Give Every IBC Tote a Second Life
We buy, sell, recycle, and transport used IBC tanks across Cleveland and beyond. Every tote we save from the landfill is a win for your business and the planet.
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Simple Process
How It Works
Whether you are buying, selling, or recycling IBC totes, our streamlined four-step process makes it effortless.
Request a Quote
Fill out our quick online form or call us directly. Tell us whether you want to buy, sell, or recycle IBC totes, the quantity you are working with, and any special requirements such as food-grade certification or specific volume sizes. We respond to every inquiry within 24 hours with a detailed, no-obligation quote.
Schedule Pickup or Delivery
Once you approve the quote, we coordinate logistics around your schedule. Our fleet covers all of Northeast Ohio and extends into Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Indiana for larger orders. We offer same-week pickup for sellers and next-day delivery for buyers on most in-stock items.
We Inspect & Process
Every tote entering our facility goes through a multi-point inspection. We assess the HDPE bottle, steel cage, valve assembly, gaskets, and pallet. Totes destined for resale are cleaned using our triple-rinse system with biodegradable detergents. Damaged components are replaced, and each container is graded transparently.
You Receive or Get Paid
Buyers receive their totes delivered to their dock or yard, palletized and ready for use. Sellers receive payment promptly � we pay on pickup for most transactions. Every container comes with documentation of its grade and cleaning history. It is that simple.
What We Do
Complete IBC Tote Solutions
From pickup to delivery, cleaning to recycling � we handle every step of the IBC tote lifecycle.
Education
What Is an IBC Tote?
An Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC), commonly called an IBC tote or IBC tank, is a reusable industrial-grade container designed for storing and transporting liquids, semi-solids, and granular materials in bulk. The most widely used design is the composite IBC, which features a blow-molded high-density polyethylene (HDPE) inner bottle housed inside a tubular galvanized steel cage, all mounted on an integrated pallet base.
The standard capacity is 275 gallons (1,040 liters), though 330-gallon models are also common. IBC totes are UN/DOT rated for hazardous and non-hazardous materials, making them suitable for a wide range of industrial, agricultural, and food-grade applications. They are designed for forklift handling, pallet-jack transport, and efficient warehouse stacking.
Unlike 55-gallon drums, IBC totes offer a much higher volume-to-footprint ratio. A single 275-gallon IBC tote replaces five standard drums while taking up roughly the same floor space as a standard pallet. This efficiency makes them the preferred bulk container across industries ranging from chemical manufacturing and food processing to agriculture and water treatment.
A well-maintained IBC tote can be reused through multiple fill cycles. The HDPE bottle resists most chemicals and UV exposure for years, while the steel cage provides structural protection. When components eventually wear out, every material in the tote � plastic, steel, and wood � is fully recyclable. This is the foundation of what we do at Cleveland IBC Recycling.
Anatomy of an IBC Tote
- HDPE Inner Bottle
Blow-molded high-density polyethylene. UV-stabilized, chemical-resistant. Holds 275 or 330 gallons. Weighs approximately 30 lbs.
- Steel Cage Frame
Tubular galvanized steel grid. Protects the bottle during transport and stacking. Weighs approximately 50 lbs. Fully recyclable.
- 2-Inch Butterfly Valve
Bottom-discharge valve with cam-lock or threaded fitting. Enables controlled dispensing. Gasket-sealed to prevent leaks.
- 6-Inch Fill Cap
Top opening for filling. Vented or solid cap options. Gasket provides airtight seal for liquid storage.
- Pallet Base
Wooden, composite, or steel pallet. Fork-accessible from all four sides. Supports stacking up to two units high.
Common IBC Applications
Container Comparison
IBC Totes vs. Drums vs. Tanks
Not sure which bulk container is right for your operation? Here is how IBC totes compare to the most common alternatives.
| Feature | IBC Tote (275 gal) | 55-Gal Drum | Poly Tank (500 gal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 275 gallons | 55 gallons | 500+ gallons |
| Footprint | 48" x 40" (1 pallet) | 24" diameter each | 60"+ diameter |
| Equivalent Units | 1 IBC = 5 drums | 5 drums = 1 IBC | 1 tank = ~2 IBCs |
| Forklift Handling | Yes (built-in pallet) | Requires drum grab | Usually stationary |
| Stackable | Yes (2 high) | Yes (with palletizing) | No |
| Cost (New) | $200-$350 | $50-$100 each | $400-$1,200 |
| Cost per Gallon (New) | ~$0.91/gal | ~$1.45/gal | ~$1.20/gal |
| Reconditioned Available | Yes ($80-$150) | Limited | Rare |
| Bottom Discharge Valve | Standard | Not standard | Optional |
| Recyclability | 100% recyclable | Steel/HDPE recyclable | Difficult to recycle |
| Best For | Most bulk liquid needs | Small batches / hazmat | Permanent fixed storage |
For most liquid storage and transport applications, IBC totes offer the best combination of capacity, portability, cost-efficiency, and recyclability. Need help choosing? Talk to our team.
Our Facility
See Our Operations
Our Willoughby, OH Facility
15,000 sq ft processing yard
Warehouse Inventory
Quality Inspection
Safety & Compliance
Large-Scale Storage
Our Impact
Making a Measurable Difference
IBC Totes Recycled
Plastic Saved from Landfill
Materials Recovery Rate
Tons CO₂ Prevented
Our Impact
By the Numbers
A decade of sustainable container management, measured in real results.
Years in Business
Serving Cleveland since 2015
Square Foot Facility
Dedicated processing center in Willoughby
Totes Processed Annually
And growing every year
States Served
OH, PA, WV, IN, MI, KY
Business Clients
From family farms to Fortune 500 plants
Tons of HDPE Saved per Year
Kept in circulation, not landfills
Totes to Landfill
Zero-landfill since 2019
Average Quote Turnaround
Fast response guaranteed
The Journey
Life of a Tote
Follow the journey of an IBC tote from discard to reuse. Each step preserves resources and prevents waste.
Collection
We pick up used IBC totes from businesses across Ohio, diverting them from landfills.
Inspection
Each tote undergoes rigorous inspection for structural integrity, valve condition, and contamination levels.
Cleaning
Our triple-rinse, pressure-wash system removes residues and prepares totes for their next use.
Reconditioning
Damaged components are replaced. Valves, gaskets, and cages are restored to full working order.
New Life
Refurbished totes return to service across agriculture, manufacturing, food production, and more.
Environmental Impact
Every Tote Matters
Each IBC tote we recondition and return to service prevents significant waste and emissions. Here is what one single tote recycle saves.
per tote reused instead of manufactured new
galvanized steel cage fully recoverable
compared to virgin HDPE manufacturing
versus new container production
petroleum extraction through molding avoided
per tote diverted from disposal
Cumulative Annual Impact
Processing over 5,000 totes per year, our facility prevents roughly:
of HDPE kept in circulation
of steel recycled domestically
of CO2 emissions prevented
of water conserved
of energy saved
of landfill space preserved
Our Products
IBC Totes for Every Need
What Our Clients Say
Trusted by Hundreds of Ohio Businesses
From food processors to family farms, our customers consistently praise the quality of our products and the reliability of our service.
“We switched from buying new IBC totes to reconditioned ones from Cleveland IBC Recycling and cut our container costs by 55%. The quality is excellent � our production team cannot tell the difference.”
Greg Tanaka
Operations Manager, Northeast Ohio Food Processor
“They pick up our used totes on a regular schedule, pay us fair prices, and we never have to worry about disposal compliance. It is the easiest vendor relationship we have.”
Danielle Voss
Procurement Director, Cleveland Chemical Distributor
“As a small farm, we needed affordable bulk liquid storage. Cleveland IBC set us up with 20 reconditioned totes at a price that fit our budget. They even delivered them right to our barn.”
Ray & Beth Nowak
Owners, Lake County Family Farm
“Their documentation and cleaning certificates made it easy for us to pass our FDA audit. The food-grade reconditioned totes meet every standard we need.”
Carla Petrovic
Quality Assurance Lead, Akron Beverage Company
“I have been in manufacturing for 30 years and have never worked with a recycler this professional. They show up on time, pay what they promise, and their team actually knows the product inside out.”
Nathan Schultz
Plant Manager, Elyria Industrial Manufacturer
Join 500+ Satisfied Businesses
Our clients keep coming back because we deliver consistent quality, fair pricing, and service you can count on. See the difference for yourself.
Get Your Free QuoteWhy Cleveland IBC
The Sustainable Choice for Your Business
When you choose Cleveland IBC Recycling, you're not just buying a container � you're investing in a cleaner future. Our zero-landfill commitment means every tote we handle is either reconditioned for reuse or its materials are fully recovered and recycled.
Learn why businesses trust us →Years Experience
Clients Served
Totes to Landfill
Quote Turnaround
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the questions we hear most. For the full FAQ, visit our FAQ page.
What is an IBC tote and what sizes do you carry?
An IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) tote is a reusable industrial container used for storing and transporting liquids and granular materials. The most common size is 275 gallons (1,040 liters), which is what we stock most heavily. We also carry 330-gallon totes and can source specialty sizes on request. Every tote consists of an HDPE inner bottle, a galvanized steel cage frame, and a wooden or composite pallet base.
How much can I save by buying reconditioned instead of new?
Most customers save 40-60% compared to buying brand-new IBC totes. A new 275-gallon tote typically costs $200-$350 depending on specifications. Our reconditioned Grade A totes start at around $100-$150. For volume orders, we offer additional tiered pricing discounts. You get the same functionality and a quality guarantee at a fraction of the price.
Do you buy used IBC totes? How does that work?
Yes, we buy used IBC totes in any condition. Simply contact us with the quantity and general condition of your totes, and we will provide a quote. We pay on pickup for most transactions. Even if your totes are damaged or contaminated, we will take them � units that cannot be reconditioned are disassembled for material recycling. Nothing goes to waste, and you get paid either way.
What areas do you serve for pickup and delivery?
Our primary service area covers all of Northeast Ohio, including Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Youngstown, Mentor, Elyria, Lorain, Medina, and surrounding communities. For larger orders (typically 10+ totes), we extend our delivery and pickup radius into all of Ohio, as well as Western Pennsylvania, Northern West Virginia, and Eastern Indiana. Contact us to discuss your location.
Are your reconditioned totes safe for food-grade applications?
Yes. Totes designated for food-contact or potable-water use go through our enhanced sanitization protocol, which includes additional rinse cycles with FDA-compliant cleaning agents. We provide certificates of cleaning and can document the previous contents of each tote. Many food processors, beverage companies, and agricultural operations across Ohio rely on our food-grade reconditioned totes.
Local Service
Serving Northeast Ohio and Beyond
Our home base in Willoughby, Ohio puts us at the heart of Northeast Ohio's industrial and agricultural corridor. From our 15,000-square-foot facility on Beidler Road, we serve businesses across the entire Greater Cleveland metropolitan area, the Akron-Canton region, and communities extending east toward Youngstown and north toward the Lake Erie shore.
For larger orders, our service radius extends across all of Ohio and into neighboring states including Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Indiana, Michigan, and Kentucky. We have made deliveries as far as Pittsburgh, Columbus, Indianapolis, and Detroit when the volume justifies the trip.
Local businesses benefit from same-day or next-day service, scheduled recurring pickups, and the knowledge that they are supporting a Cleveland-based company that reinvests in the local economy. We hire locally, source locally, and keep our supply chain close to home.
Check if We Serve Your AreaCities We Serve
Don't see your city? Contact us � we likely serve your area too. We extend our delivery and pickup range for orders of 10 or more totes.
Industries We Serve
Trusted Across Industries
Ready to Go Green?
Whether you need to buy, sell, or recycle IBC totes, we're here to help. Get a free, no-obligation quote today.