Buy Used IBC Totes in Seattle

How to Buy Used IBC Totes in Seattle: Save Money and Get What You Need

What you'll get from this guide: Learn how to find good used IBC totes in Seattle, understand what condition to buy, and avoid paying too much. You'll save hundreds of dollars and get containers that work for your business.

What Are IBC Totes and Why Buy Used?

IBC stands for Intermediate Bulk Container. Think of them as big plastic tanks in metal cages - they hold 275 or 330 gallons of liquid. Businesses use them to store and move things like water, chemicals, food ingredients, and oils.

Why buy used instead of new? Simple math:

• New IBC tote: $500-800
• Used IBC tote: $40-300
• You save: $200-500 per container

Seattle has lots of used IBCs because we're a port city with many food, chemical, and manufacturing companies that use them once and sell them.

Types of Used IBC Totes You Can Buy

Think of used IBCs like used cars - they come in different conditions at different prices.

Dirty/Non-Rinsed ($25-50)

• Still has leftover product inside
• Good for: Non-food uses like storing rainwater, soap, or industrial fluids
• Bad for: Anything you'll eat or drink

Triple-Rinsed ($60-80)

• Washed three times to remove most residue
• Good for: Food products, clean water storage
• Example: A brewery might use these for ingredient water

Rebottled ($160-200)

• Old plastic tank replaced with new one, but metal cage is used
• Good for: When you need food-grade quality but want to save money
• Like getting a rebuilt engine in an older car

Fully Reconditioned ($200-300)

• Everything is new or restored: tank, cage, pallet
• Good for: Hazardous materials, when you need UN certification
• Almost like buying new but costs less

Where to Find Used IBCs in Seattle

Physical Stores

You can see the containers before buying at local suppliers. Most are in South Seattle near the industrial areas.

Online Sources

RePackify offers various conditions with freight included for bulk orders in Seattle and Renton areas. They're helpful for getting exactly what you need delivered to your door.

Online marketplaces also list individual containers, but prices vary widely from $40 to $300 depending on condition.

What Prices to Expect

Here's what people actually pay in Seattle:

• Dirty containers: $25-50 each
• Clean, basic containers: $60-120 each
• Food-grade, certified: $150-250 each
• Like-new condition: $250-300 each

Money-saving tip: Buy several at once. Many sellers offer discounts for 5+ containers, and shipping costs less per unit.

How to Check if an IBC is Good

Look for These Problems:

• Cracks in the plastic tank (especially corners)
• Bent or broken metal cage
• Damaged wooden pallet
• Broken valves or caps
• Missing labels (you need UN certification numbers for some uses)

Ask These Questions:

• What was stored in it before?
• How was it cleaned?
• Do you have cleaning records?
• Is it UN certified?
• Can I see it before buying?

Real example: A local restaurant bought cheap IBCs without inspecting them. Three had small cracks and leaked. They spent more on cleanup than they saved on price.

Getting Your IBCs Delivered

Free Pickup Services

Some companies will pick up your empty IBCs for free when you're done with them. This saves disposal costs.

Delivery Options

• Small orders (1-5 containers): Usually $50-150 delivery fee
• Large orders (pallet loads): Often free delivery within Seattle area
• RePackify: Includes freight in pricing for bulk orders

Planning tip: Most suppliers deliver Monday-Friday until 6 PM. Make sure your location can accept truck deliveries.

Legal and Safety Rules

For Chemical Storage:

• Must have UN31HA1/Y marking
• Need proper labels during transport
• Driver needs hazmat documentation

For Food Storage:

• Must be food-grade certified
• Need cleaning documentation
• Follow FDA rules for food contact

Keep it simple: If you're storing anything people will eat or drink, ask for food-grade certification. If you're storing chemicals, ask for UN certification.

How to Buy Smart

Step 1: Know What You Need

• How much liquid? (275 or 330 gallons)
• What type of liquid? (food, chemical, water)
• How clean does it need to be?

Step 2: Set Your Budget

• Dirty containers: Budget $25-50 each
• Food-grade: Budget $150-250 each
• Add delivery costs: $50-150

Step 3: Inspect Before Buying

• Look for cracks, dents, and damage
• Check valve operation
• Verify certification if needed

Step 4: Plan Your Purchase

• Buy multiple containers for better prices
• Coordinate delivery dates
• Have a plan for disposal when done

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Buying too cheap: A $25 dirty container might cost $100 to clean properly. Sometimes paying $80 for a clean one saves money.

Not checking certification: Food businesses need food-grade containers. Chemical companies need UN ratings. Check requirements first.

Forgetting delivery costs: A $50 container with $100 delivery isn't a good deal. Factor in total cost.

No inspection: Always look at containers before buying, or ask for detailed photos.

Bottom Line

Used IBC totes can save your business serious money if you buy smart. Start with understanding what condition you actually need, then shop around for the best total price including delivery.

For most Seattle businesses, triple-rinsed containers around $80-120 each offer the best value - clean enough for most uses but not overpriced.

Remember: The cheapest price isn't always the best deal. Factor in condition, delivery, and your actual needs to get containers that work for your business.