Buy Used IBC Totes in Louisiana

Save Money on Storage: Buy Used IBC Totes in Louisiana

What you'll get from this guide: Learn how to cut storage costs by 50-70% while helping the environment by buying used industrial containers in Louisiana.

What Are IBC Totes and Why Buy Used?

IBC totes are large plastic tanks in metal cages. Think of them as giant milk jugs that hold 275 or 330 gallons. They're cube-shaped and sit on pallets so forklifts can move them easily.

Why people choose used over new:

• Save $100-200 per container
• Help the environment by reusing instead of throwing away
• Get the same storage capacity at half the price

Real example: A brewery in New Orleans saved $3,000 by buying 20 used totes instead of new ones for water storage.

What Conditions Can You Buy?

Used Dirty - $60-65

• Previous contents still inside
• Cheapest option
• Good for non-food items like irrigation water

Rinsed Clean - $85-95

• Washed three times
• Safe for food and drinks
• Most popular choice

Like New - $110-130

• New inner bottle or major repairs
• Almost as good as buying new
• Best for critical applications

Where to Find Them in Louisiana

You can find used IBC totes in these areas:

• New Orleans and surrounding parishes
• Baton Rouge region
• Shreveport area
• Lafayette and Acadiana
• Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana

Delivery options:

• Free pickup of your empty totes
• Delivery across Louisiana (usually free for orders over 10 totes)
• Some suppliers deliver nationwide

Sample Prices by Location

CityConditionPrice EachNew OrleansUsed Dirty$65EuniceUsed Dirty$60LockportLike New$110WestwegoUsed Dirty$60

Prices change based on supply and demand

What to Check Before You Buy

For any use:

Are there cracks in the plastic tank?

Does the metal cage have rust or damage?

Do the valves work properly?

Is the top cap tight?

For food or drinks:

Is it certified food-grade?

What was stored in it before?

Has it been properly cleaned?

For shipping hazardous materials:

Does it have UN/DOT certification?

When does the certification expire?

How to Buy Smart

Start small: Buy 1-2 totes first to test quality and service.

Buy in bulk: Most suppliers give discounts for 10+ totes. One farm saved $15 per tote by ordering 25 instead of 5.

Ask about free services:

• Free pickup of your old containers
• Free cleaning or reconditioning
• Free delivery in your area

Time your purchase: Prices are often lower in winter when demand drops.

Simple Buying Process

Call or email with your needs (how many, what condition, where you are)

Get a quote including delivery costs

Schedule delivery or pickup

Inspect on arrival before paying

Pay and get paperwork (important for food-grade or hazardous materials)

Common Questions

Q: Are used totes safe for drinking water? A: Yes, if they're food-grade certified and properly cleaned. Always ask what was stored before.

Q: How long do they last? A: With normal use, 5-10 years. The plastic tank usually wears out before the metal cage.

Q: Can I return them if they don't work? A: Most suppliers offer 30-day returns for defective totes, but not for buyer's remorse.

Bottom Line

Used IBC totes in Louisiana cost 50-70% less than new ones. You get the same storage capacity while helping the environment.

Best deals: Contact suppliers directly, buy in bulk, and time purchases for off-peak seasons.

Red flags: Avoid totes with cracks, heavy rust, or unknown previous contents for food applications.

Start with a small order to test quality, then scale up once you find a reliable supplier.