Buy Used IBC Totes in Burlington

How to Buy Used IBC Totes in Burlington, Vermont - Save Money and Store More

What you'll gain from this guide: Learn how to buy quality used IBC totes at 72% below previous prices, find reliable suppliers, and choose the right container for your needs.

What Are IBC Totes?

IBC totes are large plastic tanks that hold 275 or 330 gallons of liquid. Think of them as giant water bottles with steel cages around them. They sit on pallets, so you can move them with a forklift.

These containers replace five to six regular 55-gallon drums but take up less space. That means more storage in the same area.

Why Buy Used IBC Totes?

Save serious money. Used IBC totes in Vermont cost an average of $36 each - that's 72% less than before. New ones cost much more.

Get what you need fast. Many suppliers keep used totes in stock and can deliver quickly.

Help the environment. Reusing containers keeps them out of landfills.

Types You Can Buy

Start with the cheapest option that works for your needs:

Used dirty totes: $60-$85 each

• Previous contents cleaned out but not deep-cleaned
• Good for non-food uses like storing water for construction

Used food-grade rinsed: Around $80 each

• Previously held food products
• Rinsed clean
• Good for most applications

Reconditioned: About $120 each

• Thoroughly cleaned and inspected
• Like buying a used car that's been detailed
• Best for food or sensitive materials

Real-World Uses in Vermont

Maple syrup producers use them to store sap and finished syrup.

Construction crews fill them with water for dust control and concrete mixing.

Breweries store ingredients and finished products.

Farmers use them for liquid fertilizer and animal water systems.

Garden centers store liquid plant food and irrigation water.

How to Choose the Right Tote

Ask yourself these questions:

What will you store? Food products need food-grade containers.

How much space do you have? 275-gallon totes are more common and easier to handle.

How many do you need? Buying 10 or more usually gets you a discount.

Can a forklift reach the storage area? These weigh about 140 pounds empty.

Where to Buy in Burlington

Several suppliers serve the Burlington area. RePackify offers sustainable packaging solutions with flexible delivery from 7 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday.

Most suppliers offer:

• Free quotes
• Delivery service
• Bulk discounts
• Various container conditions

Simple Buying Process

Step 1: Call three suppliers for prices. Prices change based on supply.

Step 2: Tell them exactly what you need:

• How many containers
• What condition (dirty, rinsed, reconditioned)
• What you'll store in them
• When you need delivery

Step 3: Ask about delivery costs. Some include it, others charge extra.

Step 4: Buy more than you think you need if you get a bulk discount. You'll likely find more uses.

Step 5: Inspect containers when they arrive. Good suppliers replace damaged ones.

Money-Saving Tips

Buy in fall and winter. Demand drops, so prices often fall too.

Consider "dirty" totes if you'll clean them anyway. You can save $20-40 per container.

Ask about pickup discounts. Some suppliers charge less if you pick up containers yourself.

Check what previous contents were. Containers that held soap are easier to clean than those that held motor oil.

Red Flags to Avoid

Prices that seem too good. Very cheap containers might be damaged or contaminated.

No inspection period. Good suppliers let you check containers before finalizing the purchase.

Unclear about previous contents. You need to know what was stored before.

No delivery options. These containers are heavy and awkward to transport.

Getting Started Today

Measure your space to see how many containers fit

List what you'll store to determine the condition you need

Call suppliers and compare prices for the same condition and quantity

Start with fewer containers to test if they work for your needs

Plan for growth - you'll probably want more later

The Vermont market offers good prices and reliable suppliers. Start small, buy smart, and you'll have an efficient storage solution that saves money for years.

Bottom line: At current Vermont prices, used IBC totes cost less than building equivalent storage and work better than multiple smaller containers.