Every Tote Deserves a Comeback Story
We buy, sell, recycle, and transport used IBC totes across the greater St. Louis area. Every tank we reclaim is one less in a landfill — and one step closer to a circular economy.
Request a Free Quote
Whether you need to buy, sell, or recycle IBC tanks — get started with a quick quote. We respond within 24 hours.
Every Tank Recycled is a Win for the Planet
How It Works
Our streamlined four-step process makes IBC tank recycling simple, fast, and profitable for your business. From the moment you contact us to final delivery, every step is handled by our experienced team.
Contact & Quote
Reach out by phone, email, or our online form. Tell us how many IBC totes you have, their condition, and what they previously held. We provide a free, no-obligation quote within 24 hours — often the same day. We purchase totes in any condition, from like-new to heavily used.
Pickup & Transport
Our specialized fleet arrives at your location on schedule. We handle all loading, securing, and transport with equipment designed specifically for safe IBC handling. We pick up single totes or full truckloads of 56+ units. Scheduled weekly routes cover the entire St. Louis metro area and beyond.
Inspect & Recondition
Every tank undergoes a rigorous 12-point inspection at our Earth City facility. We check for structural integrity, valve functionality, gasket condition, UV degradation, and chemical residue. Tanks that pass are triple-washed using our closed-loop water system, pressure-tested, and graded for their next use cycle.
Reuse or Recycle
Tanks that meet our quality standards are reconditioned and returned to service — sold to businesses that need affordable, high-quality IBC totes. Tanks at end-of-life are fully disassembled: HDPE bottles are granulated for plastics recycling, steel cages go to metal recyclers, and pallets are repaired or recycled. Nothing goes to landfill.
Why St. Louis Trusts Us
We're not just recyclers — we're environmental stewards committed to keeping IBC totes out of landfills and in the circular economy.
100% Eco-Committed
Every IBC tank we process is either reconditioned for reuse or responsibly recycled. Zero waste to landfill is our standard, not our goal. We have maintained a 98.4% material recovery rate for three consecutive years, diverting over 450 tons of HDPE plastic and steel from Missouri landfills annually.
Full-Service Solutions
From pickup to cleaning, reconditioning to delivery — we handle the entire lifecycle of your IBC totes under one roof. No middlemen, no subcontractors, no confusion. One phone call handles everything: scheduling, transport, cleaning, inspection, grading, storage, and redistribution.
Local & Reliable
Based in Earth City, MO, we serve the entire St. Louis metro area with fast pickup and delivery. Your local IBC experts since day one. We cover a 150-mile service radius including St. Charles, Jefferson City, Springfield IL, and everywhere in between.
Competitive Pricing
We pay top dollar for used IBC totes and offer the best prices on reconditioned tanks. Saving the planet shouldn't break the bank. Our reconditioned totes cost 40-60% less than new units, and we offer volume discounts starting at just 10 totes. We also provide flexible payment terms for businesses with recurring needs.
All Grades Available
Food-grade, chemical-grade, or general purpose — we carry IBC totes for every application and industry need. We stock 275-gallon, 330-gallon, and 350-gallon capacities with both 6-inch and 2-inch discharge valves. Caged, rebottled, and composite options are always in inventory.
Fast Turnaround
Need tanks today? We maintain a large inventory of ready-to-ship IBC totes. Same-week delivery available for local orders. Our warehouse typically holds 500+ totes in various grades and sizes, so we can fulfill orders of any scale without delay. Emergency and same-day service is available within the St. Louis metro area.
Industries We Serve
IBC totes are the backbone of liquid storage and transport across dozens of industries. We work with businesses of every size — from small family farms to Fortune 500 manufacturers — providing affordable, sustainable container solutions tailored to each sector.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing
Food-grade IBC totes for storing and transporting juices, syrups, cooking oils, liquid sweeteners, flavorings, and beverage concentrates. All food-grade tanks are triple-washed and inspected to FDA container guidelines. We maintain full chain-of-custody documentation for every food-grade unit.
Agriculture & Farming
Farmers across Missouri and Illinois rely on our reconditioned totes for water storage, liquid fertilizer transport, pesticide mixing, livestock watering systems, and irrigation. We offer special agricultural pricing and seasonal bulk deals during planting and harvest seasons.
Chemical Manufacturing
Properly graded and documented IBC totes for non-hazardous chemical storage, industrial solvents, cleaning agents, detergents, and specialty chemicals. We provide detailed previous-contents documentation and ensure compatibility between prior and intended uses.
Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics
High-purity reconditioned containers suitable for pharmaceutical intermediates, cosmetic raw materials, glycerin, alcohol-based solutions, and personal care product ingredients. Our cleaning processes meet the stringent quality requirements these industries demand.
Automotive & Lubricants
IBC totes for motor oils, transmission fluids, hydraulic oils, antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, and other automotive liquids. Our totes are popular with quick-lube shops, dealerships, fleet maintenance facilities, and automotive parts manufacturers throughout the region.
Construction & Concrete
Builders and contractors use our IBC totes for water storage on job sites, concrete additives, form release agents, dust suppressants, and curing compounds. The durable steel cage protects the inner bottle on rough construction sites where other containers would fail.
Wineries & Breweries
Craft beverage producers use our food-grade IBC totes for bulk grape juice transport, wine blending, beer ingredient storage, and cleaning solution management. We provide totes that have only previously held food-grade liquids, ensuring product safety and quality.
Janitorial & Cleaning Supply
Commercial cleaning companies and janitorial supply distributors rely on IBC totes for bulk storage of floor cleaners, disinfectants, degreasers, and laundry detergents. We supply totes with compatible previous contents and intact dispensing valves for easy day-to-day use.
Landscaping & Nurseries
Landscapers and garden centers use IBC totes for bulk water transport, liquid fertilizer mixing, herbicide application, and rainwater collection. Our totes are also popular for drip irrigation systems and greenhouse water management across residential and commercial landscaping operations.
Printing & Ink Manufacturing
Print shops and ink manufacturers use IBC totes for bulk ink storage, solvent management, fountain solution distribution, and coating materials. We ensure proper compatibility between previous and new contents to prevent contamination in these quality-sensitive applications.
Water Treatment & Utilities
Municipal water treatment facilities and private utilities use IBC totes for chlorine solutions, pH adjustment chemicals, coagulants, and other treatment chemicals. Our totes provide a cost-effective alternative to new containers for these essential public health operations.
Homeowners & DIY Projects
Individual customers purchase our IBC totes for rainwater harvesting, garden irrigation, emergency water storage, aquaponics systems, and creative repurposing projects. We offer single-unit sales with delivery and can recommend the right tote for any home project.
Our Environmental Impact
Every IBC tote we recondition instead of sending to a landfill creates measurable environmental benefits. Here is a snapshot of what our operations accomplish each year for the St. Louis region and the planet.
Manufacturing a single new IBC tote produces approximately 350 kg of CO2 equivalent. By reconditioning 15,000+ totes per year, we prevent over 5,250 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions — the equivalent of taking 1,140 passenger cars off the road for an entire year.
Each IBC bottle contains approximately 130 pounds of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). By keeping 15,000+ totes in circulation each year, we divert nearly 2 million pounds of plastic from landfills and waterways. HDPE takes an estimated 450+ years to decompose in a landfill.
Our closed-loop cleaning system recycles 85% of wash water. Traditional IBC cleaning uses 50-100 gallons of fresh water per tote. Our system uses just 15 gallons of fresh water per unit. Across our annual volume, that saves roughly 2.8 million gallons of freshwater — enough to fill over 4 Olympic swimming pools.
A single 275-gallon IBC tote occupies about 48 cubic feet of landfill space. Each year, we keep over 720,000 cubic feet of material out of regional landfills — that is roughly 600 standard shipping containers worth of waste that never reaches a disposal site.
The galvanized steel cage on each IBC tote weighs approximately 70 pounds. We straighten and reuse cages whenever possible; those beyond repair are sent to local steel recyclers. Over 1 million pounds of steel are recovered and kept in the materials cycle annually through our operations.
Reconditioning an existing IBC tote requires approximately 62% less energy than manufacturing a new one from virgin materials. This accounts for the energy savings from skipping raw material extraction, polymerization, blow molding, steel fabrication, and long-distance shipping from overseas factories.
Our Services
We provide end-to-end IBC tank lifecycle management. Whether you need to offload used totes, purchase reconditioned containers, schedule regular pickups, or arrange professional cleaning — we have you covered with a single point of contact and transparent pricing.
Buy & Sell IBC Totes
We purchase used IBC tanks in any condition and sell quality reconditioned totes at competitive prices. Bulk discounts available.
- • Top prices paid for clean, food-grade, and single-use totes
- • Reconditioned totes from $85 with volume pricing
- • All grades: food, chemical, and general purpose
- • Full documentation and grading certificates
Recycling & Disposal
Responsible recycling of IBC tanks that have reached end-of-life. We separate materials and ensure maximum material recovery.
- • HDPE bottle granulation and pelletizing
- • Steel cage recycling through certified partners
- • Pallet repair, reuse, and wood recycling
- • Certificate of recycling provided upon request
Transportation & Logistics
Our fleet handles pickup and delivery across the St. Louis metro area. Scheduled routes and on-demand service available.
- • Flatbed, box truck, and semi-trailer options
- • Weekly scheduled routes across the metro area
- • On-demand and same-day pickup available
- • 150-mile service radius from Earth City, MO
Cleaning & Reconditioning
Professional triple-wash cleaning and full reconditioning services. We restore IBC totes to like-new condition for safe reuse.
- • Triple-wash with hot water, detergent, and rinse
- • Closed-loop water recycling saves 85% of water
- • Valve replacement, gasket renewal, cage repair
- • Pressure testing and leak verification
What Our Clients Say
We have built lasting relationships with hundreds of businesses across the St. Louis region. Here is what some of our partners have to say about working with us.
"We switched to reconditioned IBC totes for our liquid fertilizer operation and cut our container costs by 55%. The totes arrive clean, fully inspected, and ready to fill. The pickup service for our empties makes the whole process seamless. Wish we had made this change years ago."
"As a food manufacturer, we have strict requirements for container cleanliness and traceability. St. Louis IBC Recycle provides full documentation on every tote, including previous contents and wash records. Their food-grade totes meet all of our quality standards, every single time."
"We generate about 40 empty IBC totes per month from our manufacturing process. Before finding this company, they were stacking up in our yard. Now we get paid for them, they pick them up on a regular schedule, and we freed up a huge amount of warehouse space. Excellent service."
"I bought two IBC totes for a rainwater collection system on my property. They helped me choose the right grade, delivered them right to my driveway, and even gave me tips on setting up the plumbing. Great people who genuinely care about what they do."
"Our brewery goes through a lot of IBC totes for ingredient storage and cleaning solutions. Buying reconditioned food-grade totes has saved us thousands per year, and we feel good about the environmental impact. The team is always responsive and professional."
"We needed 200 IBC totes for a large construction project — water storage across multiple job sites. They delivered the full order within 72 hours and offered to pick them all up when the project was complete. Unbeatable service and pricing."
Frequently Asked Questions
New to IBC tote recycling? Here are answers to the questions we hear most often from businesses and individuals across the St. Louis area.
What is an IBC tote, and what are they used for?
An IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) tote is a reusable industrial container designed for storing and transporting liquids and granulated materials. The most common type is a 275-gallon or 330-gallon HDPE plastic bottle enclosed in a galvanized steel cage, mounted on a wooden or plastic pallet. They are used across virtually every industry — from food and beverage production to chemical manufacturing, agriculture, construction, and more. Their standardized dimensions (roughly 40" x 48" x 46") make them forklift-compatible and easy to stack, store, and transport.
What condition do my IBC totes need to be in for you to buy them?
We purchase IBC totes in virtually any condition. Pristine, single-use totes with original caps and valves command the highest prices. But we also buy totes with minor damage, missing valves, discoloration, or residual contents. Even heavily damaged totes have value — the steel cage and HDPE plastic can be recycled separately. The only totes we cannot accept are those that previously held hazardous waste as defined by the EPA, or totes contaminated with materials that cannot be safely cleaned or processed.
How much do you pay for used IBC totes?
Pricing depends on several factors: the tote's condition, what it previously held, whether it is food-grade, the quantity you are selling, and current market conditions. Clean, food-grade totes in good structural condition bring the highest prices. We provide free, no-obligation quotes within 24 hours. For large quantities (20+ totes), we often offer premium pricing and can arrange pickup at no additional cost. Contact us with details about your totes for an accurate quote.
What does your reconditioning process include?
Our full reconditioning process includes a 12-point structural inspection, triple-wash cleaning (hot water pre-rinse, detergent wash, final freshwater rinse), valve and gasket inspection and replacement as needed, cage straightening and repair, pallet inspection, pressure testing for leak detection, and final grading. Each reconditioned tote receives a grade label indicating its condition and suitable applications. The entire process uses our closed-loop water system, which recycles 85% of the wash water used.
Can I use a reconditioned IBC tote for food-grade applications?
Yes, but only totes that we have specifically graded as food-grade. These are totes that previously held food-grade materials and have been cleaned to standards appropriate for food contact. We maintain full chain-of-custody documentation showing previous contents and cleaning records. If food-grade certification is important for your application, let us know when you order and we will ensure you receive properly documented food-grade units.
What is your service area?
Our primary service area covers a 150-mile radius from our facility in Earth City, MO. This includes the entire St. Louis metropolitan area, St. Charles, Jefferson City, Columbia, Springfield (IL), Belleville, and surrounding communities in both Missouri and Illinois. For large orders (full truckloads of 56+ totes), we can arrange service beyond our standard radius. We also welcome customers who want to drop off or pick up totes directly at our Earth City facility.
How many IBC totes do you have in stock?
Our warehouse typically maintains an inventory of 500 or more IBC totes in various grades, sizes, and conditions. We stock 275-gallon and 330-gallon units, food-grade and general-purpose totes, and both new-bottle rebottled units and original-bottle reconditioned units. Inventory turns over quickly, so availability changes daily. For specific requirements or large orders, we recommend contacting us in advance so we can reserve the right totes for your needs.
Do you offer scheduled recurring pickup service?
Absolutely. Many of our business customers generate empty IBC totes on a regular cycle. We offer weekly, biweekly, and monthly scheduled pickup services at no additional cost when combined with our tote purchasing program. Our drivers follow optimized routes across the metro area, and we can coordinate pickups around your production schedule and dock availability. This is our most popular service for manufacturing facilities and food production companies.
Ready to Go Green?
Join hundreds of St. Louis businesses that trust us with their IBC tank needs. Whether you have one tote or a thousand, we're ready to help. Every container we reclaim strengthens the circular economy, reduces landfill waste, and keeps valuable materials in productive use. Get in touch today for a free quote — no obligation, no pressure, just honest pricing and expert advice.