IBC Recycling Program
When IBC containers reach the end of their useful life, we ensure they're responsibly recycled. Our certified program achieves 95% material recovery, keeping plastics and metals out of landfills while supporting the circular economy.
Closing the Loop Responsibly
Not every IBC container can be repaired or reconditioned. When containers have served their purpose and reached end-of-life, our comprehensive recycling program ensures they don't end up in landfills. We carefully disassemble, separate, and process each component, transforming end-of-life totes into valuable raw materials.
Since 2010, we've recycled over 500,000 IBC containers, recovering more than 15,000 tons of HDPE plastic and 8,000 tons of steel. Our program helps businesses meet sustainability goals while ensuring responsible disposal of industrial containers.
95%
Material Recovery Rate
Industry-leading recovery
500K+
Totes Recycled
Since program inception
0%
Sent to Landfill
Zero-waste commitment
100%
Compliant Process
Meets all regulations
Why IBC Recycling Matters
IBC containers contain valuable materials that can be recovered and reused rather than ending up in landfills. Proper recycling of a single IBC tote prevents approximately 50-70 pounds of plastic and 30-50 pounds of steel from becoming waste.
Resource Conservation
Recycled HDPE requires 88% less energy to produce than virgin plastic. Steel recycling saves 74% of energy compared to new production.
Landfill Diversion
IBCs take centuries to decompose in landfills. Our program ensures these materials re-enter the supply chain instead.
Carbon Reduction
Recycling one ton of HDPE prevents approximately 1.5 tons of CO2 emissions compared to virgin production.
Circular Economy
Recovered materials become new products - from automotive parts to construction materials to new containers.
Environmental Impact Calculator
See the positive impact of recycling your IBC containers:
10 IBCs
Recycled
500-700 lbs
Plastic
300-500 lbs
Steel
750 lbs saved
CO2 Saved
50 IBCs
Recycled
2,500-3,500 lbs
Plastic
1,500-2,500 lbs
Steel
3,750 lbs saved
CO2 Saved
100 IBCs
Recycled
5,000-7,000 lbs
Plastic
3,000-5,000 lbs
Steel
7,500 lbs saved
CO2 Saved
500 IBCs
Recycled
25,000-35,000 lbs
Plastic
15,000-25,000 lbs
Steel
37,500 lbs saved
CO2 Saved
*Estimates based on average IBC composition and EPA recycling data
How We Recycle IBC Containers
Our comprehensive recycling process ensures maximum material recovery while maintaining full environmental compliance.
Collection
Free pickup from your location for qualifying quantities. We handle all transportation logistics.
- Scheduled pickup
- Any condition accepted
- Documented chain of custody
- No minimum for drop-off
Assessment
Each container is inspected to determine if repair is viable or recycling is the best option.
- Condition evaluation
- Contamination check
- Material identification
- Processing path determination
Disassembly
Containers are carefully disassembled and materials separated into distinct streams.
- Bottle removal
- Cage dismantling
- Pallet separation
- Hardware recovery
Processing
Each material stream is processed through specialized recycling facilities.
- HDPE granulation
- Steel melting
- Wood chipping/repair
- Quality verification
What Gets Recycled
Every component of an IBC container can be recycled or repurposed. Here's what happens to each material stream.
60%
HDPE Plastic
50-70 lbs per IBC
Bottles are cleaned, shredded into flakes, and processed into pellets for remanufacturing.
Becomes:
- New IBC bottles
- Plastic lumber
- Drainage pipes
- Automotive parts
- Storage containers
30%
Steel
30-50 lbs per IBC
Cages and frames are cut, processed, and sent to steel mills for melting and recycling.
Becomes:
- Construction materials
- Automotive steel
- Appliances
- New cage frames
- Rebar
10%
Wood/Plastic Pallets
15-25 lbs per IBC
Pallets in good condition are repaired and reused. Damaged pallets are processed.
Becomes:
- Repaired pallets
- Wood chips/mulch
- Particle board
- Biomass fuel
- Composite lumber
What We Can Recycle
We accept IBC containers in virtually any condition. Here's what qualifies for our recycling program.
We Accept
Special Handling Required
Must be properly cleaned first
Triple-rinse required per EPA
Specialized disposal required
Medical waste protocols apply
Must be fully depressurized
Not sure? Contact us with details about your containers and what they previously held. We'll advise on proper handling and whether additional preparation is needed.
Why Recycle With Phoenix
Our recycling program offers multiple benefits for businesses looking to responsibly dispose of end-of-life containers.
Free Pickup Service
We collect containers from your location at no charge for qualifying quantities (typically 25+ containers). Smaller quantities welcome at our facility.
Recycling Certificates
Receive official certificates documenting your recycling activity for sustainability reporting, audits, and environmental compliance.
Full Compliance
Our process meets all EPA, state, and local environmental regulations. Proper documentation maintained for audit purposes.
Sustainability Goals
Support your company's environmental initiatives and ESG reporting with documented, responsible container disposal.
Any Condition Accepted
We accept containers regardless of physical condition - damaged, dirty, incomplete, or otherwise unusable. All are recyclable.
Payment for Volume
Larger quantities of recyclable containers may qualify for payment. Contact us for current rates based on container type and condition.
Corporate Recycling Programs
For companies with ongoing recycling needs, we offer structured programs with dedicated support and comprehensive reporting.
Standard
25-100 containers/year
- Scheduled quarterly pickups
- Basic recycling certificates
- Email support
- Annual summary report
Enhanced
100-500 containers/year
- Monthly pickup option
- Detailed certificates per batch
- Dedicated account contact
- Quarterly impact reports
- Priority scheduling
- Volume-based pricing
Enterprise
500+ containers/year
- On-demand pickup scheduling
- Custom documentation
- Dedicated account manager
- Real-time tracking portal
- Custom reporting for ESG
- Preferred pricing
- On-site container assessments
Recycling Questions Answered
Is there a minimum quantity for pickup?
Free pickup typically requires 25+ containers in our service area. Smaller quantities can be dropped off at our facility or combined with other services.
Do containers need to be cleaned first?
No, we accept dirty containers. However, containers that held hazardous materials must be properly triple-rinsed per EPA guidelines.
How do I get a recycling certificate?
We provide certificates for all recycled containers. Standard certificates are included; detailed certificates with weights and materials are available for corporate programs.
Can I get paid for recycling containers?
Larger quantities may qualify for payment based on current scrap values. Contact us for current rates - pricing depends on container type and condition.
What happens to contaminated containers?
Containers with non-hazardous contamination are cleaned during processing. Hazardous residue containers require pre-cleaning before we can accept them.
Do you provide chain of custody documentation?
Yes, we maintain full chain of custody documentation from pickup through final processing. This is available for corporate customers and audits.
Can you recycle stainless steel IBCs?
Yes, stainless steel containers are excellent for recycling with high material value. Contact us for specific pricing on stainless steel IBCs.
What areas do you service for pickup?
We provide pickup service throughout the Southwest region. For areas outside our primary service area, we can arrange pickup for larger quantities.
Our Environmental Impact
Since 2010, our recycling program has achieved:
500,000+
IBCs Recycled
15,000 tons
HDPE Recovered
8,000 tons
Steel Recycled
22,500 tons
CO2 Prevented
Ready to Recycle Your IBC Containers?
Join hundreds of businesses that trust Phoenix IBC Totes for responsible container recycling. Contact us to schedule a pickup or learn more about our corporate recycling programs.