What an IBC is
An intermediate bulk container (IBC) is a reusable container for liquids and flowable solids, built to be moved by forklift. The most common kind in North America is the composite IBC: a plastic bottle inside a steel cage, on a pallet.
The parts
- Bottle: blow-molded high-density polyethylene (HDPE), with a fill opening on top.
- Cage: galvanized steel tubes that support the bottle and allow stacking.
- Pallet: plastic, steel or wood, with openings for forklift tines.
- Valve: at the bottom front, usually 2", for draining.
- Lid: a screw cap on the fill opening, sometimes vented.
Common sizes
The two most common sizes are 275 and 330 US gallons. Both use a 40" × 48" footprint; the 330 is taller. See the size guide for dimensions and weights.
Grades
- New: never filled.
- Rebottled: a new bottle in a used cage.
- Reconditioned: washed and inspected, worn parts replaced.
- Used: previously filled, usually rinsed.
Grade names vary between suppliers, so ask what each one includes.
Choosing a tote
- Decide what you will store and check it is compatible with HDPE.
- Decide whether previous contents are acceptable, and which.
- Pick the size that fits your space and handling equipment.
- Choose the lowest grade that is safe for your use.
Looking after a tote
- Keep it out of direct sunlight or covered.
- Protect the valve from freezing.
- Lift it only by the pallet, with forks fully under it.
- Inspect the cage, bottle and valve before each refill.