Showing 15 of 24 published IBC Tote listings near Seattle, WA.
Average pricing by condition based on 6 active listings
| Condition | Avg. Price | Available Qty | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaged | $8.00 | 68 | 1 |
| New | $58.00 | 300 | 1 |
| Rinsed | $28.00 | 60 | 1 |
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.
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.
Think of used IBCs like used cars - they come in different conditions at different prices.
Showing 9 of 24 published IBC Tote listings near Seattle, WA.
| Used | $54.33 | 705 | 3 |
Prices reflect current market averages for ibc tote in Seattle, WA, with 1,133 units available across all conditions. View full price index
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
Washed three times to remove most residue
Good for: Food products, clean water storage
Example: A brewery might use these for ingredient water
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
Everything is new or restored: tank, cage, pallet
Good for: Hazardous materials, when you need UN certification
Almost like buying new but costs less
You can see the containers before buying at local suppliers. Most are in South Seattle near the industrial areas.
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.
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.
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)
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.
Some companies will pick up your empty IBCs for free when you're done with them. This saves disposal costs.
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.
Must have UN31HA1/Y marking
Need proper labels during transport
Driver needs hazmat documentation
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 much liquid? (275 or 330 gallons)
What type of liquid? (food, chemical, water)
How clean does it need to be?
Dirty containers: Budget $25-50 each
Food-grade: Budget $150-250 each
Add delivery costs: $50-150
Look for cracks, dents, and damage
Check valve operation
Verify certification if needed
Buy multiple containers for better prices
Coordinate delivery dates
Have a plan for disposal when done
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.
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.