Buy Used IBC Totes in Boulder

Save 60-80% on Used IBC Totes in Boulder: Your Complete Buying Guide

What you'll gain: Learn where to find quality used IBC totes in Boulder for $40-140 instead of $200-300 new, plus how to choose the right type for your needs.

Why Buy Used IBC Totes?

You'll save serious money. A new 275-gallon IBC tote costs $200-300. Used ones cost $40-140. That's 60-80% less for the same storage capacity.

Plus, you're keeping large plastic containers out of landfills.

Where to Find Used IBC Totes in Boulder

Local Boulder Supplier RePackify (Boulder, CO 80305)

• What they offer: 275-gallon food-grade totes, triple-rinsed, metal-caged
• Stock: 300 units available
• Price: Contact for quote (freight separate)
• How to buy: Online quote form, local pickup or delivery

Understanding IBC Tote Types

Size Options

• 275 gallons (most common): 40" wide × 48" long × 46" high, weighs 130 pounds empty
• 330 gallons: Larger capacity for extended storage

Condition Grades (From Best to Basic)

Food-Grade Steam-Cleaned

• Best for: Drinking water, food ingredients, beverages
• Previous contents: Food products only
• Cleaning: Professional steam cleaning
• Cost: Highest ($120-140)

Food-Grade As-Is

• Best for: Non-potable water, irrigation, cleaning supplies
• Previous contents: Food products
• Cleaning: Basic rinse
• Cost: Mid-range ($100-120)

Agricultural-Grade

• Best for: Fertilizers, irrigation, farm use
• Previous contents: Agricultural chemicals
• Cost: Lower ($80-100)

Chemical-Grade

• Best for: Industrial chemicals, solvents
• Features: UN/DOT rated for hazardous materials
• Cost: Varies

Damaged/Grade C

• Best for: DIY projects, rainwater collection, planters
• Condition: Structural damage but still functional
• Cost: Lowest ($50)

How to Buy the Right Tote

Step 1: Decide What You Need

Ask yourself:

• What will you store? (Water, chemicals, food products)
• How much do you need? (One tote or multiple)
• Where will you use it? (Indoors, outdoors, transport)

Step 2: Choose Your Grade

• Drinking water or food = food-grade steam-cleaned
• Garden irrigation = food-grade as-is
• Fertilizer storage = agricultural-grade
• Industrial use = chemical-grade
• DIY projects = damaged/Grade C

Step 3: Get Quotes

Contact 2-3 suppliers for price comparison. Ask about:

• Previous contents
• Cleaning method used
• Valve type (ball, butterfly, camlock)
• Delivery costs
• Return/recycling options

Step 4: Arrange Transport

Remember: Each tote weighs 130 pounds empty. Options:

• Local pickup (usually Tuesday-Thursday)
• LTL freight for multiple totes
• Full truckload for large orders

Step 5: Inspect Before Use

Check these when totes arrive:

• Valve operates smoothly
• No cracks in plastic
• Cap seals properly
• Cage structure is solid

Smart Buying Tips

Start Small Buy one or two totes first to test the supplier's quality before ordering more.

Ask About Previous Contents A tote that held soap is different from one that held industrial chemicals. Know what you're getting.

Consider End-of-Life Many suppliers offer free recycling and rebates when you're done with your totes.

Local Pickup Saves Money Freight costs add up quickly. Local pickup often saves $50-100 per tote.

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Home Rainwater Collection Sarah in Boulder bought two food-grade as-is totes for $240 total. She uses them to collect rainwater for her garden. New totes would have cost $500.

Example 2: Small Business Chemical Storage A local cleaning company bought 10 chemical-grade totes for $1,200. New ones would have cost $2,500.

Example 3: Farm Irrigation A Lafayette farm bought 20 agricultural-grade totes for $1,600. They store irrigation water and liquid fertilizer.

Your Next Steps

Determine your needs: What will you store and how much?

Contact suppliers: Get quotes from 2-3 suppliers

Compare total costs: Include delivery/pickup fees

Start with a test order: Buy 1-2 totes first

Plan for disposal: Ask about recycling options

Used IBC totes give you professional-grade storage at a fraction of new costs. Start with one supplier, test their quality, then expand your purchases as needed.