Buy Used IBC Totes in Indianapolis

How to Buy Used IBC Totes in Indianapolis: Save Money and Help the Environment

What you'll get from this guide: Learn where to find quality used IBC totes in Indianapolis, how much you'll save, and step-by-step buying tips that prevent costly mistakes.

What Are IBC Totes and Why Buy Used?

IBC totes are large plastic containers in metal cages. Think of them as industrial-sized water bottles. They hold 275 to 330 gallons and are perfect for storing liquids like chemicals, food ingredients, or water.

Why buy used instead of new?

• Save 50-80% on costs
• Help the environment by reusing materials
• Get same quality after proper cleaning
• Available immediately (no manufacturing wait)

Example: A new 330-gallon IBC tote costs $400-600. A used one in good condition costs $40-220, depending on how much cleaning it needs.

Understanding Tote Conditions (What You're Actually Buying)

"One-Time Used Dirty" - $0-40

• Used once, not cleaned
• Good for non-food uses like watering plants
• Example: Held soap ingredients, now has residue inside

"Reconditioned" - $50-120

• Pressure washed and inspected
• Broken parts replaced
• Good for most industrial uses
• Example: Originally held fruit juice, now clean and ready

"Rebottled" - $150-220

• New plastic container, used metal cage
• Like getting a new tote at half price
• Example: New inner tank installed in 2-year-old frame

"Food-Grade" - $180-250

• Triple-cleaned to FDA standards
• Safe for food and drinks
• Example: Can store maple syrup or cooking oil safely

Step-by-Step Buying Process

Step 1: Know What You Need

• Size: 275 or 330 gallons?
• Use: Food, chemicals, or water?
• Quantity: One tote or a truckload?
• Certifications: Do you need UN certification for hazardous materials?

Step 2: Contact Multiple Suppliers

• Get quotes from 2-3 companies
• Ask for photos of actual totes
• Request safety data sheets (SDS)
• Example question: "I need 5 reconditioned 330-gallon totes for storing cleaning solution. What's your best price with delivery?"

Step 3: Inspect Before You Buy

• Check for cracks in plastic
• Test the valve (should open/close smoothly)
• Look for dents in metal cage
• Smell inside (should be neutral)

Step 4: Arrange Delivery

• Most suppliers deliver free in Indianapolis
• Make sure trucks can access your location
• Have someone available to sign for delivery
• Tip: Large trucks need 12 feet of clearance

What Documentation You Need

Always Get These Papers:

Bill of Lading - Proof of what you bought

Safety Data Sheet (SDS) - Shows what was stored before

Cleaning Certificate - Proves proper reconditioning

UN Certification - Required for hazardous materials

Why This Matters:

If you're audited or have an accident, proper paperwork protects you legally.

Environmental Benefits (Why This Matters)

Reusing Saves Resources:

• Energy: 70% less energy than making new totes
• Materials: Keeps plastic and steel out of landfills
• Carbon: Reduces manufacturing emissions

Real Impact Example:

Buying 10 used totes instead of new ones saves the same energy as taking a car off the road for 2 months.

Money-Saving Tips

1. Buy in Bulk

• 1 tote: $200 each
• 10 totes: $150 each
• 50 totes: $100 each

2. Time Your Purchase

• Spring: Highest demand, higher prices
• Fall/Winter: Lower demand, better deals

3. Consider "Ugly" Totes

• Scratched but functional totes cost 30% less
• Perfect for non-customer-facing uses

4. Trade Your Old Ones

• Get $10-70 credit per old tote
• Some companies do even swaps

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't Buy Without Inspection

Bad: "The photos looked good online"

Good: "I saw the actual totes before paying"

Don't Forget About Access

Bad: Truck can't reach your building

Good: Measured clearance and confirmed truck access

Don't Mix Food and Chemical Totes

Bad: Using ex-chemical tote for maple syrup

Good: Food-grade certified totes only for food

Don't Skip the Paperwork

Bad: No documentation of what was stored before

Good: Complete SDS and cleaning certificates

Quick Action Plan

This Week:

• Measure your storage space
• Contact 3 suppliers for quotes
• Visit one supplier to see totes in person

Before You Buy:

• Confirm truck access to your location
• Get all required certifications
• Arrange inspection time
• Have payment method ready

After Purchase:

• Inspect immediately upon delivery
• File all paperwork safely
• Plan for eventual disposal/recycling

Final Advice: Start Small and Learn

Buy one or two totes first. Learn the process, test your suppliers, and understand what quality means for your specific needs. Once you're comfortable, you can order larger quantities with confidence.

Remember: The goal is finding reliable, clean containers at fair prices from suppliers who stand behind their products. Take time to build relationships with good suppliers – they'll help you solve problems and get better deals over time.