Buy IBC Totes

Grade A totes are in excellent condition with clean bottles, minimal cage wear, and no significant cosmetic issues. They previously held non-staining, non-hazardous products. Grade B totes are fully functional with some cosmetic imperfections such as light discoloration, minor scuffs, or label residue. Grade C totes are structurally sound and leak-free but show more visible wear — they are best for applications where appearance does not matter, like rainwater collection or agricultural use. All grades pass the same pressure and leak testing, so the difference is cosmetic and related to previous contents, not structural integrity.

We strongly recommend using only food-grade totes that previously held potable or food-safe products for any drinking water application. Even then, the tote should be thoroughly cleaned. Our food-grade totes come from known food-industry sources and are sanitized before sale. For permanent potable water storage, a new or reconditioned tote with a virgin HDPE bottle is the safest choice. We always disclose previous contents so you can make an informed decision about suitability for your specific use case.

HDPE has excellent UV and chemical resistance. A quality used tote stored properly (out of direct prolonged sunlight when not in use) can last another 5 to 10 years easily. The steel cage essentially lasts indefinitely unless severely corroded. The most common end-of-life component is the valve gasket, which is a simple and inexpensive replacement. Many of our customers report using Grade A and Grade B totes for 6-8 years after purchase with no issues beyond routine gasket swaps.

Yes. Many of our customers have standing monthly or quarterly orders. We can lock in pricing, reserve inventory, and schedule regular deliveries so you never run short. This is particularly popular with farms, chemical blenders, and beverage companies that go through totes on a predictable cycle. Recurring agreements come with dedicated account management, priority inventory allocation during high-demand periods, and the best volume pricing we offer.

We track and disclose previous contents for every tote we sell. Common previous uses include food ingredients (corn syrup, vegetable oil, juice concentrate), soaps and detergents, non-hazardous chemicals, and water treatment products. We do not sell totes that previously held hazardous materials for general reuse — those go through our recycling program instead. If you have specific compatibility requirements for your product, tell us and we will match you with totes from appropriate previous-use categories.

Absolutely. Our Charlotte, NC facility at 5809 Long Creek Park Dr, Charlotte, NC 28269 is open for customer visits during business hours. Call ahead to schedule a time and we will have the types of totes you are interested in staged for you to inspect. Many of our local and regional customers prefer to hand-pick their totes in person. We welcome facility tours so you can see our grading, cleaning, and reconditioning processes firsthand.

We accept company checks, ACH direct deposit, wire transfers, and major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express). For first-time business buyers, payment is due before shipment. Established accounts can apply for net-30 payment terms with approved credit. For large recurring orders, we also offer net-45 terms by arrangement. All invoices are sent electronically and we provide receipts and documentation suitable for business accounting and tax purposes.

Yes, we stock a range of IBC tote accessories and replacement parts. This includes 2-inch butterfly valves, ball valves, camlock adapters, replacement gaskets, 6-inch screw caps, dust covers, cap gaskets, and tote covers for UV protection. We also carry tote heater blankets for cold-weather applications and tote mixers for products that require agitation. Parts can be purchased individually or bundled with tote orders. If you need a specific fitting or adapter, let us know and we can usually source it within a few days.

Some of our used totes retain their original UN31HA1 or UN31HZ1 certification markings. However, UN ratings have expiration dates and specific retest requirements that vary by jurisdiction and the type of material being transported. We do not guarantee that used totes will pass current UN certification for hazmat transport unless specifically noted. If you require UN-rated containers for shipping hazardous materials, contact us and we can source certified units or point you to our reconditioned totes that carry current UN markings. Always verify UN rating validity with your compliance team before using any container for hazmat transport.

There is no minimum order quantity. We sell single totes to individuals and small businesses all the way up to full truckloads for industrial operations. That said, the per-unit economics improve significantly at higher volumes due to both volume discounts and more efficient freight costs. A single tote shipped LTL will have a higher all-in cost per unit than 56 totes shipped FTL. For very small orders of 1-3 totes, local pickup from our Charlotte facility is often the most cost-effective option since it eliminates freight charges entirely.