Give Your Used IBC Tote a Second Life
One of the best things about IBC totes is their versatility. Even after they have completed their commercial life hauling chemicals, food products, or water, they remain incredibly useful structures — a 275-gallon HDPE container inside a protective steel cage mounted on a forklift-compatible pallet. That combination of waterproof plastic, rigid steel framing, and an integrated base makes an IBC the perfect starting point for dozens of DIY and homesteading projects.
At Salt Lake IBC, we sell economy-grade and cosmetically imperfect totes specifically for repurposing. These containers are structurally sound and watertight, but they may have staining, minor cage dents, or cosmetic blemishes that make them less suitable for commercial resale. They are perfect for the creative projects described below — and they typically cost $50–$80 each.
Here are ten of our favorite ways to repurpose used IBC totes, each with practical how-to details.
1. Raised Garden Beds
Cut the IBC in half horizontally (through the bottle and cage) using a reciprocating saw or angle grinder. The bottom half becomes a raised garden bed approximately 24 inches deep — ideal for root vegetables, tomatoes, herbs, and flowers. The steel cage provides structure, and the HDPE bottom holds soil and moisture.
Pro tips: Drill drainage holes in the bottom (1/2-inch holes every 8–10 inches). Line the bottom with landscape fabric to prevent soil from washing out through the drainage holes. Fill with a mix of topsoil, compost, and perlite. The existing valve hole can serve as a drain — leave it open or connect a short hose to direct runoff. Paint the cage with Rustoleum or similar outdoor paint for a clean look. The top half of the cage can be used as a trellis for climbing plants like beans or cucumbers.
2. Rainwater Collection System
This is the single most popular repurposing project for used IBCs, and it deserves its own detailed guide (see our full article on IBC rainwater harvesting). In brief: position the IBC near a downspout, cut a hole in the top to accept the downspout or a diverter fitting, install an overflow near the top, and use the existing bottom valve to dispense water for garden irrigation.
Pro tips: Use a food-grade tote if possible, even though you are not drinking the water — it will have less residual odor. Cover the top opening with fine mesh screen to keep out debris, mosquitoes, and insects. Install a first-flush diverter to discard the initial dirty water from your roof. In Utah, check local regulations — rainwater harvesting is legal for up to 2,500 gallons with registration.
3. Aquaponics System
IBC totes are the backbone of many DIY aquaponics setups — systems that combine fish farming with hydroponic plant growing in a symbiotic cycle. The standard approach is to cut the IBC into two sections: the bottom (larger) section serves as the fish tank, while the top section is flipped and placed above as the grow bed filled with expanded clay pellets or gravel.
How it works: Water from the fish tank is pumped up into the grow bed, where beneficial bacteria convert fish waste (ammonia) into nitrates that plants can absorb. The cleaned water then drains back to the fish tank through a bell siphon or timer-controlled drain. Tilapia, catfish, and trout are popular fish choices. Lettuce, herbs, tomatoes, and peppers thrive in aquaponics grow beds.
Pro tips: Use only food-grade totes for the fish tank. Shade the fish tank to prevent algae growth. Size your pump to turn over the entire fish tank volume at least once per hour. Start with a single IBC system and expand as you gain experience.
4. Compost Tea Brewer
Compost tea — a liquid extract of compost teeming with beneficial microorganisms — is a powerful organic fertilizer and soil amendment. An IBC makes an excellent large-scale compost tea brewer. Fill the IBC about two-thirds with water, suspend a mesh bag of quality compost (about 20–40 lbs) from the fill opening, add a small amount of unsulfured molasses to feed the microbes, and aerate vigorously with an aquarium pump and air stones for 24–48 hours.
Pro tips: Use dechlorinated water (let tap water sit 24 hours, or use rainwater). The existing bottom valve makes dispensing the finished tea easy — connect a hose and gravity-feed into a sprayer or watering can. Brew times over 48 hours risk going anaerobic, which produces harmful microbes. Clean the IBC between batches to prevent biofilm buildup. A single brew from a 275-gallon IBC produces enough compost tea to treat several acres of garden or farmland.
5. Chicken Coop Water System
If you keep chickens (or ducks, turkeys, or other poultry), an IBC can serve as a bulk water supply that feeds automatic waterers or nipple drinkers via gravity. Mount the IBC on a slightly elevated platform (even a stack of concrete blocks works), run a 1/2-inch poly pipe from the bottom valve to a series of poultry nipple drinkers, and you have a watering system that holds enough water for a large flock for weeks.
Pro tips: Add a few tablespoons of raw apple cider vinegar per 50 gallons to discourage algae growth (it is also beneficial for chicken health). Use a garden hose adapter on the IBC valve for easy connection to poly pipe. Install a float valve at the bottom to auto-fill from a municipal supply if you want a continuously topped-off system. In winter, a stock tank heater or heat tape on the supply line prevents freezing — essential in Utah winters.
6. Outdoor Shower
A black-painted IBC (or one wrapped in black plastic) makes an effective solar-heated outdoor shower tank. Place the IBC in full sun on an elevated platform (at least 6–8 feet high for decent water pressure), run a hose from the bottom valve to a shower head, and let the sun do the heating. On a sunny Utah summer day, a black IBC can reach 100–120°F — plenty warm for a comfortable shower.
Pro tips: Build a sturdy platform from treated lumber or steel — a full 275-gallon IBC weighs over 2,400 lbs, so the structure must be engineered accordingly. Install a mixing valve to blend hot IBC water with cold hose water for temperature control. Use a food-grade tote to avoid any chemical residue. Drain and cover the IBC in winter to prevent freeze damage. This project is perfect for cabins, hunting camps, pool areas, and off-grid homesteads.
7. Livestock Waterer
For horses, cattle, goats, sheep, and other livestock, an IBC provides a high-capacity, gravity-fed water supply. Cut a section out of one side of the bottle and cage to create an open trough-style waterer, or keep the IBC intact and plumb the bottom valve to a float-valve-controlled trough. The 275-gallon capacity means fewer trips to refill — a real advantage on remote pastures or during hot summer months when animals drink heavily.
Pro tips: Use a food-grade tote for animal drinking water. Shade the IBC to prevent algae growth and keep the water cooler. In winter, install a submersible stock tank heater — the HDPE is compatible with standard stock tank heaters as long as the heater does not rest directly against the bottle wall (use a heater guard). Clean and scrub the interior every few weeks to prevent biofilm.
8. Firewood Storage Rack
Remove the HDPE bottle entirely (cut it out with a utility knife or reciprocating saw), and the remaining steel cage on its pallet becomes an excellent firewood storage rack. The cage keeps wood organized and off the ground (critical for seasoning), the pallet base provides airflow underneath, and the grid pattern allows air circulation from all sides — exactly what you want for drying firewood.
Pro tips: Stack firewood bark-side-up in the cage. Throw a tarp over the top to shed rain and snow while leaving the sides open for airflow. The cage holds approximately half a cord of firewood depending on log size. If you have multiple cages, line them up for a tidy, organized woodpile. Spray paint the cage to prevent rust and improve appearance.
9. Emergency Water Storage
FEMA recommends storing at least one gallon of water per person per day for a minimum of three days. For a family of four, that is just 12 gallons — hardly enough for a serious emergency. A 275-gallon IBC provides enough water for a family of four for over two months at one gallon per person per day, or enough for basic needs (drinking, cooking, and sanitation) for several weeks.
Pro tips: Use only food-grade IBCs for potable water storage. Fill with municipal tap water (already treated with chlorine). Add 1/4 teaspoon of unscented household bleach (8.25% sodium hypochlorite) per gallon as additional insurance — that is about 4 tablespoons for a full 275-gallon IBC. Replace the water annually. Store in a cool, dark location (garage or basement) to prevent algae growth and UV degradation. The bottom valve makes dispensing easy without the need for a pump.
10. Decorative Planters and Vertical Gardens
For the artistically inclined, IBC cages can be transformed into stunning vertical garden structures. Remove the bottle, install horizontal planting pockets (made from landscape fabric, burlap, or repurposed fabric) at each level of the cage grid, fill with potting soil, and plant herbs, strawberries, succulents, or flowers. The result is a living wall that is both beautiful and productive.
Pro tips: Line the planting pockets with coconut coir liner to retain moisture and prevent soil loss. Install a drip irrigation line running from the top down for easy watering. Place the cage against a fence or wall for stability. For a more polished look, wrap the sides in cedar planks or pallet wood, leaving the planting pockets exposed. Paint or stain the cage to match your outdoor decor. These vertical gardens are conversation starters and can produce a surprising amount of food in a very small footprint.
"We love seeing what our customers do with used IBCs. Every time someone repurposes a tote instead of sending it to the landfill, it is a win for the environment and a testament to the incredible versatility of these containers." — Salt Lake IBC Team
Ready to start your project? Salt Lake IBC sells economy-grade and repurposing-ready totes at our Woods Cross location. We can help you select the right tote for your project, advise on any modifications, and even recommend the best valve or adapter for your setup. Stop by or give us a call — we are always happy to talk totes.