Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about IBC totes, our services, ordering, and more.
Ordering & Pricing
How do I place an order for IBC totes?
You can place an order by calling us directly, filling out the contact form on our website, or emailing info@saltlakeibc.com. For large orders (10+ units), we recommend calling so we can discuss your specific needs, confirm current inventory, and arrange the best pricing. We do not currently offer online checkout because every order benefits from a brief consultation to ensure you get the right grade and configuration. Our team is available Monday through Friday 8 AM to 5 PM and Saturday 9 AM to 2 PM.
What is your typical turnaround time?
For in-stock items, we can typically prepare your order within 1-2 business days. Local delivery in the Salt Lake City metro area can usually be scheduled within 3-5 business days of order confirmation. For large orders or specialty configurations, please allow 1-2 weeks. We will always give you a firm timeline at the point of order. During peak season (spring and summer), turnaround times may be slightly longer due to increased demand.
Do you have a minimum order quantity?
No, we have no minimum order quantity. You can purchase a single IBC tote if that is all you need. However, we do offer volume discounts starting at 10 units, with the best pricing available at full truckload quantities (48-56 units). For single-unit purchases, we recommend picking up from our Woods Cross facility to avoid delivery fees. We serve everyone from homeowners buying one IBC for rainwater collection to large corporations ordering hundreds.
Can I visit your facility to inspect IBCs before purchasing?
Absolutely. We encourage customers to visit our facility at 1199 W 2425 S, Woods Cross, UT 84087. Walk-in hours are Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, and Saturday, 9 AM to 2 PM. You can inspect inventory, see our reconditioning process firsthand, and select specific units if you prefer. No appointment is necessary for standard visits, though we recommend calling ahead for large-order inspections so we can have your options staged and ready. We are conveniently located just off I-15 in Woods Cross.
How much does a reconditioned IBC tote cost?
Reconditioned IBC totes range from approximately $75 to $200 per unit depending on the grade and condition. Grade C (economy) units start around $75-$100, Grade B (standard) units run $100-$150, and Grade A (premium/like-new) units are $150-$200. New IBCs range from $200 to $350. Rebottled IBCs (new bottle with reconditioned cage) fall between $175 and $250. Volume discounts are available for orders of 10+ units. Prices may fluctuate seasonally, with the best deals typically available in late fall and winter.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, company checks, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), ACH bank transfers, and wire transfers. For established business accounts with approved credit, we offer Net 30 payment terms. A 3% early-pay discount is available for invoices paid within 10 days on Net 30 accounts. For first-time orders, we typically require payment at the time of order or upon delivery. We also accept purchase orders from government agencies, municipalities, and established corporations.
Product & Quality
What is the difference between Grade A, B, and C IBCs?
The grading system reflects the cosmetic condition and level of previous use. Grade A IBCs are like-new with minimal signs of use: clear bottles, straight cages, and new valves. Grade B IBCs show moderate wear such as light staining or minor scuffs but are structurally sound and fully functional. Grade C IBCs have noticeable cosmetic wear including yellowing, label ghosting, or minor cage dents but are leak-tested and safe for use. All grades are cleaned and inspected regardless of cosmetic condition. The grading does not reflect the cleanliness of the interior, only the exterior appearance.
What does "rebottled" mean?
A rebottled IBC has had its original HDPE inner bottle removed and replaced with a brand-new bottle. The steel cage and pallet base are retained from the original unit after inspection and reconditioning. This gives you a pristine, uncontaminated interior at a lower cost than a fully new IBC. Rebottled IBCs receive a new UN certification date starting from the date of rebottling, giving you a fresh 5-year compliance window. This option is ideal when you need a clean interior for food-grade or sensitive chemical applications but do not need a brand-new cage.
Are your reconditioned IBCs food-grade safe?
It depends on the specific unit and its history. We offer IBCs that previously contained food-grade products and have been cleaned to food-safe standards. However, a reconditioned IBC that previously held industrial chemicals should not be used for food storage, even after cleaning. If you need food-grade containers, let us know and we will specifically select units with appropriate prior-use histories. For applications requiring guaranteed food-grade purity, we recommend new or rebottled IBCs. Our food-grade reconditioning uses FDA-compliant cleaning agents and we maintain full chain-of-custody documentation.
How do you clean your reconditioned IBCs?
Our standard reconditioning process is a triple-wash system. First, we perform a high-pressure hot water rinse to remove bulk residue. Second, we apply a caustic wash cycle with industrial-grade cleaning solution appropriate to the previous contents. Third, we finish with a final rinse using clean water. After cleaning, each IBC is visually inspected inside and out, leak-tested, and the valve and cap are replaced or restored as needed. For food-grade reconditioning, we use FDA-compliant cleaning agents and maintain documentation of the entire process. We reclaim and filter approximately 60% of our wash water for reuse, reducing environmental impact.
What is the expected lifespan of a reconditioned IBC?
A reconditioned IBC can typically serve through 3-5 additional use cycles, depending on what it is used for and how it is stored. In ideal indoor conditions with non-aggressive chemicals, a quality reconditioned IBC can last 5-8 more years. Outdoor use with UV exposure shortens the life to 3-5 years. We recommend inspecting your IBCs annually and looking for signs of UV degradation, stress cracking, or cage corrosion that indicate it is time for replacement. Proper care including indoor storage, UV protection, and avoiding incompatible chemicals can significantly extend service life.
Shipping & Delivery
Do you deliver, and what areas do you serve?
Yes, we offer delivery throughout Utah and to neighboring states including Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, Nevada, and Arizona. Local deliveries within the Salt Lake City metro area (roughly a 30-mile radius of Woods Cross) are available on our own trucks. Regional and long-distance deliveries are arranged via flatbed freight. Delivery is often included free for local orders of 4+ IBCs. Contact us for a delivery quote specific to your location and quantity. We can deliver to commercial addresses, construction sites, farms, and residential locations with appropriate access.
Can I pick up my order at your facility?
Yes, customer pickup is available at our Woods Cross facility during business hours. You will need a vehicle capable of transporting the IBCs, a pickup truck or flatbed trailer is ideal. A standard 275-gallon IBC empty weighs approximately 130 lbs and has a 48 x 40 inch footprint, so make sure your vehicle can accommodate the size and weight. We will load your IBCs with our forklift free of charge. Please call ahead so we can have your order staged and ready when you arrive.
How many IBCs fit on a truck?
A standard 53-foot flatbed trailer can carry 48 to 56 IBCs in a single load, depending on the IBC dimensions and stacking configuration. A standard pickup truck bed can typically fit 1 IBC (or 2 if you have an 8-foot bed and remove the tailgate). A 16-foot flatbed trailer can carry 6-8 units. A 24-foot box truck fits approximately 12-16 units. We can advise on the most efficient transport method for your specific order size and help coordinate freight for large shipments.
Do you ship IBCs across state lines?
Yes, we regularly ship IBCs to customers throughout the western United States. Interstate shipments are handled via commercial flatbed carriers. We can coordinate freight quotes, schedule pickups, and ensure proper loading and securing for long-distance transport. For hazardous material shipments, we ensure all DOT labeling and documentation requirements are met before the IBCs leave our facility. Transit times vary by destination, but most western US deliveries arrive within 3-7 business days. We have shipped to customers in every state west of the Rockies.
Recycling & Sustainability
Do you buy used IBCs? How much do you pay?
Yes, we actively purchase used IBCs. The price we pay depends on the condition of the unit, what it previously contained, and current market supply. Clean, undamaged IBCs that held non-hazardous products command the highest buyback price. Damaged units or those that contained hazardous chemicals may still have value for recycling. Contact us with details about your IBCs (quantity, condition, previous contents, and location) and we will provide a buyback quote. We can arrange pickup for quantities of 10 or more IBCs within our service area.
What happens to IBCs that are too damaged to recondition?
Nothing goes to waste. We disassemble end-of-life IBCs and process each component separately. The HDPE bottle is shredded and sent to plastic recyclers who turn it into pellets for manufacturing new products like drainage pipes, plastic lumber, and recycling bins. The steel cage is processed as scrap metal and recycled into new steel. The pallet base (if composite) is also recycled. Our goal is to achieve a 97% material recovery rate on every IBC we handle, keeping as much as possible out of the landfill.
Do you offer a scheduled pickup program for used IBCs?
Yes, we offer recurring pickup service for businesses that generate used IBCs on a regular basis. We will work with you to establish a pickup schedule, whether that is weekly, monthly, or on-call, and we will either purchase the IBCs from you or provide free pickup and disposal depending on the condition and contents. This service is popular with food manufacturers, chemical distributors, and agricultural operations throughout Utah. Regular pickup service helps keep your facility clean and ensures IBCs are properly recycled rather than sent to landfill.
How does buying reconditioned IBCs help the environment?
Each reconditioned IBC saves approximately 58 kg of CO2 emissions compared to manufacturing a new one. It also conserves about 340 liters of water and reduces energy consumption by 76%. Over the course of a year, our facility alone diverts over 850 tons of material from landfills. By choosing reconditioned, you are keeping plastic out of landfills, reducing the demand for virgin petroleum-based materials, and supporting a circular economy that keeps industrial containers in productive use for as long as possible. HDPE takes 400-500 years to decompose in a landfill, so every IBC we recondition prevents centuries of environmental impact.
Can I recycle an IBC that previously held hazardous materials?
Yes, but it requires special handling. IBCs that contained hazardous materials must be properly cleaned and decontaminated before recycling. We accept hazmat-used IBCs and have the processes in place to safely handle, clean, and either recondition or disassemble them. Please notify us in advance about the specific chemicals involved so we can prepare appropriate safety measures. We follow all EPA and state environmental regulations for handling residual hazardous materials during the recycling process. Proper disposal of IBCs with hazardous residue is important to avoid environmental contamination and regulatory penalties.
Technical
Can you modify IBCs for custom applications?
Yes, we offer a range of modifications including custom valve configurations (butterfly valves, cam-lock fittings, garden hose adapters), cut-down totes for raised garden beds, added spigots for rainwater systems, heating blanket compatibility modifications, and custom labeling or color coding. Turnaround on custom orders is typically 1-2 weeks depending on complexity. We can also cut IBCs in half for aquaponics systems and raised planters, add sight gauges for level monitoring, and install specialized fittings for unique applications.
Do you sell IBC accessories and replacement parts?
Yes, we carry a full line of IBC accessories including replacement valves (ball valves and butterfly valves in 2-inch and 3-inch), replacement caps and gaskets, adapter fittings for various hose connections, spill containment pallets, IBC heating blankets, dust covers, and mixer mounting brackets. We also stock garden hose adapters, camlock fittings, S60x6 thread adapters, and various reducer fittings. These are available for purchase individually or with IBC orders.
What is the maximum stacking height for filled IBCs?
Standard composite IBCs (275-gallon and 330-gallon) are rated for two-high stacking when filled to capacity. This means you can safely place one full IBC on top of another. The exact stacking load rating is printed on the UN marking of each IBC and is typically 4,625 to 4,850 lbs. Never exceed this rating. Empty IBCs can be stacked 3-4 high, but should be secured against tipping with straps or in a racking system. Always stack on level, solid surfaces rated for the combined weight. Two stacked 275-gallon IBCs reach approximately 92 inches (7.67 feet) in total height.
Are your IBCs compatible with heating blankets?
Yes, most standard 275-gallon and 330-gallon composite IBCs are compatible with commercially available IBC heating blankets. These blankets wrap around the steel cage and use electrical heating elements to maintain the contents at a desired temperature. They are commonly used for products that solidify or become too viscous at low temperatures, such as coconut oil, honey, chocolate, resins, and certain chemicals. We can supply IBCs pre-fitted with heating blanket mounts if needed. Most blankets are thermostatically controlled and available in temperature ranges from 80 degrees F to 160 degrees F.
What is the UN certification, and does it matter for my application?
UN certification is a marking system that indicates an IBC meets international performance standards for transporting dangerous goods. It includes a type code, packing group rating, manufacture date, and maximum weight ratings. UN certification matters if you are transporting hazardous materials by road, rail, or sea, as it is a legal requirement under DOT regulations. For non-hazmat applications like water storage, agriculture, or food ingredients, the UN certification is not legally required, though it still indicates the IBC was manufactured to rigorous quality standards. Certification expires 5 years from manufacture or rebottling. Our safety guide has a detailed breakdown of how to read UN markings.
Returns & Warranty
What is your return policy?
We stand behind every IBC we sell. If a unit arrives damaged, leaks, or does not match the described grade, we will replace it or issue a full refund at your choice. Returns must be initiated within 7 days of delivery. The IBC must be in the same condition as received (unused and not filled). Buyer remorse returns on functioning units may be subject to a 15% restocking fee. Custom-modified IBCs are non-returnable unless defective. We strive for 100% customer satisfaction and will work with you to resolve any issue quickly.
Do your IBCs come with a warranty?
New IBCs carry the manufacturer warranty, typically 1-2 years against defects in materials and workmanship. Reconditioned IBCs from Salt Lake IBC carry our 30-day satisfaction guarantee covering leaks, structural defects, and grade discrepancies. Rebottled IBCs carry a 90-day warranty on the new bottle and valve. All warranties require normal use and proper handling per the manufacturer guidelines. Damage caused by incompatible chemicals, UV degradation from outdoor storage, physical abuse, or overfilling beyond rated capacity is not covered.
IBC Glossary
Not sure what a term means? This quick-reference glossary covers the most commonly used IBC terminology.
IBC
Intermediate Bulk Container. A reusable industrial container designed for the transport and storage of bulk liquids, typically holding 275-330 gallons.
Tote
Common shorthand for an IBC tote. The terms "IBC," "tote," and "tote tank" are used interchangeably in the industry.
Composite IBC
An IBC consisting of an HDPE inner bottle inside a steel outer cage on a pallet base. The most common IBC type, designated UN type 31HA1.
HDPE
High-Density Polyethylene. The thermoplastic polymer used for IBC inner bottles. Offers excellent chemical resistance.
Reconditioned
A used IBC professionally cleaned, inspected, and restored for reuse with new valves and gaskets.
Rebottled
An IBC with a brand-new HDPE bottle in the original reconditioned cage. Gets a fresh UN certification date.
UN Marking
Standardized code on certified IBCs showing type, packing group, manufacture date, and weight ratings.
Packing Group
UN hazard classification (I, II, or III) indicating danger level. Most IBCs are rated for PG II and III.
Butterfly Valve
Most common IBC discharge valve type using a rotating disc. Standard 2-inch size with quarter-turn operation.
Ball Valve
Premium IBC valve with rotating ball mechanism. Better seal and flow rate, preferred for viscous fluids.
S60x6 Thread
Standard IBC discharge thread: 60mm diameter, 6mm pitch. Compatible with most adapters and fittings.
NW150 / DN150
Standard 150mm (6-inch) top fill opening on 275-gal and 330-gal IBCs.
Tare Weight
Weight of the empty IBC. Standard 275-gal composite IBC tare weight is approximately 130 lbs.
Specific Gravity
Density ratio of a liquid to water. Used to calculate total weight when IBC is filled with various chemicals.
GMA Pallet
48" x 40" pallet standard matching IBC footprint for universal logistics compatibility.
Triple Wash
Standard reconditioning process: hot water rinse, caustic chemical wash, and final clean water rinse.
Didn't Find Your Answer?
Our team is happy to answer any question about IBCs, our services, or your specific application. No question is too small or too technical.