Stack carefully with proper support
- Protect from freezing temperatures
Regular Maintenance
- Check for leaks monthly
- Replace gaskets annually
- Clean thoroughly between different products
- Inspect cage for damage
Environmental Benefits
Buying used IBC totes helps the environment by:
- Reducing plastic waste in landfills
- Saving energy used to make new containers
- Decreasing demand for virgin plastic
- Supporting local recycling businesses
Each reused tote saves about 11 pounds of plastic from being manufactured.
Final Tips for Success
Build Relationships
- Work with trusted suppliers
- Join local business networks
- Share experiences with other buyers
- Negotiate better prices for repeat purchases
Plan Ahead
- Order before you run out
- Consider seasonal demand changes
- Factor in delivery time
- Keep spare parts on hand
Keep Good Records
- Track container serial numbers
- Document previous contents
- Save inspection reports
- Maintain purchase receipts
Buying used IBC totes in Marietta can save your business significant money while helping the environment. Start with food-grade containers from reputable suppliers, inspect everything before buying, and build relationships with local providers.
Remember: The best deal isn't always the cheapest price. Focus on quality, reliability, and service to get containers that will serve your business well for years to come.