Frequently Asked Questions

An IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) tote is an industrial-grade reusable container designed for storing and transporting bulk liquids, powders, and granular materials. Standard IBCs typically hold 275-330 gallons (1,040-1,250 liters) and feature a plastic inner bottle made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) surrounded by a protective steel cage mounted on a pallet base. IBCs are designed to be handled by forklifts and pallet jacks, making them efficient for logistics operations.

IBC totes are incredibly versatile containers used across many industries. Common applications include: storing and transporting water, chemicals, food ingredients, beverages, lubricants, cleaning solutions, paints, adhesives, and agricultural products. They're also popular for rainwater collection, irrigation systems, emergency water storage, aquaponics, and even converted into creative projects like planters or furniture. The specific use depends on the container's grade and previous contents.

With proper care and maintenance, IBC totes can last 5-10 years or more for non-hazmat applications. The lifespan depends on factors like: the materials stored, storage conditions (UV exposure significantly shortens life), handling practices, frequency of use, and cleaning protocols. For UN-certified hazmat transport, composite IBCs have a 5-year service life from manufacture date. Regular inspection and maintenance, including proper cleaning and storage, significantly extends container life.

Food-grade IBCs are manufactured with FDA-compliant materials (21 CFR 177) and have only stored food-safe products throughout their history. The HDPE plastic meets specific purity standards and won't leach harmful substances. Non-food-grade IBCs may have been used for chemicals, industrial products, or other materials that could contaminate food products. This distinction is critical - never use a non-food-grade IBC for food, beverage, or potable water storage, even after cleaning.

The most common IBC size is 275 gallons (1,040 liters) in the US and 330 gallons (1,000 liters) internationally. However, IBCs are available in various sizes including: 110 gallons (small IBCs), 220 gallons, 275 gallons, 330 gallons, and 550 gallons (double IBCs). Standard dimensions for a 275-gallon IBC are approximately 48" x 40" x 46" (L x W x H), fitting standard pallet dimensions for efficient shipping and storage.

Yes, IBCs are designed to be stackable. When empty, most IBCs can be safely stacked 4 high. When full, stacking is typically limited to 2-3 high depending on the container's rating and contents. Always check the container's data plate for maximum stacking load specifications. Important: ensure the containers are properly aligned, in good condition (especially the cage corners), and on a stable, level surface. Never exceed the manufacturer's stacking recommendations.

We offer three grades of reconditioned IBCs plus new containers: Grade A (Premium/Food-Grade) - highest quality, food-grade history, minimal cosmetic wear, suitable for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical applications; Grade B (Chemical-Grade) - good structural condition, may have minor cosmetic imperfections, ideal for chemicals, industrial liquids, and general manufacturing; Grade C (General Use) - functional containers with more visible wear, perfect for non-critical applications like rainwater collection, agriculture, or industrial storage where appearance isn't important.

Pricing varies by grade reflecting condition and capability: New IBCs typically range from $300-450; Grade A (food-grade) containers range from $150-250; Grade B (chemical-grade) containers range from $100-175; Grade C (general use) containers range from $50-125. Exact pricing depends on current inventory, quantity ordered, and specific container specifications. Volume discounts are available for orders of 10+ units. Contact us for current pricing and bulk quotes.

Our prices include the complete IBC unit: HDPE bottle, steel cage, discharge valve (typically 2" butterfly or ball valve), top fill cap (6" or 8" opening), and pallet base. All reconditioned containers are professionally cleaned, inspected, and certified to meet our quality standards. Delivery is quoted separately based on quantity and distance. We also offer value-added services like custom valve configurations, specific cleaning protocols, or labeling at additional cost.

Yes! We offer delivery throughout Arizona and neighboring states. Delivery pricing depends on quantity and distance: local Phoenix metro deliveries start at $75 for small orders with volume discounts available; regional deliveries (within Arizona) are competitively priced based on distance; we can arrange shipping anywhere in the continental US for larger orders. For quantities of 20+ units, we often provide free delivery within our primary service area. Contact us for a specific delivery quote.

Absolutely! Customer pickup is welcome at our Phoenix facility located at 109 N 37th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85009. We're open Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Please note: you'll need appropriate equipment to load IBCs - a pickup truck can typically hold 2-4 empty IBCs, while a flatbed trailer can hold 12-20 depending on size. We have a forklift on-site to assist with loading. We recommend calling ahead to ensure your order is ready.

We accept: Cash (for pickup orders); Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) with a small processing fee for large orders; Company checks (with approved credit); Wire transfers for large orders; Net-30 payment terms available for qualified business customers with established credit. For new business customers, we typically require prepayment for the first few orders before extending credit terms.

No minimum order required! We're happy to sell single containers to homeowners and small businesses alike. However, pricing is more favorable for larger quantities: 1-9 units at standard pricing; 10-24 units receive a 5-10% discount; 25-49 units receive a 10-15% discount; 50+ units receive our best volume pricing. We can also discuss contract pricing for customers with ongoing needs.

Yes, we encourage customers to visit our facility and inspect containers before purchase. This is especially helpful for Grade B and C containers where condition can vary. We're located at 109 N 37th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85009. For customers who can't visit in person, we can provide detailed photos of specific containers or video inspections via smartphone. Our grading is conservative, so most customers find containers meet or exceed expectations.

We buy IBCs in virtually any condition - from clean and pristine to damaged and dirty. Better condition containers naturally command higher prices, but we'll make an offer on almost anything. We purchase: clean, single-use food-grade IBCs (highest value); lightly used IBCs in good condition; IBCs with minor damage (dents, scratches); dirty IBCs needing cleaning; IBCs with damage (cracked bottles, bent cages); even IBCs only suitable for recycling. The only containers we can't accept are those contaminated with hazardous waste requiring special disposal.

Getting a quote is easy! Contact us with: quantity available, general condition description (clean, dirty, damaged), previous contents if known, your location, and photos if possible (especially helpful for assessing condition). You can reach us via our contact form, email at info@phoenix-ibctotes.com, or send photos directly. We typically respond with a quote within 24 hours. For large quantities or regular suppliers, we can establish standing purchase agreements.

Several factors determine the value we offer: Condition - clean containers with minimal wear are worth more; Previous contents - food-grade history commands a premium; Age - newer containers (check manufacture date on data plate) are more valuable; Completeness - containers with all original parts (valve, cap, data plate) are worth more; Quantity - larger lots often receive better per-unit pricing; Current market demand - prices fluctuate based on supply and demand; Location - pickup distance affects net pricing.

Yes! We offer pickup services for qualifying quantities within our service area. Free pickup is typically available for: 20+ containers in the Phoenix metro area; 40+ containers within Arizona; Larger quantities for more distant locations. For smaller quantities or distant locations, we can discuss pickup options - sometimes with a pickup fee or reduced per-unit pricing. Alternatively, customers can deliver containers to our Phoenix facility for better per-unit pricing.

For pickup orders, payment is made at the time of pickup once we verify that container condition matches the quoted parameters. We can pay by: check (issued on-site), cash for smaller transactions, or electronic payment (ACH/wire) for established suppliers. For regular suppliers with established relationships, we can arrange weekly or bi-weekly payment schedules. Payment for delivered containers is typically processed within 24-48 hours of receipt and inspection.

We can accept many types of contaminated containers, depending on the contaminant. Common residues like food products, soaps, oils, and most industrial chemicals can be cleaned. However, containers contaminated with: hazardous waste (as defined by EPA), radioactive materials, pesticides, or unknown substances may require special handling or may not be accepted. Always disclose previous contents - this protects both parties and ensures proper handling. We can often still provide recycling value for containers we can't recondition.

We offer comprehensive IBC repair services including: Valve replacement and repair (butterfly, ball, camlock conversions); Cage repair - straightening bent bars, welding broken joints, rust treatment and repainting; Bottle repairs - minor crack sealing (with limitations), cleaning stubborn residues; Pallet replacement - wood, plastic, or steel pallets; Gasket and seal replacement; Complete reconditioning packages that address all components. Some damage is too severe for economical repair, and we'll always give you an honest assessment.

In most cases, yes! Repair typically costs 30-50% less than replacement while returning your container to serviceable condition. Cost examples: Valve replacement: $25-50 vs. buying new IBC at $300+; Cage straightening: $30-75; Pallet replacement: $40-80; Complete reconditioning: $75-150. However, we'll always give you an honest assessment - if repair costs approach replacement value or the container has structural issues that compromise safety, we'll recommend replacement. Our goal is to provide the most economical solution.

Turnaround time depends on the repair needed and current workload: Simple repairs (valve replacement, minor cage straightening): 1-2 business days; Standard reconditioning packages: 3-5 business days; Complex repairs or custom work: 5-10 business days; Rush service available for urgent needs (additional fee). For fleet reconditioning programs with large quantities, we'll establish a schedule that meets your operational needs. Drop off in the morning and pick up same day is sometimes possible for simple repairs.

Absolutely! We repair IBCs regardless of where they were purchased. Many customers bring us containers from other suppliers, inherited containers, or units they've had for years. The only requirement is that the container must be reasonably cleanable and the repairs must be economically justifiable. We're also happy to service fleet containers from manufacturers or distributors who use IBCs but don't have in-house repair capabilities.

If a container is beyond economical repair, we offer several options: Trade-in value toward purchase of replacement containers (typically $10-40 depending on recyclable material value); Recycling with certificate of destruction for compliance documentation; Return the container if you prefer to dispose of it yourself. We'll always explain why repair isn't recommended and provide documentation if needed. Our recycling program ensures materials are properly processed rather than going to landfill.

Recycled IBCs are carefully disassembled and materials separated for maximum value and environmental benefit: HDPE bottles are shredded into flakes, washed, and recycled into new plastic products like pipes, containers, and lumber alternatives; Steel cages are sent to metal recyclers where they're melted and reformed into new steel products; Wood pallets are repaired for reuse or processed into mulch, animal bedding, or biomass fuel; Plastic pallets are ground and recycled similar to bottles. Approximately 95% of IBC materials can be recycled.

Yes! We provide comprehensive recycling documentation including: Certificate of Recycling stating containers were properly processed; Weight tickets for material quantities; Chain of custody documentation showing proper handling; Destruction certificates for containers requiring documented disposal; Environmental compliance reports for corporate sustainability programs. This documentation supports your environmental reporting requirements and demonstrates responsible end-of-life management.

Yes, we typically pay for recyclable containers based on material value: Clean, easily recyclable containers: $15-35 each; Containers requiring significant processing: $5-15 each; Heavily contaminated or damaged containers: recycling service may be free or minimal fee. The value depends on current commodity prices (HDPE and steel), container condition, and contamination level. For large quantities of clean recyclables, we can offer competitive per-unit pricing. Contact us for current recycling rates.

Absolutely! We work with manufacturers, distributors, and other businesses who generate used IBCs regularly. Our corporate programs include: Scheduled pickups (weekly, monthly, or as-needed); Consolidated reporting for environmental programs; Competitive per-unit pricing for regular volumes; Dedicated account management; Compliance documentation for ISO 14001, sustainability reports, and regulatory requirements. Whether you generate 10 or 1,000 IBCs monthly, we can structure a program to meet your needs.

We provide delivery services throughout Arizona and neighboring states: Primary area (best rates): Phoenix metro, Tucson, Flagstaff, and major Arizona cities; Regional area: all of Arizona, southern Nevada (Las Vegas), southern California (east of LA), New Mexico, and west Texas; National shipping: we can arrange shipment anywhere in the continental US for larger orders. Delivery pricing varies by distance and quantity - contact us for a specific quote. For distant locations, consolidating orders or arranging freight can provide significant savings.

Container capacity depends on the vehicle type: Pickup truck: 2-4 empty IBCs (not recommended for full containers due to weight); Box truck (24'): 12-14 IBCs; Flatbed trailer (48'): 20-24 IBCs single layer, 40-48 IBCs double stacked; Full truckload (53' trailer): up to 80 IBCs depending on configuration. For filled IBCs, weight limits often become the constraint before space - a full 275-gallon IBC weighs approximately 2,500 lbs. We can help calculate optimal load configurations.

Yes! We offer several delivery speed options: Standard delivery: 3-5 business days for scheduled routes; Priority delivery: 1-2 business days (additional fee); Same-day/next-day: available for Phoenix metro area with advance notice (premium fee). For urgent needs, we'll do our best to accommodate your schedule. The additional cost for expedited service depends on distance, timing, and availability. Call us for time-sensitive orders and we'll work out the best solution.

For standard delivery, you'll need: A clear delivery area accessible by truck (typically 40' minimum for maneuvering); Forklift or pallet jack to unload (if you don't have one, we can provide liftgate service for additional fee); Level surface to place containers. For our trucks with liftgate, no special equipment is needed on your end - the driver can lower containers to ground level. Please inform us if you have limited access, tight spaces, or other special requirements so we can plan accordingly.

UN markings indicate certification for hazardous material transport. Example: "UN 31HA1/Y/12 19/USA" breaks down as: UN = United Nations certified; 31 = IBC category; H = plastic material; A1 = composite with steel cage; Y = approved for Packing Groups II & III (medium and low danger materials); 12 19 = manufacture date (December 2019); USA = country of manufacture. Additional markings show maximum capacity, stacking weight, and manufacturer ID. These certifications are critical for regulated material transport.

Yes, but with important conditions: Only use food-grade (Grade A) IBCs that have never held non-food products; Verify the container has only stored food-safe materials throughout its history; Use containers made from FDA-compliant HDPE (check for food-grade certification); Store in a shaded area to prevent algae growth and UV degradation; Use the water within reasonable time and refresh periodically for long-term storage; Consider treating water with appropriate purification if for consumption. Grade B and C containers should NEVER be used for drinking water.

We offer several valve types to match your application: Butterfly valve (2") - standard, good for viscous materials; Ball valve (2") - better seal, good for low-viscosity liquids; Camlock fittings - quick connect/disconnect for frequent use; Threaded outlet - for hose connections; Electric or pneumatic valves - for automated systems; Different materials including plastic, stainless steel, and brass. We can install or replace valves to match your specific needs. Non-standard sizes and configurations available upon request.

Proper cleaning depends on previous contents: For water-soluble materials: triple rinse with water, using pressure washer (1500+ PSI) for best results. For oils and greases: use appropriate degreasing agents, followed by thorough rinse. For food-grade requirements: use food-safe cleaners, consider steam sanitization, and document your process. General tips: clean within 24 hours of emptying; remove and clean valve separately; allow to dry completely; never use abrasive tools that could scratch interior. For professional cleaning or stubborn residues, use our cleaning services.

HDPE IBCs are compatible with many chemicals, but always verify: Generally compatible: most acids and bases, alcohols, glycols, soaps and detergents, food products, and water-based solutions. Check compatibility for: strong oxidizers, aromatic solvents, chlorinated solvents, some essential oils, and concentrated chemicals. Not recommended: gasoline, diesel, and hydrocarbon fuels (requires special containers). Always check chemical compatibility charts and the material's SDS. When in doubt, contact us or your chemical supplier for guidance.

You can determine IBC age from: The UN marking on the data plate shows manufacture date (e.g., "12 19" = December 2019); Additional date stamps may be molded into the HDPE bottle; The cage may have separate manufacture date markings. For composite IBCs used for hazmat transport, the 5-year service life starts from bottle manufacture date. Age matters for: UN certification validity, UV degradation assessment, warranty claims, and general condition evaluation. Older containers aren't necessarily bad for non-hazmat use if properly maintained.

We're open Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM Arizona time (MST - note: Arizona doesn't observe daylight saving time). We're closed on major holidays including New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. For urgent needs outside normal hours, leave a message and we'll respond as soon as possible. Sales inquiries received after hours will be answered the next business day.

Yes, we stand behind our products: New IBCs carry manufacturer's warranty (typically 2-5 years); Grade A reconditioned IBCs carry a 90-day warranty against defects in reconditioning; Grade B and C containers are sold as-is but we'll work with you if there are undisclosed issues; Repair work is warranted for 90 days on parts and labor. Warranties cover defects, not damage from misuse, chemical incompatibility, or improper storage. We're committed to customer satisfaction and will work to resolve any legitimate concerns.

We want you to be satisfied with your purchase: New and Grade A containers can be returned within 14 days if unused and in original condition; Grade B and C containers are generally sold as-is, but we'll address any undisclosed defects; Custom orders and special configurations are non-returnable; Return shipping is customer's responsibility unless the return is due to our error. Before purchasing, we encourage customers to inspect containers or request detailed photos. If there's an issue, contact us and we'll work toward a fair resolution.

Absolutely! We specialize in business partnerships: Contract pricing for regular volume commitments; Scheduled delivery programs to match your production needs; Inventory holding for customers with variable demand; Take-back programs for customers who generate used IBCs; Custom specifications and configurations; Dedicated account management for large accounts. Whether you need 10 containers per month or 1,000, we can structure a program that provides reliability, competitive pricing, and simplified procurement.