IBC Tote Specifications

Complete reconditioning standards, residue limits, and valve specifications for all standard IBC tote sizes. Essential information for buying and selling used intermediate bulk containers.

Reconditioning StandardsResidue LimitsValve Types

Standard IBC Tote Specifications

Capacity	Dimensions	Empty Weight	Max Gross Weight	Valve Size	UN Spec	Usage
275 Gallon 2,400 lbs liquid	48×40×46 inches	130-140 lbs (empty)	2,540 lbs	2-inch NPT	UN31HA1/Y	Most common size - 80% of market
330 Gallon 2,850 lbs liquid	48×40×53 inches	140-150 lbs (empty)	3,000 lbs	2-inch NPT	UN31HA1/Y	Higher capacity applications
350 Gallon 2,950 lbs liquid	48×40×57 inches	150-160 lbs (empty)	3,100 lbs	2-inch NPT	UN31HA1/Y	Maximum capacity standard size
220 Gallon 2,090 lbs liquid	39×31×46 inches	110-120 lbs (empty)	2,200 lbs	2-inch NPT	UN31HA1/Y	Compact applications, tight spaces

Reconditioning Standards & Residue Limits

EPA 40 CFR 261.7

Federal

Federal empty container requirements

IBC Requirement

No more than 1 inch non-pourable material OR 0.30% by weight

Draining Method

Pouring, pumping, or aspirating to remove all pourable material

Note: Standard for most US reconditioning facilities

California DTSC 22 CCR 66261.7

CA Only

California drip-dry requirements

IBC Requirement

Residue no more than 0.30% by weight of total capacity

Draining Method

Drip-dry - no continuous stream from any opening

Note: Stricter than federal - includes scraping and chipping

UN Specification Testing

Federal

Performance testing for hazmat containers

IBC Requirement

Drop test, leak test, stacking test, vibration test

Draining Method

N/A - structural integrity testing

Note: Required for hazmat shipping - UN31HA1/Y marking

Food Grade FDA CFR 21

Federal

Food contact surface requirements

IBC Requirement

Virgin HDPE construction, NSF certification

Draining Method

Complete cleaning and sanitization

Note: Most restrictive - limited previous contents accepted

Residue Limits by Container Size

Container Type	Federal Limit (0.30%)	California Limit	Physical Limit	Drip-Dry Test
275 Gallon IBC	0.30% by weight = 8.25 lbs maximum	0.30% by weight = 8.25 lbs maximum	No more than 1 inch depth	No continuous stream when tilted
330 Gallon IBC	0.30% by weight = 9.9 lbs maximum	0.30% by weight = 9.9 lbs maximum	No more than 1 inch depth	No continuous stream when tilted
350 Gallon IBC	0.30% by weight = 10.5 lbs maximum	0.30% by weight = 10.5 lbs maximum	No more than 1 inch depth	No continuous stream when tilted

Condition Grading & Pricing

New

100% of market price

Brand new IBC totes, never used

Characteristics

✓Factory fresh condition
✓Original manufacturer packaging
✓Full warranty coverage
✓UN certification intact
✓Perfect for food grade applications
✓No previous contents

Warranty: Manufacturer warranty only

Best For: Food grade, pharmaceuticals, critical applications

Expected Life: Full 10+ year lifespan

Used Food Grade

70-85% of new price

Previously held food-grade materials only

Characteristics

✓Only food ingredients or FDA-approved contents
✓Clean interior, may have slight staining
✓All fittings and valves functional
✓Suitable for continued food use
✓UN marking still visible
✓No chemical contamination

Warranty: No warranty - sold as-is

Best For: Food ingredients, beverages, continued food applications

Expected Life: Estimated 5-8 additional years

Used (General)

50-70% of new price

Previously held non-food grade materials

Characteristics

✓Non-hazardous chemicals or industrial materials
✓Structurally sound condition
✓May have residual odors or staining
✓Valve and fittings operational
✓Suitable for industrial use
✓Not for food contact

Warranty: No warranty - sold as-is

Best For: Industrial chemicals, non-food applications, waste collection

Expected Life: Estimated 3-5 additional years

Dirty

30-50% of new price

Requires cleaning before use, unknown previous contents

Characteristics

✓Visible contamination or residue
✓Unknown previous contents
✓Structurally intact but needs cleaning
✓Valve may need service or replacement
✓Potential odor issues
✓Sold for cleaning/reconditioning

Warranty: No warranty - sold as-is

Best For: Reconditioning projects, waste applications, cleaning for reuse

Expected Life: Estimated 2-4 years after cleaning

Reconditioned (Recon)

60-80% of new price

Professionally cleaned and restored to serviceable condition

Characteristics

✓Pressure tested and certified
✓Interior thoroughly cleaned
✓New gaskets and seals installed
✓Valve serviced or replaced
✓UN marking verified or replaced
✓Ready for immediate use

Warranty: No warranty - sold as-is

Best For: Chemical storage, industrial use, cost-effective solution

Expected Life: Estimated 5-7 additional years

Rebottled

75-90% of new price

New bottle/tank in existing cage, hybrid new/used

Characteristics

✓Brand new HDPE bottle/tank
✓Used but serviceable cage
✓New valve and fittings
✓Fresh UN certification
✓Cost savings over fully new
✓Combines new reliability with used economics

Warranty: No warranty - sold as-is

Best For: Applications requiring new bottle but cost-conscious

Expected Life: Estimated 8-10 years

Cages Only

20-40% of new IBC price

Metal cage/frame without bottle, for replacement projects

Characteristics

✓Steel or galvanized cage structure
✓No plastic bottle included
✓May include pallet base
✓Various conditions available
✓For rebuilding projects
✓Valve mounting hardware included

Warranty: No warranty - sold as-is

Best For: Rebuilding projects, replacement cages, custom applications

Expected Life: Estimated 10+ years for cage structure

Valve Types & Specifications

2-inch NPT Ball Valve

Standard quarter-turn ball valve

Flow Rate:15-20 GPM typical

Pressure:150 PSI working pressure

Materials:HDPE body, EPDM seals

Replacement Cost:$15-25 replacement

Applications: Most common - general liquids

Easy to operate, good flow control

2-inch NPT Butterfly Valve

Lever-operated butterfly valve

Flow Rate:20-25 GPM typical

Pressure:100 PSI working pressure

Materials:HDPE body, Viton seals

Replacement Cost:$25-35 replacement

Applications: High flow applications

Higher flow rate, more expensive

2-inch NPT Gate Valve

Threaded gate valve

Flow Rate:10-15 GPM typical

Pressure:200 PSI working pressure

Materials:HDPE body, PTFE seals

Replacement Cost:$20-30 replacement

Applications: Chemical compatibility critical

Best chemical resistance, slower operation

Camlock Fitting

Quick-disconnect camlock coupling

Flow Rate:25-30 GPM typical

Pressure:250 PSI working pressure

Materials:Stainless steel or aluminum

Replacement Cost:$30-50 replacement

Applications: Frequent connection/disconnection

Fastest connection, higher cost

Previous Contents Acceptance Policy

Never Accepted

Contents that permanently disqualify IBCs from reconditioning

Examples Include:

✗Acutely hazardous materials (RCRA P-List)
✗Explosive materials (DOT Class 1)
✗Radioactive materials (DOT Class 7)
✗Infectious materials (DOT Class 6.2)
✗PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
✗PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl substances)
✗Mercury/Lead/Cadmium bearing materials
✗Dioxin-bearing waste

Reason: Permanent contamination or extreme hazard

Triple Rinse Required

Contents requiring triple rinse before reconditioning

Examples Include:

⚠Acids >50% concentration or pH <2.0
⚠Caustics >50% concentration or pH >12.5
⚠DOT Class 5.1 Oxidizers PG II & III
⚠DOT Class 5.2 Organic Peroxides
⚠FIFRA regulated pesticides
⚠Hydrofluoric acid
⚠Formaldehyde solutions

Reason: High reactivity or toxicity requiring complete removal

Restricted Acceptance

Contents with special handling requirements

Examples Include:

⚠DOT Class 6.1 Poisonous materials PG I & II
⚠Halogenated organic compounds
⚠Benzene and aromatic hydrocarbons
⚠Acrylonitrile
⚠High odor compounds (mercaptans, pyridine)
⚠Water-reactive silicones
⚠Ammonium compounds

Reason: Special processing requirements or facility restrictions

Food Grade Only

Contents suitable for food-grade reconditioning

Examples Include:

✓Food ingredients and additives
✓Pharmaceutical raw materials
✓Cosmetic ingredients
✓Potable water
✓Non-hazardous food processing chemicals
✓FDA approved food contact chemicals
✓Beverage concentrates

Reason: Maintains food contact surface integrity

Truckload Quantities

IBC Type	Quantity	Total Weight	Trailer Type	Stacking	Notes
275 Gallon - Empty	60-65 IBCs	8,000-9,000 lbs	53' dry van	Single layer only	Most efficient for empty IBC transport
275 Gallon - Loaded	20-22 IBCs	50,000-55,000 lbs	53' dry van	Single layer only	Weight limited, not space limited
330 Gallon - Empty	55-60 IBCs	8,500-9,500 lbs	53' dry van	Single layer only	Slightly fewer due to height
Mix of Sizes - Empty	55-65 IBCs	8,000-10,000 lbs	53' dry van	Single layer only	Varies by size mix and condition

Key Facts for IBC Trading

Residue Limits

Federal: 0.30% by weight maximum residue. California: Must be drip-dry with no continuous stream from any opening

Most Valuable

275-gallon food-grade IBCs in Grade A condition command highest prices. Previous contents critical for value

Reconditioning ROI

Grade A reconditioned IBCs sell for 70-85% of new price. Reconditioning costs typically 40-60% of new price

⚠️ IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER

All used IBC totes are sold AS-IS with NO WARRANTIES, guarantees, or representations of any kind. These are USED PRODUCTS that will NOT meet strict regulations, compliance requirements, or quality standards. Condition grades (Grade A, Grade B, etc.) are LOOSELY DEFINED and subjective - what one company considers Grade A, another may not. Buyers are solely responsible for inspection, testing, and suitability determination. Specifications, previous contents, condition grades, and capacity information are estimates only and do not constitute any warranty or guarantee of performance, safety, compliance, or fitness for any particular purpose.