How to Buy Used IBC Totes in Menomonee Falls, WI
What you'll get from reading this: You'll know exactly where to find used IBC totes in Menomonee Falls, what to look for, and how much to pay. This guide saves you time and helps you avoid common buying mistakes.
What Are IBC Totes?
IBC totes are big plastic tanks in metal cages. Think of them as super-sized water jugs for businesses. They hold either 275 gallons or 330 gallons.
You can use them for:
- Storing water for gardens or livestock
- Collecting rainwater
- Storing chemicals (if you buy the right type)
- Moving liquids from one place to another
Types You Can Buy
Food-Grade Totes
- Safe for drinking water
- Previously held juice, wine, or food ingredients
- Cost more but worth it if you need clean storage
Industrial-Grade Totes
- Held chemicals or industrial liquids
- Cheaper option
- Good for non-drinking water uses
Reconditioned Totes
- Old totes with new plastic liners inside
- Middle-priced option
- Almost as good as new
Where to Buy in Menomonee Falls
Local Suppliers:
RePackify
- What they have: 70 clean food-grade totes (275 gallons each)
- Good for: Small orders, local pickup
- Note: You pay for shipping separately
What to Pay
Price depends on:
- Condition (used totes cost $15-$100, new ones cost more)
- Size (330 gallon costs more than 275 gallon)
- How many you buy (bulk orders get better prices)
- Food-grade certification (adds $20-$40 per tote)
Example: A farmer buying 5 used food-grade totes for livestock water might pay $75 each. A manufacturer buying 60 industrial totes might pay $50 each.
Before You Buy
Ask these questions:
- What did the tote previously hold?
- Is it food-grade certified?
- Does the valve work properly?
- Are there cracks in the plastic?
- Is the metal cage damaged?
Red flags to avoid:
- Totes that held dangerous chemicals
- Cracked or warped plastic
- Rust on the metal cage
- Missing or broken valves
- No cleaning certificate for food-grade totes
How to Buy
Step 1: Decide what you need
- How many totes?
- Food-grade or industrial?
- What size?
Step 2: Contact suppliers
- Call 2-3 suppliers for quotes
- Ask about delivery costs
- Check availability
Step 3: Compare your options
- Total cost (including delivery)
- Condition of totes
- Delivery timeframe
Step 4: Inspect before buying
- Look at sample totes if possible
- Check for damage
- Test the valve
Step 5: Arrange delivery or pickup
- Most suppliers offer free delivery in Wisconsin
- Some require minimum orders for free delivery
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying industrial totes for drinking water storage
- Not checking delivery costs upfront
- Ordering without seeing samples first
- Forgetting to ask about return policies
- Not having a forklift ready for delivery
Bottom line: Menomonee Falls has good options for used IBC totes. Start with RePackify for small orders or contact regional suppliers for bulk purchases. Always inspect totes before buying and factor in delivery costs.