If you have used IBC totes taking up space in your warehouse or yard, they're likely worth more than you think. The used IBC market is active and growing, driven by demand from farmers, homeowners, small businesses, and recyclers. Here's how to maximize the value of your surplus containers.
What Determines IBC Value
Condition is the primary value driver: - Grade A (excellent condition): Highest price - Grade B (good, minor wear): Moderate price - Grade C (functional but worn): Lower price - End-of-life (damaged/non-functional): Recycling value only
Prior contents significantly affect pricing: - Food-grade history: Premium pricing - Water/soap/detergent history: Good pricing - Chemical history: Standard pricing - Unknown history: Reduced pricing - Hazardous residue: May cost you money to dispose
Quantity affects per-unit pricing: - 1-5 units: Standard pricing - 6-20 units: Slightly better per unit - 20+ units: Best per-unit pricing (bulk deals)
Preparation Steps to Maximize Value
1. Drain completely. Empty IBCs are worth more than ones with residual contents. Residual product creates handling costs for the buyer.
2. Remove labels and stickers. Clean cage label plates look better and reduce the buyer's prep work.
3. Document prior contents. Having records of what was stored in each IBC significantly increases value — especially for food-grade history.
4. Clean if possible. A rinsed IBC is worth noticeably more than a residue-filled one. Even a basic water rinse helps.
5. Separate by condition. Don't mix excellent containers with damaged ones. Selling graded lots gets better per-unit pricing.
6. Make accessible. IBCs that can be picked up by forklift with clear truck access get better pricing than ones buried in a warehouse corner.
Where to Sell
Local recyclers (like us): Best option for most situations. We buy all conditions, offer fair market pricing, and can pick up 10+ units for free.
Direct sale (Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace): Higher per-unit price possible but requires your time, dealing with individual buyers, and no guarantee of sale.
Industry exchanges: Some industries have buyback programs with original IBC suppliers.
Getting a Quote from Us
When you contact us for a quote, have this information ready: - Approximate quantity - General condition (are they mostly clean? damaged? mixed?) - Prior contents (what product was stored?) - Location and access (can a truck reach them? forklift available?) - Timeline (need them gone today or can you wait for scheduling?)
Our Process
1. You contact us with details 2. We provide a quote within 24 hours 3. We schedule pickup at your convenience 4. Our truck arrives with forklift capability 5. We count and verify condition on-site 6. Payment on pickup (check or bank transfer)
We buy IBC totes in any condition — from perfect to completely destroyed. Even end-of-life containers have recycling value in their HDPE plastic, steel, and pallet materials.