Buy Used IBC Totes in Nashville

Save Money on Storage: Your Guide to Buying Used IBC Totes in Nashville

What you'll get from this guide: Learn how to find quality used storage containers that cost 70% less than new ones, where to buy them in Nashville, and what prices to expect.

What Are IBC Totes and Why Buy Used?

IBC totes are big plastic containers that hold liquids and dry goods. Think of them as giant water jugs with metal frames around them. Most hold 275 gallons - that's about 1,100 bottles of water.

Why buy used instead of new? Simple math. A new IBC tote costs around $200. A used one costs $20-65. You save over $100 per container.

What Can You Do With These Containers?

Here are real ways people use IBC totes:

• Store rainwater for gardens (one tote = 2 months of water for most gardens)
• Water livestock (holds enough for 20 cattle for 2 days)
• Store heating oil or diesel fuel
• Mix large batches of soap or cleaning products
• Create aquaponics systems for growing fish and vegetables

Types You Can Buy

Used Dirty ($60-65) These containers held safe liquids but need cleaning. Good for non-food uses like storing rainwater or fuel.

Food Grade ($70-90) These held food products like juice or syrup. Already cleaned and safe for water storage.

Reconditioned ($100-150) Professionally cleaned, tested for leaks, and certified. Best choice if you plan to store drinking water.

Current Prices in Nashville Area

Here's what you'll actually pay in 2025:

• Hendersonville: $20 per tote
• Murfreesboro: $19 per tote
• Clarksville: $24 per tote
• Franklin: $24 per tote
• Davidson County: $50 per tote

Most suppliers offer bulk discounts. Buy 10 totes and save $5-10 per unit. Buy 60 or more and get them delivered free.

Where to Find Them

RePackify operates in Nashville with 180 used totes in stock. They require minimum orders of 60 units but offer local pickup and delivery throughout Tennessee.

Local industrial areas often have businesses selling their empty containers. Check manufacturing districts like:

• Antioch industrial zone
• Lebanon industrial park
• Smyrna manufacturing area

Online marketplaces connect you with local sellers, but inspect containers before buying.

What to Check Before Buying

Look at the bottom: Check for cracks or bulges. A good tote sits flat.

Smell the inside: Should not have strong chemical odors. A slight plastic smell is normal.

Check the valve: Should turn easily and not leak when closed.

Read the label: Tells you what was stored inside. Avoid containers that held dangerous chemicals.

Test the cage: Metal frame should be solid with no broken welds.

Smart Buying Tips

Start small: Buy 1-2 totes first to test your needs.

Ask about pickup: Many sellers will pick up your empties when delivering new ones.

Buy in winter: Demand drops, prices fall by $10-20 per tote.

Check delivery costs: A $20 tote becomes expensive with $50 delivery fees.

Negotiate bulk deals: Sellers prefer moving 10+ units at once.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't buy containers that held:

• Pesticides or herbicides
• Unknown chemicals
• Anything marked "hazardous"

Don't skip cleaning even "clean" containers. Always rinse before use.

Don't forget permits. Some cities require permits for large water storage containers.

Getting Started

Decide your use: Water storage, fuel, or chemical mixing?

Calculate how many: One 275-gallon tote = about 35 standard rain barrels

Set your budget: Plan $25-75 per tote plus delivery

Contact RePackify: Start with their Nashville inventory

Inspect before paying: Never buy sight unseen

Environmental Benefits

Buying used containers keeps them out of landfills. Each reused tote prevents 500 pounds of plastic waste. The metal frames contain enough steel to make 50 soup cans.

Used totes can be cleaned and reused 10-15 times before recycling. When they're finally worn out, both the plastic and metal parts get recycled into new products.