Buy Used IBC Totes in Elizabeth

How to Buy Cheap Storage Tanks in Elizabeth, New Hampshire (And Save $200+ Per Container)

What you'll get from this guide: Find quality 275-gallon storage containers for $75-250 instead of $400+ new, plus learn where to buy them and what to watch out for.

What Are IBC Totes? (The Simple Answer)

Think of IBC totes as giant plastic cubes that hold liquids. They're like massive water jugs with a steel cage around them.

• Hold 275 gallons (that's 2,200 pounds of water)
• Size: 4 feet wide, 4 feet long, 4 feet tall
• Have a steel frame that protects the plastic tank inside
• Come with a valve at the bottom for easy draining
• Fit perfectly on a pallet for moving with forklifts

Real example: A farmer in Elizabeth uses one IBC tote to collect rainwater from his barn roof. It fills up in two good rainstorms and waters his vegetable garden all summer.

Why Buy Used Instead of New?

New IBC tote: $400-600 Used IBC tote: $75-250 Your savings: $200-350 per container

That's the math. Used totes work just as well for most jobs. The plastic doesn't wear out, and the steel cage protects everything.

What People Use Them For in New Hampshire

Water storage:

• Rainwater collection (popular in Elizabeth area)
• Emergency water supply
• Irrigation for gardens and farms

Farm uses:

• Storing liquid fertilizer
• Mixing animal feed
• Water for livestock

Creative home projects:

• Raised garden beds (cut them in half)
• Compost tea makers
• Fire protection water supply

Real example: A Elizabeth homesteader bought three used totes for $225 total. She uses one for rainwater, one as a raised garden bed, and one to make compost tea. New containers would have cost her $1,500.

Types of Used Totes and What They Cost

Dirty totes ($40-75):

• Used but not cleaned
• Good for non-drinking water
• Perfect for irrigation or washing

Rinsed totes ($75-120):

• Cleaned once after use
• Safe for garden watering
• Most popular choice

Food-grade totes ($100-200):

• Previously held food products
• Safe for drinking water storage
• Higher quality, last longer

Reconditioned totes ($150-250):

• Fully cleaned and inspected
• New valves and gaskets
• Almost like buying new

hat to Check Before You Buy

The plastic tank:

• Look for cracks or cloudy plastic
• Smell inside - should not have strong chemical odors
• Check if it held food products (safer for water storage)

The steel cage:

• Some rust is normal, heavy rust means problems
• All welds should be solid
• Cage should not be bent or twisted

The valve:

• Turn it on and off - should move smoothly
• Look for leaks around the base
• Ask if it's been replaced recently

Ask the seller:

• What was stored in it before?
• Has it been cleaned?
• Is the valve working?
• Can you return it if there are problems?

Safety Rules (The Important Stuff)

For drinking water: Only buy food-grade containers. Ask what was in them before. Avoid containers that held chemicals, even if cleaned.

For chemicals: Used totes can store fertilizers and farm chemicals, but check local building codes first.

Installation: These weigh 2,400 pounds when full. Make sure your ground can handle the weight. A concrete pad works best.

Cleaning: Always rinse any used container before use, even food-grade ones.

How Much You'll Really Pay

Elizabeth area typical costs:

• Single dirty tote: $75
• Single rinsed tote: $100
• Single food-grade tote: $150
• Bulk orders (5+ totes): $60 each

Add these costs:

• Delivery: $50-150 (depending on distance)
• Cleaning supplies: $20-40
• Basic tools for setup: $30-50

Total for one good used tote: $150-250 delivered and ready to use Same container new: $500-650

Getting Started: Your First Purchase

Start small: Buy one rinsed tote first. Learn how it works before buying more.

Best first use: Rainwater collection. Simple setup, immediate benefits, low risk.

Call ahead: Most suppliers want 24-48 hours notice for delivery to Elizabeth.

Payment: Most accept cash, check, or credit card. Some offer payment plans for large orders.

Bottom Line

Used IBC totes give Elizabeth residents affordable bulk storage that new containers can't match on price. A $100 used tote does the same job as a $500 new one.

Start with one container for a simple project like rainwater collection. Once you see how useful they are, you'll probably want more.

The key is buying from established suppliers who deliver to Elizabeth and stand behind their containers. Pay the extra $25-50 for a rinsed or food-grade container instead of the cheapest dirty one - you'll be happier with the results.