Used IBC Tanks
Quality reconditioned IBC tanks and totes at a fraction of the cost of new. Every unit is inspected, cleaned, and pressure-tested at our Santa Ana facility before sale. Available in food grade, industrial, chemical, and pharmaceutical grades.
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Why Buy Used IBC Tanks?
Intermediate Bulk Containers are built to last. A well-maintained HDPE IBC tank can be reused multiple times over a lifespan of 5 to 10 years. When you buy a reconditioned IBC from us, you get a container that has been professionally cleaned, inspected, and restored to reliable working condition -- at a price that is 40% to 60% lower than buying new.
Used IBC tanks are an excellent choice for businesses looking to reduce costs without sacrificing quality. They are also an environmentally responsible option: reusing containers keeps thousands of pounds of HDPE plastic and steel out of landfills every year. When you buy reconditioned from IBC Santa Ana, you are making a choice that is good for your budget and good for the planet.
We process over 10,000 IBC tanks annually at our Santa Ana facility, giving us one of the largest and most diverse inventories of reconditioned tanks in Southern California. Whether you need a single food-grade tote for a small batch run or 100 industrial-grade tanks for a large-scale operation, we have the stock and the expertise to fill your order quickly.
Standard Specifications
These specifications apply to the standard HDPE composite IBC tanks that make up the majority of our used inventory. Stainless steel and specialty tanks have different specifications.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Standard Capacity | 275 gallon (1,040 L) or 330 gallon (1,250 L) |
| Bottle Material | HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) |
| Cage Material | Galvanized tubular steel |
| Pallet | Steel or HDPE composite |
| Standard Valve | 2" butterfly valve (new or refurbished) |
| Lid Opening | 6" (150mm) screw cap with gasket |
| Dimensions (275 gal) | 48" L x 40" W x 46" H |
| Dimensions (330 gal) | 48" L x 40" W x 53" H |
| Empty Weight | ~130 lbs (275 gal), ~145 lbs (330 gal) |
| Max Fill Weight | ~2,400 lbs (275 gal), ~2,800 lbs (330 gal) |
| Temperature Range | -40F to 140F (-40C to 60C) |
| Stacking | Rated for 2-high stacking when properly loaded |
| Forklift Access | 4-way pallet entry |
| UV Protection | UV-stabilized HDPE (varies by manufacturer) |
Available Grades
The grade of a used IBC tank is determined by its previous contents and intended reuse application. Choosing the correct grade ensures safety, regulatory compliance, and optimal performance.
Food Grade
Previously used for food-safe liquids such as juices, syrups, cooking oils, vinegar, or food-grade chemicals. These tanks are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized to meet FDA requirements for food contact surfaces. Full documentation of previous contents is available upon request for regulatory compliance and audit purposes.
Common Applications
- Beverage production
- Food processing plants
- Agricultural irrigation
- Potable water storage
- Brewery & winery operations
- Syrup and concentrate storage
- Edible oil handling
Cleaning Process: Triple-rinse with hot water, food-safe sanitizer treatment, final potable water rinse
Industrial Grade
Used for non-hazardous industrial liquids such as soaps, detergents, lubricants, or glycol-based coolants. Inspected for structural integrity and cleaned to remove residues. These tanks are versatile, affordable, and suitable for a wide range of applications where food-grade certification is not required.
Common Applications
- Soap and detergent storage
- Lubricant handling
- Coolant systems
- Rainwater harvesting
- Non-potable water storage
- Cleaning product manufacturing
- General liquid transfer
Cleaning Process: Hot water rinse, industrial cleaning agent treatment, pressure rinse, residue inspection
Chemical Grade
Previously held chemical products including solvents, acids, or specialty chemicals. Available with full provenance documentation. Requires careful matching of previous contents with intended use to ensure chemical compatibility and safety. Our team provides compatibility guidance for every chemical-grade sale.
Common Applications
- Chemical manufacturing
- Laboratory waste collection
- Solvent recycling
- Agricultural chemicals
- Industrial cleaning solutions
- Chemical distribution
- Waste management operations
Cleaning Process: Product-specific cleaning protocol based on previous contents, neutralization if needed, verification testing
Pharmaceutical Grade
High-purity tanks previously used in pharmaceutical or cosmetic applications. These meet the strictest cleanliness and traceability standards. Limited availability due to specialized sourcing. Full chain-of-custody documentation available for audit and regulatory compliance purposes.
Common Applications
- Pharmaceutical intermediates
- Cosmetic ingredient storage
- Lab-grade water
- Biotech processes
- Nutraceutical production
- High-purity chemical handling
- Research and development
Cleaning Process: Validated multi-stage cleaning, purified water rinse, surface cleanliness verification, documentation package
Condition Tiers & Pricing
Within each grade, tanks are further sorted by physical condition. This allows you to choose the level of cosmetic quality that matches your needs and budget.
Grade A - Like New
Tanks that have been used only once or twice, often for a single product run. Minimal cosmetic wear, no staining, and fully functional valve assembly. Bottle and cage are in excellent condition. These tanks are virtually indistinguishable from new in terms of performance and appearance.
30-40% less than new
What to Expect
- Single-use or low-use tanks
- No discoloration or staining
- Original valve in working order
- Steel cage with no significant dents
- Pallet in full structural condition
- Manufacturer markings still legible
- Full remaining service life expected
Best For: Businesses that need near-new quality at a reduced price. Food processing, beverage production, cosmetics, and applications where appearance matters.
Grade B - Good Condition
Tanks that show moderate use but remain fully functional. May have minor scuffs, light staining on the bottle, or small dents on the cage. Cleaned, pressure-tested, and ready for service. These represent the best balance of quality and value for most commercial applications.
40-55% less than new
What to Expect
- Moderate cosmetic wear
- Light staining possible (non-affecting)
- Valve replaced or refurbished
- Cage structurally sound with minor dents
- Pallet intact, minor wear acceptable
- Fully pressure tested and leak verified
- Several years of service life remaining
Best For: The sweet spot for most businesses. Ideal for industrial storage, agricultural use, cleaning products, and any application where function matters more than cosmetic perfection.
Grade C - Economy
Budget-friendly option for non-critical applications like rainwater collection, irrigation, or general non-food storage. Tanks are functional but show significant cosmetic wear. New valves are installed if originals are worn. These tanks offer the absolute best value per gallon of storage capacity.
50-65% less than new
What to Expect
- Visible wear and staining
- Cage may have dents or surface rust
- New valve included if original is worn
- Ideal for non-food, non-chemical use
- Best value per gallon of storage
- Structurally sound despite cosmetic wear
- Functional for water, non-critical storage
Best For: Budget-conscious buyers, construction sites, rainwater harvesting, irrigation, dust control, and any non-critical liquid storage where appearance is not a concern.
Our 6-Point Inspection & Reconditioning Process
Every used IBC tank that passes through our facility goes through a rigorous multi-step process to ensure it meets our quality standards before it reaches your door.
Receiving & Sorting
Every tank that arrives at our facility is cataloged with its previous contents, age, and manufacturer. Tanks are sorted by grade potential and previous use history. We document the source, date of receipt, and initial condition assessment for full traceability.
Structural Inspection
We inspect the steel cage for dents, corrosion, and weld integrity. The pallet is checked for cracks and structural soundness. The HDPE bottle is examined for warping, UV damage, and wall thickness. Any component that fails inspection is either repaired or the tank is routed to recycling.
Cleaning & Sanitization
Tanks are triple-rinsed with hot water and, depending on grade, treated with food-safe or industrial cleaning agents. Interior surfaces are scrubbed to remove residue, and a final rinse ensures no cleaning agent remains. Food-grade tanks undergo additional sanitization steps to meet FDA requirements.
Pressure Testing
Each tank undergoes a leak test. We fill the container and pressurize it to verify that the bottle, valve, lid seal, and any fittings are fully water-tight under normal operating conditions. Any tank that fails the pressure test is repaired or routed to recycling -- no exceptions.
Valve & Gasket Replacement
Worn or damaged valves are replaced with new 2-inch or 3-inch butterfly or ball valves. Lid gaskets are inspected and replaced as needed to ensure a proper seal. All replacement parts meet the same quality standards as the original components.
Final Grading & Labeling
After reconditioning, each tank is assigned its final grade (A, B, or C), labeled with its previous contents and recondition date, and staged for inventory or immediate delivery. Grade assignments are reviewed by our quality assurance team before the tank is made available for sale.
Used IBC Tanks by Industry
Different industries have different requirements. Here is a guide to help you choose the right grade and condition tier for your specific application.
Food & Beverage
Food Grade, Grade A or BUsed for storing and transporting juices, syrups, cooking oils, vinegar, wine, and food-grade ingredients. Our food-grade reconditioned tanks meet FDA 21 CFR requirements and are cleaned to food-safe standards.
Key Considerations: Must use tanks with documented food-grade previous contents. Grade A recommended for direct food contact. Grade B acceptable for non-direct contact ingredient storage.
Agriculture & Farming
Industrial Grade, Grade B or CPopular choice for irrigation water storage, liquid fertilizer, pesticide application, and livestock water. Farms across the Inland Empire and Southern California use our reconditioned tanks for affordable bulk liquid handling.
Key Considerations: Grade C tanks are often the best value for irrigation and water storage. For chemical fertilizers or pesticides, ensure chemical compatibility with HDPE. UV-stabilized tanks recommended for outdoor use.
Chemical Manufacturing
Chemical Grade, Grade A or BUsed for storing and transporting chemicals, solvents, and intermediates. Our chemical-grade tanks come with provenance documentation showing previous contents for compatibility matching.
Key Considerations: Previous contents must be compatible with new contents. Refer to HDPE chemical compatibility charts. UN/DOT certification may be required for transport of hazardous materials.
Cleaning Products
Industrial Grade, Grade A or BSoap, detergent, and sanitizer manufacturers use our reconditioned tanks for ingredient storage, batch mixing, and finished product holding. High-volume availability ensures consistent supply.
Key Considerations: Standard HDPE is compatible with most cleaning products. Grade B offers the best value for this application. Consider tanks with 3-inch valves for viscous products.
Water Treatment
Industrial or Chemical Grade, Grade A or BUsed for treatment chemical storage, RO permeate holding, brine solutions, and process water. Our tanks are available in sizes to match water treatment plant requirements.
Key Considerations: Chemical-grade tanks required for treatment chemicals. Food-grade tanks may be required for potable water applications. Secondary containment recommended for chemicals.
Construction & Landscaping
Industrial Grade, Grade CBudget-friendly water storage for dust control, concrete mixing, equipment washing, and landscape irrigation. Our Grade C tanks offer the lowest cost per gallon for non-critical applications.
Key Considerations: Grade C tanks are ideal for job-site use where cosmetic condition is not important. Consider delivery scheduling to align with project timelines.
Cost Savings That Add Up
A brand-new 275-gallon HDPE IBC tank typically costs between $200 and $350 depending on the manufacturer and valve configuration. Our reconditioned Grade A tanks of the same size start at a fraction of that price, offering the same functionality and years of remaining life.
For businesses that go through dozens or hundreds of IBC tanks per year, the savings are substantial. A farm using 50 tanks for irrigation can save thousands by choosing Grade B or Grade C reconditioned tanks. A food processor can get clean, food-grade containers at roughly half the cost of new.
We also offer volume discounts for orders of 10 or more tanks, making the economics even more favorable for larger operations. Many of our customers have switched from buying new to buying reconditioned and report no difference in performance, with significant savings on their bottom line.
Get Volume PricingSustainability Benefits
Every reconditioned IBC tank that gets a second (or third) life is one fewer container heading to a landfill. A single 275-gallon composite IBC contains approximately 130 pounds of HDPE plastic and 80 pounds of steel. Reusing these materials reduces the demand for virgin plastic production and steel smelting.
By purchasing used IBC tanks, your business can demonstrate a tangible commitment to the circular economy. Many of our customers cite sustainability as a key factor in their purchasing decisions, and we provide documentation of container reuse for companies that track their environmental metrics.
Since launching our recycling and reconditioning programs, we have diverted over 2,000 tons of material from landfills and given more than 100,000 containers a second life. Every purchase you make from our reconditioned inventory contributes to these numbers.
Did you know? Reusing a single IBC tank saves approximately 50 kg of CO2 emissions compared to manufacturing a new one from raw materials. For a business that uses 50 tanks per year, that is 2,500 kg of avoided carbon emissions annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a reconditioned IBC tank for food products?
Yes. Our food-grade reconditioned tanks are cleaned to FDA standards and are suitable for food contact. We can provide documentation of previous contents and cleaning procedures upon request. For direct food contact, we recommend Grade A tanks with documented food-grade history.
How long will a used IBC tank last?
A well-maintained HDPE IBC tank typically has a total lifespan of 5 to 10 years, depending on usage, UV exposure, and stored contents. Grade A tanks generally have many years of life remaining. Even Grade C tanks, while cosmetically worn, are structurally sound for continued use in appropriate applications.
Do you deliver used IBC tanks?
Absolutely. We offer local delivery throughout Orange County and greater Southern California, covering Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties. We can deliver as few as one tank or truckloads of 50+ units. Same-day delivery is available within Orange County for in-stock items.
What is the return policy on used tanks?
If a tank does not meet the condition grade described at the time of purchase, we will replace it or issue a refund. We stand behind our grading system and inspection process. Our quality return rate is less than 1%, which speaks to the accuracy and consistency of our inspections.
Can you source a specific type of used IBC tank?
Yes. If you need a tank that previously held a specific product (for compatibility), or you need a specific size or valve type, let us know. Our sourcing network allows us to locate specialty tanks. Email us at info@ibcsantaana.com with your requirements.
Do you buy used IBC tanks?
Yes, we actively purchase used IBC tanks from businesses throughout Southern California. We will assess the condition of your tanks and offer a fair buyback price. For bulk quantities, we can arrange scheduled recurring pickups. Contact us at info@ibcsantaana.com for a buyback quote.
What sizes of used IBC tanks do you carry?
We most commonly stock 275-gallon and 330-gallon used IBC tanks, as these are the industry standard sizes. 120-gallon mini IBCs are sometimes available depending on our current inventory. Contact us for current stock availability in your desired size.
How are used tanks priced?
Pricing depends on the grade (food, industrial, chemical, pharmaceutical), condition tier (A, B, or C), size, and current market conditions. Volume discounts are available for orders of 10 or more tanks. Contact us at info@ibcsantaana.com for a custom quote based on your specific needs.
Can I pick up tanks from your facility?
Yes. Our facility at 1020 S Linwood Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705 is open for customer pickups. You can inspect tanks in person before purchasing. We recommend contacting us in advance to ensure the grade and quantity you need is in stock and ready.
What documentation comes with a used IBC tank?
Each reconditioned tank is labeled with its condition grade, previous contents category (food, industrial, chemical), and reconditioning date. For food-grade and chemical-grade tanks, we can provide more detailed documentation of previous contents and cleaning procedures upon request.
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Ready to Save on IBC Tanks?
Browse our current inventory or request a quote for the grade and quantity you need. We typically have hundreds of reconditioned tanks in stock and ready for pickup or delivery. Email us at info@ibcsantaana.com or visit us at 1020 S Linwood Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705.