Understanding IBC Totes
Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) are industrial-grade containers designed for storing and transporting bulk liquids and granulated substances. They combine the capacity of drums with the convenience of palletized handling. At Los Angeles IBC, we offer a wide variety of used and new totes to meet every need.
Large Capacity
275-550 gallons per unit
Reusable
Multiple lifecycle uses
Easy Transport
Forklift & pallet jack ready
Recyclable
99% material recovery
The History of IBC Totes
Intermediate Bulk Containers were first developed in the 1970s as a more efficient alternative to traditional 55-gallon drums. The innovation came from the need to transport larger quantities of liquids while maintaining the ease of handling that drums provided.
The composite IBC design-featuring a plastic bottle inside a steel cage-was revolutionary. It combined the chemical resistance of plastic with the structural strength of steel, creating a container that could safely store everything from food products to industrial chemicals.
Today, IBCs are the global standard for bulk liquid transport, with millions of units in circulation worldwide. The design has been refined over decades, with modern IBCs featuring improved valve designs, stronger cages, and better UV resistance.
IBC Tote Types
Different types of IBCs for different applications and industries
Composite IBC Totes
The most common type, featuring a plastic inner bottle housed in a steel cage mounted on a pallet. Ideal for a wide range of liquids including food products, chemicals, and industrial materials.
Key Features:
- HDPE inner bottle resistant to most chemicals
- Galvanized steel cage for protection and stacking
- Standard 275-330 gallon capacity
- Fork-liftable pallet base (steel, plastic, or wood)
- Top-fill opening (6" or 8" cap)
- Bottom discharge valve (2" or 3")
- UN/DOT certified for hazmat transport
- Stackable up to 4 high when full
Price Range: $75-$250 depending on grade and condition
Stainless Steel IBC
All-metal construction for demanding applications. Superior durability and temperature resistance for specialized industries like pharmaceuticals, food processing, and chemical manufacturing.
Key Features:
- 304 or 316 stainless steel construction
- Excellent for food-grade applications
- Temperature resistant (-40°F to 300°F+)
- Easy to clean and sterilize (CIP capable)
- Long service life (20+ years)
- Fully recyclable material
- No plastic contamination risk
- Higher initial cost, lower lifetime cost
Price Range: $1,500-$5,000+ depending on size and specs
All-Plastic IBC (Rigid)
Single-piece molded plastic containers without metal cages. Lighter weight and completely corrosion-resistant, ideal for chemical applications where metal contact is undesirable.
Key Features:
- Rotationally molded HDPE or XLPE
- No metal parts to corrode
- Lighter weight than composite
- Double-wall construction available
- Excellent chemical resistance
- Lower profile for tight spaces
- Integrated pallet base
- Limited stacking capability
Price Range: $200-$600 depending on size
Foldable/Collapsible IBC
Innovative design that collapses when empty, reducing storage and return shipping costs by up to 75%. Perfect for companies with high container turnover and limited storage space.
Key Features:
- Collapses to 25% of full height
- Reduces return shipping costs
- Quick setup (under 30 seconds)
- Reusable liner options available
- Ideal for one-way shipping
- Lightweight aluminum or plastic frame
- Various liner materials available
- FDA-compliant options
Price Range: $150-$400 depending on type
Our Grading System
Every used IBC tote we sell is carefully inspected and assigned a grade based on condition. Our transparent grading system ensures you know exactly what you're getting.
Grade A
Premium Quality
Near-new condition with minimal wear. Previously contained food-grade or non-hazardous materials. Thoroughly cleaned and inspected. Ideal for sensitive applications requiring the highest quality.
Condition Criteria:
- Single-use or very light use only
- No significant scratches or stains
- Original valves in excellent condition
- Clear, unfogged bottle (no yellowing)
- Cage in pristine condition (no dents)
- Food-grade compatible
- All labels removed or minimal
- Pressure tested and certified
Best for: Food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, potable water, and applications requiring highest purity.
Grade B
Standard Quality
Good working condition with normal signs of use. Suitable for most industrial applications. Cleaned and tested for functionality. Best balance of quality and value for general use.
Condition Criteria:
- Multiple uses, well-maintained
- Minor scratches or scuffs visible
- Functional valves (may show wear)
- Slight discoloration acceptable
- Cage structurally sound
- General industrial use approved
- May have some label residue
- Leak tested and functional
Best for: Chemicals, agricultural products, manufacturing, lubricants, and general industrial storage.
Grade C
Economy Option
Visible wear but fully functional. Great value for non-critical applications where appearance isn't a priority. Perfect for storage, waste collection, or budget-conscious projects.
Condition Criteria:
- Heavy use, showing wear
- Visible scratches and marks
- Valves may need replacement
- Noticeable discoloration/staining
- Cage may have minor dents
- Functional for non-food use
- Labels and markings present
- Basic functionality verified
Best for: Waste collection, non-potable water, general storage, rainwater harvesting, and budget projects.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | 275 Gallon | 330 Gallon | 550 Gallon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity (Liters) | 1,041 L | 1,249 L | 2,082 L |
| Length | 48" (122 cm) | 48" (122 cm) | 48" (122 cm) |
| Width | 40" (102 cm) | 40" (102 cm) | 48" (122 cm) |
| Height | 46" (117 cm) | 53" (135 cm) | 67" (170 cm) |
| Tare Weight | ~120 lbs | ~135 lbs | ~200 lbs |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,200 lbs | 2,600 lbs | 4,400 lbs |
| Top Opening | 6" or 8" | 6" or 8" | 6" or 8" |
| Bottom Valve | 2" or 3" | 2" or 3" | 2" or 3" |
| Stack Height (Full) | 2-3 units | 2-3 units | 2 units |
| Bottle Material | HDPE | HDPE | HDPE |
| Cage Material | Galvanized Steel | Galvanized Steel | Galvanized Steel |
Material Compatibility Guide
Understanding what materials can safely be stored in HDPE IBC totes
Excellent Compatibility
- Water (potable and non-potable)
- Most acids (diluted)
- Alcohols
- Detergents and soaps
- Food oils and fats
- Glycols and antifreeze
- Most organic chemicals
- Salt solutions
- Sugar solutions
- Fruit juices
Limited Compatibility
- Strong oxidizing acids
- Aromatic hydrocarbons
- Halogenated hydrocarbons
- Some ketones
- Concentrated nitric acid
- Essential oils (some)
- Chlorinated solvents
- High-temp materials (>140°F)
*Consult compatibility chart before use
Not Compatible
- Benzene and derivatives
- Toluene
- Xylene
- Acetone (prolonged)
- Methyl ethyl ketone
- Gasoline/petroleum
- Concentrated sulfuric acid
- Fuming nitric acid
*Use stainless steel IBCs instead
Available Capacities
Most common size, fits standard pallets
Popular in food/beverage industry
Extended capacity option
Double capacity, square footprint
Common Applications by Industry
Food & Beverage
- Fruit juices & concentrates
- Wine & spirits
- Cooking oils & fats
- Syrups & sweeteners
- Liquid flavorings
- Dairy products
Grade A required
Chemical Manufacturing
- Industrial solvents
- Detergents & cleaners
- Adhesives & sealants
- Lubricants & oils
- Paint & coatings
- Process chemicals
Grade A or B
Agriculture
- Liquid fertilizers
- Pesticides & herbicides
- Animal feed supplements
- Irrigation water
- Crop nutrients
- Organic solutions
Grade B or C
Pharmaceutical
- Inactive ingredients
- Purified water (USP)
- Processing chemicals
- Sanitizing solutions
- Raw material storage
- Waste collection
Grade A only
Automotive
- Motor oils
- Coolants & antifreeze
- Brake fluid
- Transmission fluid
- Windshield wash
- Parts cleaning solutions
Grade B
Water Treatment
- Treatment chemicals
- pH adjusters
- Coagulants
- Chlorine solutions
- Emergency water storage
- Process water
Grade A or B
Certifications & Compliance
UN/DOT Certified
Approved for hazardous material transport per UN recommendations and DOT regulations.
FDA Compliant
Food-grade containers meet FDA requirements for food contact materials (21 CFR).
ISO 9001
Quality management system certification ensuring consistent product quality.
Kosher/Halal
Certified containers available for religious dietary requirement compliance.
IBC Accessories & Parts
Essential accessories to maximize the functionality and lifespan of your IBC totes
Replacement Valves
2" and 3" butterfly, ball, and camlock valves. Multiple materials including PP, PE, and stainless steel.
$15-75
Lid Assemblies
6" and 8" screw caps and vented lids. Gaskets included. Food-grade and standard options.
$20-50
Heating Blankets
Electric blankets to prevent freezing and maintain viscosity. 120V and 240V options.
$200-500
Dust Covers
UV-resistant covers to protect outdoor IBCs from sun damage and debris.
$25-75
Mixers & Agitators
Portable mixers designed for IBC top openings. Air and electric powered.
$150-800
Pumps
Hand, electric, and pneumatic pumps compatible with IBC valves.
$50-500
Spill Pallets
Secondary containment pallets for EPA compliance. Single and double capacity.
$100-400
Gaskets & Seals
Replacement gaskets for lids and valves. Viton, EPDM, and silicone materials.
$5-25
IBC Maintenance Best Practices
✅ Do's
- Rinse containers immediately after emptying
- Store in shaded areas when possible
- Inspect valves regularly for wear
- Keep lids closed when not in use
- Use appropriate cleaning agents
- Check cage for damage before moving
- Label containers with previous contents
- Stack on level, stable surfaces only
- Use proper lifting equipment
- Follow manufacturer weight limits
❌ Don'ts
- Leave residue to dry and harden
- Store in direct sunlight long-term
- Use incompatible chemicals
- Overfill beyond rated capacity
- Stack damaged containers
- Drag IBCs across rough surfaces
- Use pressure washers inside bottle
- Mix food-grade with industrial use
- Ignore valve leaks
- Store with open lids outdoors
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about choosing, grading, and maintaining IBC totes
What is the difference between composite and stainless steel IBCs?
Composite IBCs use an HDPE bottle inside a steel cage and are the most common, while stainless steel IBCs are one-piece metal units best for high-purity or high-heat applications.
How should I choose between Grade A, B, and C totes?
Grade A is like-new and often food-grade, Grade B shows normal wear but is fully functional, and Grade C has cosmetic wear and is best for non-critical uses like water or waste.
When is a new bottle replacement a better option than buying a full tote?
If your cage is in good shape, swapping in a new HDPE bottle can cut costs by 30-40% versus a complete new tote while keeping performance similar.
Do your totes include UN/DOT markings?
Yes. Bottles retain UN/DOT markings showing the tested product family and year, and we can help interpret markings to confirm suitability for your material.
Which valve types and connections are available?
We stock 2" and 3" valves, butterfly and ball styles, and provide camlock, NPT, or buttress adapters so you can connect to existing hoses.
How can I confirm what was previously in a used tote?
We document prior contents when known, inspect residue, and label each unit by grade. Ask us for source details or choose Grade A/new bottles for sensitive uses.
Are IBCs stackable when full?
Most 275 and 330 gallon composite IBCs can be stacked two-high when full and four-high when empty if stored on level surfaces and secured properly.
Can damaged cages or valves be repaired?
Yes. We straighten cages, replace valves, and swap caps to extend the life of an IBC. Repairs are usually 20-50% of the cost of a replacement unit.
Do you offer food-grade documentation?
We can supply certificates for new and Grade A bottles that meet FDA-compliant HDPE requirements and have only held food-safe contents.
What size IBC should I choose for tight spaces?
275 and 330 gallon totes share the same footprint, so choose 330 gallon when you need more volume without using more floor space.
Need Help Choosing the Right IBC?
Our experts have 15+ years of experience helping businesses find the perfect container for their specific application. Get personalized recommendations today.