Frequently asked, honestly answered.
Every question on this page is one we've actually been asked, more than once. If your question isn't here, send it — we'll add it.
Ask us anything
Same form, every page. Tell us what you've got or what you need; we send a real quote (not a sales drip).
Buying a used IBC tote
Are your used totes really food-grade?
Some are. We label a tote 'food-grade reconditioned' only if (a) its first life held an FDA-approved food contact substance, (b) it passes our 7-step caustic + sanitizing wash, and (c) it re-tests clean on inspection. We log every batch.
What's the price difference between used and new?
Reconditioned is typically 30–40% of new. Rebottled is about 55%. Stainless reconditioned is about 60% of new stainless.
What did the tote hold before?
Always disclosed. We trace prior contents from labels, paperwork, and (when uncertain) a benchtop ATR-IR scan.
What happens if I get the tote and it's wrong?
We swap it. No restocking fee on totes returned within 14 days in the same condition. Freight on us if our spec was wrong.
Selling totes to us
How many do I need to sell for it to be worth it?
Five or more is our minimum for a free pickup. Smaller lots can drop off at the yard any weekday.
Will you buy totes that previously held [my chemistry]?
Probably yes — unless it was a pesticide, a controlled substance, or anything explosive. Email us a SDS or a photo of the label.
How do you pay?
Cash on pickup, ACH, or net-15 invoice. Your choice.
Do I need to clean them first?
No. Empty is enough. We'll do the wash.
Logistics & freight
How far will you drive for a pickup?
Anywhere in OH, IN, KY, WV, PA on routing. Further on full loads — Chicago, Detroit, Nashville frequently. Out-of-region is case-by-case.
How many fit on a truck?
36 single-stacked, 72 double-stacked in a 53' dry van.
LTL or full-truck?
We handle both. LTL through our partner brokers; FTL on our own fleet for shorter runs.
Can I pick up at the yard?
Yes — any weekday. Bring straps.
Reconditioning & cleaning
Can you wash my fleet of bottles I keep refilling?
Yes. Send them in by truckload, we wash and re-cert, send them back. This is our cheapest, lowest-carbon service.
What's in the wash water?
Hot water, sodium hydroxide for caustic cycles, citric acid for neutralization. We reclaim 92% of it.
Can you re-certify under UN31HA1/Y?
Yes — where the bottle qualifies. We re-cert under the original drop-test regime.
Sustainability & recycling
Do you ever export end-of-life plastic?
No. Ever. Read the Reclaim Pledge.
What happens to a tote we sell you that ends up unusable?
Cage and pallet get reused. Bottle gets ground, washed, pelletized on-site, and the regrind ships to a North American molder within 300 miles.
How is the Reclaim Counter calculated?
Totes diverted × 19.1 kg HDPE per tote × 2.01 kgCO₂e per kg HDPE. Full math on the Reclaim Counter page.
Pricing & terms
Why don't you negotiate price?
Our prices are posted by volume tier. We could start high and let aggressive buyers pay less than gentle ones — but that's both unfair and bad for trust. Our published price is roughly cost + a sustainable margin. There's not much room to negotiate without losing money.
Do you do volume discounts?
Yes — at 10, 36 (full truckload), and 72 (double-stack) units. Larger orders (100+) get further discounts on a contract basis.
What payment methods?
Net-15 invoice (default), ACH, check on Friday, or credit card with a 3% surcharge.
Can I get net-30 instead of net-15?
For repeat customers with payment history, yes. New customers start net-15 or pre-pay.
Do you charge a fuel surcharge or dock fee?
No. The quote you get is the price you pay. We don't add line items at invoice time.
Custom & fabrication
Do you do custom modifications?
Yes. The fab shop modifies totes for hydroponics, biochar, sap evaporation, mobile sinks, and more. See our /services/fabrication page.
Will modifications void the UN rating?
Often yes. Most fab is for non-DOT-shipping use. If you need to maintain UN rating, tell us — we can sometimes design around it.
Can I bring my own tote for modification?
Yes. Drop it off at the yard or arrange pickup.
What's the lead time for custom work?
Simple modifications: same week. Multi-tote systems: 2-4 weeks.
Specs & specifics
What thread is the outlet?
S60×6 buttress, the IBC standard. Adapters available for NPT, GHT, camlock, tri-clamp.
EPDM, Viton, or PTFE gasket?
EPDM for water and most food. Viton for oils and aggressive chemistry. PTFE for solvents. See chemical compatibility on the Safety page.
Can I stack two filled totes?
Yes, two-high is industry-standard for caged composite on a level floor. Use the cage interlock.
Will an IBC tote freeze?
HDPE handles freeze without cracking, but contents may. For winter outdoor use, get a heated jacket.