Frequently Asked Questions

Used IBC tanks typically range from $75 to $200 depending on size, condition, and previous contents. A standard 275-gallon used IBC in good condition (Grade A or B) usually costs between $100-$150. Food-grade reconditioned tanks are priced higher at $150-$250. We offer volume discounts for orders of 10 or more tanks. Contact us for current pricing as costs can fluctuate based on supply and demand in the Southern California market.

New IBC tanks range from $250 to $600+ depending on size, material, and specifications. A standard new 275-gallon HDPE IBC with a steel cage typically costs $300-$400. Food-grade certified new tanks cost $350-$500. Stainless steel IBCs are significantly more expensive, starting at $1,200+. We can provide competitive quotes for both individual tanks and bulk orders. New tanks come with full manufacturer warranty and UN/DOT certification.

Yes, we offer significant volume discounts on both new and used IBC tanks. Typical discount tiers are: 10-24 tanks (5-10% off), 25-49 tanks (10-15% off), and 50+ tanks (15-25% off). We also offer recurring order agreements for businesses with regular IBC needs, which provide the best possible pricing. Contact our sales team to discuss your volume requirements and get a custom quote.

Absolutely. We actively purchase used IBC tanks in all conditions. Clean, food-grade tanks in good condition command the highest buy-back prices. We also purchase damaged tanks, tanks with residual product, and tanks that may seem unusable - we can recycle them. We offer free pickup for quantities of 10 or more tanks in the greater Santa Ana and Orange County area. Contact us with details about your tanks (quantity, size, condition, previous contents) for a buy-back quote.

Standard quotes are valid for 7 days from the date of issue. Pricing can fluctuate based on market conditions, supply availability, and material costs, so we recommend acting promptly on quotes you find favorable. For larger or recurring orders, we can provide extended quote validity or lock-in pricing for an agreed period. If a quote has expired, contact us and we will provide an updated price.

We accept a variety of payment methods including cash, company check, wire transfer, and ACH payment. For established business accounts, we offer net-30 payment terms upon credit approval. We can also work with purchase orders from qualified businesses. All transactions over $10,000 require wire transfer or certified check. For first-time buyers, payment is typically required before or at the time of pickup or delivery.

We carry a comprehensive inventory of IBC tanks including: new HDPE composite IBCs (with steel cage), used and reconditioned HDPE IBCs in all grades (A through C), food-grade certified IBCs (new and reconditioned), rebottled IBCs (new bottle in refurbished cage), and specialty tanks for specific applications. We stock all standard sizes from 120-gallon to 550-gallon. We also carry IBC accessories including replacement valves, gaskets, caps, adapters, and spill containment pallets.

We use a grading system to help customers understand the condition of used tanks. Grade A tanks are in excellent condition with minimal cosmetic wear, no structural issues, and functional valves - these are suitable for most applications. Grade B tanks show moderate cosmetic wear (scuffing, minor discoloration) but remain structurally sound with working valves - ideal for general industrial use. Grade C tanks have significant cosmetic wear and may have minor cage damage but are still functional - these offer the best value for non-critical applications. All grades are leak-tested before sale.

Yes, we carry a full line of IBC accessories and replacement parts. Common items include: 2-inch and 3-inch butterfly valves, 2-inch ball valves, cam-lock adapters and fittings, EPDM and Viton gaskets, 6-inch screw caps (vented and non-vented), 9-inch and 12-inch wide-mouth lids, dust covers, tamper-evident seals, IBC blanket heaters, insulation jackets, and spill containment pallets. Contact us with your specific accessory needs.

Absolutely. We encourage customers to visit our facility in Santa Ana to inspect tanks in person before purchasing. Our yard is open during business hours (Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM). You can visually inspect tanks, check valve condition, examine cage integrity, and verify markings. For large orders, we can arrange a dedicated walkthrough with a member of our team who can answer technical questions and help you select the right tanks.

The 275-gallon (1,040-liter) IBC tank is by far the most common size in North America. It sits on a standard 40" x 48" pallet, measures approximately 46" tall x 40" wide x 48" deep, and weighs about 130 lbs empty. This size is the industry standard because it fits perfectly in standard truck configurations (4 per row), works with standard pallet racking, and provides an optimal balance of capacity and manageability. Approximately 80% of all IBCs sold are this size.

We carry all standard IBC sizes: 120-gallon (454L), 180-gallon (681L), 275-gallon (1,040L), 330-gallon (1,249L), and 550-gallon (2,082L). The 275-gallon is our most popular and consistently available size. 330-gallon tanks are our second most popular option. 120-gallon and 180-gallon tanks are available on a limited basis. 550-gallon tanks are typically special order items. Visit our sizing guide for complete dimensions and specifications for each size.

There is no difference - they are the same product with different names. IBC stands for Intermediate Bulk Container. The terms 'IBC tank,' 'IBC tote,' 'IBC container,' and simply 'tote' are all used interchangeably in the industry. Some regions or industries prefer one term over another. In California, 'IBC tote' and 'IBC tank' are equally common. The key identifying feature is always the same: a rigid plastic (HDPE) container inside a protective cage/frame, mounted on a pallet base.

A full 275-gallon IBC tank weighs approximately 2,400 to 2,500 lbs depending on the liquid density. The tank itself (tare weight) is about 130 lbs, and water at 8.34 lbs per gallon adds approximately 2,294 lbs. Heavier liquids like concentrated chemicals or syrups will weigh more. The maximum gross weight rating for a standard 275-gallon IBC is typically 2,500 lbs. For 330-gallon tanks, expect approximately 2,900 lbs when full. Always check the specific tank's max gross weight marking before filling.

The standard valve on most IBC tanks is a 2-inch (50mm) butterfly valve with a cam-lock or threaded outlet. This valve provides good flow rates and is easy to operate. Other options include: 3-inch (75mm) butterfly valves for higher flow rates (common on 330+ gallon tanks), 2-inch ball valves for more precise flow control and positive shut-off, cam-lock quick-connect fittings for hose attachment, and threaded NPT connections for piping. Valve materials include polypropylene (standard), stainless steel (for corrosive chemicals), and brass. Gasket options include EPDM (standard), Viton (chemical resistant), and PTFE (food-grade and chemical-resistant).

Yes, we provide professional IBC tank cleaning and reconditioning services at our Santa Ana facility. Our cleaning process includes multi-stage washing (hot water, detergent, rinse), steam sanitization for food-grade tanks, pressure testing, valve inspection and replacement, cage repair, and full visual inspection. We can clean tanks for reuse with the same product, or fully recondition them for a different use. Turnaround time is typically 3-5 business days. We also offer on-site cleaning services for larger quantities.

It depends on the tank's history. Tanks that previously held food-grade products can typically be reconditioned to food-grade standards through our professional cleaning process, which includes FDA-compliant sanitization. However, tanks that previously held industrial chemicals, petroleum products, or hazardous materials generally cannot be reconditioned to food-grade standards, as some chemicals can permeate the HDPE material. We always perform a thorough assessment and only certify tanks as food-grade when we are confident they meet all FDA requirements.

IBC rebottling is the process of removing the old HDPE inner bottle from an existing steel cage and replacing it with a brand new bottle. The cage is inspected, repaired if needed, and re-galvanized or touched up for corrosion protection. The new bottle is then fitted into the refurbished cage and a new valve assembly is installed. The result is essentially a like-new IBC at a lower cost than purchasing entirely new. Rebottled IBCs receive new UN/DOT markings and certification. This process is also more environmentally friendly than manufacturing a completely new tank, as it reuses the steel cage which has a much longer lifespan than the plastic bottle.

Cleaning frequency depends on the contents and use case. For food-grade applications, tanks should be cleaned and sanitized between every use or product change, with no exceptions. For industrial chemicals, cleaning between product changes is essential to prevent cross-contamination. For dedicated single-product use, a thorough cleaning every 6-12 months is recommended to prevent buildup and maintain tank condition. For water storage, cleaning every 3-6 months helps prevent algae growth and bacterial buildup. Always follow the cleaning protocols specified by the product manufacturer or applicable regulations.

Our IBC recycling process involves several stages: First, we drain and safely dispose of any residual contents according to EPA guidelines. Next, the IBC is disassembled - the HDPE bottle is separated from the steel cage and pallet. The steel cage is either refurbished for reuse or sent to a metal recycler. The HDPE bottle is either reconditioned with a new bottle (rebottling) or shredded and processed into recycled HDPE pellets, which are used to manufacture new plastic products. Pallets are repaired and reused or recycled. Our process diverts over 95% of IBC materials from landfills.

Yes, we offer free pickup for IBC recycling in the greater Santa Ana and Orange County area for quantities of 5 or more tanks. For locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego counties), we offer pickup for 10+ tanks. For smaller quantities, you can drop off tanks at our Santa Ana facility during business hours. We accept IBCs in any condition - damaged, dirty, or with residual product. In many cases, we pay for clean, reusable IBCs rather than charging for recycling.

Each IBC tank contains several recyclable materials that are processed separately. The HDPE plastic bottle is shredded, washed, and pelletized into recycled HDPE resin, which is used to manufacture new plastic products such as drainage pipes, plastic lumber, trash containers, and automotive parts. The steel cage is melted down and re-formed into new steel products. Aluminum or stainless steel valves are recycled through metal recyclers. Wooden pallets are repaired and reused, or chipped for mulch and biomass fuel. Steel pallets are recycled through metal recyclers. The recycling rate for IBC components exceeds 95% when processed through a proper facility like ours.

While California does not specifically mandate IBC recycling, several regulations effectively require it or strongly incentivize it. CalRecycle requires businesses generating large volumes of industrial packaging waste to implement recycling programs. SB 54 (the California Circular Economy Act) sets aggressive recycling targets for plastic packaging. Proposition 65 creates liability for improper disposal of containers that may contain listed chemicals. The California Water Code prohibits discharge of contaminated wastewater from improperly disposed containers. Taken together, these regulations make proper IBC recycling the most practical and legally safe option for California businesses.

IBC recycling has significant environmental benefits. Each 275-gallon IBC that is recycled rather than landfilled saves approximately: 130 lbs of HDPE plastic from the landfill, 80 lbs of steel from disposal, 5.7 barrels of oil equivalent in energy savings (for the HDPE), 58% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to primary steel production, and approximately 1,000 gallons of water that would be used in manufacturing new materials. When you multiply these savings across the millions of IBCs recycled annually in the US, the cumulative environmental impact is substantial. IBC recycling is one of the most effective industrial packaging sustainability practices available.

Yes, we offer delivery services throughout Southern California. Local delivery in the Santa Ana and Orange County area is available for orders of any size, typically with next-business-day service. We deliver throughout Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties. Standard delivery is by flatbed truck with forklift offloading capability. For large orders (20+ tanks), we can arrange full truckload shipping. Delivery fees depend on distance and quantity - contact us for a quote.

The number of 275-gallon IBCs that fit on a truck depends on the truck size and stacking: A standard 53-foot trailer can hold approximately 20 IBCs on the floor (single layer, 4 wide x 5 deep). If stacking is possible (empty tanks or tanks with stackable contents), up to 40 IBCs can fit (2-high stacking). A 24-foot box truck holds approximately 8 IBCs. A standard pickup truck with a trailer can transport 1-4 IBCs depending on the trailer size. For larger 550-gallon tanks, capacity is approximately 50-60% of the 275-gallon figures.

Yes, we can arrange nationwide shipping of IBC tanks via common carrier (LTL or full truckload). LTL shipping for 1-6 tanks is available to most US destinations. Full truckload rates provide the best per-unit cost for larger shipments. Shipping costs depend on distance, quantity, and whether tanks are empty or filled. Empty tanks can be nested or stacked to reduce shipping costs. We handle all logistics and can provide door-to-door delivery quotes. Typical transit times are 3-7 business days for West Coast destinations and 7-14 days for East Coast.

For most deliveries, yes, you will need a forklift or equivalent equipment to unload IBC tanks from the delivery truck. A standard 275-gallon IBC weighs approximately 130 lbs empty and requires a forklift with a minimum 2,500 lb capacity (for empty tanks) or 5,000 lb capacity (for full tanks). If you do not have a forklift, we can arrange deliveries using trucks with liftgate capability for smaller orders. Some customers use pallet jacks on flat surfaces for empty tanks. We recommend discussing your receiving capabilities when placing your order so we can arrange the appropriate delivery equipment.

Delivery lead times depend on your location and order size. For local Orange County deliveries, we typically offer next-business-day delivery for in-stock items. Deliveries throughout the greater Southern California area (LA, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego) are usually scheduled within 2-3 business days. For large orders requiring full truckload shipping, please allow 3-5 business days for scheduling. Nationwide LTL shipments take 5-10 business days depending on destination. Rush delivery may be available for local orders - please ask when placing your order.

A food-grade IBC tank must meet several criteria: The inner bottle must be made from virgin (not recycled) HDPE that complies with FDA 21 CFR 177.1520 for food contact materials. The tank must never have held non-food products (or must be properly reconditioned and certified). All gaskets, valves, and seals must also be FDA-compliant materials. The tank should carry proper food-grade labeling and documentation. At IBC Santa Ana, all our food-grade tanks come with a certificate of compliance and full traceability documentation.

Yes, our new food-grade IBC tanks meet all FDA requirements under 21 CFR for food contact materials. They are manufactured with virgin HDPE resin that is FDA-approved. For USDA requirements, tanks used in USDA-inspected facilities must meet additional standards for cleanability and sanitation. We can provide tanks that meet both FDA and USDA standards. For our reconditioned food-grade tanks, we provide cleaning certificates and documentation that our process meets FDA guidelines for food-contact container reconditioning.

All food-grade IBC tanks from IBC Santa Ana include comprehensive documentation: a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) confirming FDA-compliant materials, a cleaning and sanitization certificate (for reconditioned tanks), lot and batch traceability numbers, a product history form showing previous contents (for used tanks), and material safety data information. For new tanks, we also provide the manufacturer's quality certificate and FDA material compliance documentation. This documentation package supports your FSMA compliance, HACCP plans, and any food safety audits you may undergo.

For drinking water storage, you must use a food-grade IBC tank that has only previously held food-grade products. The tank must be made from virgin HDPE (FDA 21 CFR 177.1520 compliant) and should be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before use. Used tanks that previously held chemicals, soaps, or non-food products should never be used for drinking water even after cleaning, as chemicals can permeate the HDPE material. For long-term drinking water storage, also consider UV protection (opaque or covered tanks to prevent algae growth) and regular cleaning every 3-6 months. New food-grade tanks are the safest option for potable water storage.

Key safety precautions include: always use a properly rated forklift with trained operators; wear appropriate PPE (safety glasses, gloves, steel-toed boots) when handling tanks; never stand under a suspended or elevated IBC; ensure spill containment is in place before filling or dispensing; check that valves are fully closed and caps are secure before moving tanks; never stack damaged containers; maintain clear aisles and emergency exits around storage areas; keep Safety Data Sheets (SDS) accessible for all chemicals stored in IBCs; and ensure all workers are trained on the specific hazards of the chemicals they handle.

All IBC tanks used for transporting regulated materials must carry proper UN/DOT markings. These markings include: the UN symbol and container type code (e.g., 31HA1 for a composite HDPE IBC with steel cage), the packing group classification (X, Y, or Z indicating hazard levels the container is approved for), the manufacturing date, the country of manufacture and approval number, maximum gross weight and stacking test weight, and the manufacturer's name or symbol. UN certification is valid for 5 years from the manufacture date, with a mandatory 2.5-year intermediate inspection for hazmat transport.

Outdoor IBC storage requires attention to several factors: place tanks on level, paved surfaces (never on soft ground that could cause tipping); use spill containment pallets or berms to contain leaks (required for hazardous materials); protect against UV degradation by using tanks with UV-stabilized HDPE or providing shade structures; ensure adequate drainage to prevent water pooling around the base; secure tanks against wind and potential vehicle impact with barriers or bollards; post appropriate signage for stored chemicals; maintain fire separation distances as required by local fire code; and never stack full tanks more than 2 high outdoors. In areas with freezing temperatures, take additional precautions against contents freezing and expanding.

HDPE IBC tanks are combustible and can burn if exposed to fire or extreme heat. Additionally, flammable or combustible liquid contents create additional fire risks. Key fire safety considerations include: store flammable liquid IBCs in approved locations with proper ventilation and fire separation distances; ground and bond tanks during filling and dispensing to prevent static discharge; keep fire extinguishing equipment readily accessible; comply with NFPA 30 (Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code) for quantity limits and storage arrangements; install fire suppression systems as required by your local fire code; and never weld, cut, or perform hot work near IBCs without proper fire watch procedures and permits.

We offer a comprehensive range of IBC-related services: buying and selling new and used IBC tanks, IBC tank cleaning and reconditioning, IBC rebottling (new bottle in refurbished cage), IBC recycling and material recovery, tank pickup and delivery throughout Southern California, nationwide shipping coordination, bulk purchasing programs for recurring needs, on-site tank inspection services, and expert consultation on tank selection for specific applications. Our goal is to be your single-source solution for all IBC tank needs.

We aim to respond to all quote requests within 24 hours during business days. For standard products (common sizes of new or used IBC tanks), we can often provide pricing immediately via email. For custom requirements (specific sizes, certifications, large volumes, delivery to distant locations), we may need a bit more time to check inventory and coordinate logistics. The fastest way to get a quote is to submit your request through our online quote form or email info@ibcsantaana.com with details about the product type, quantity, and delivery location.

Yes, we offer recurring supply agreements for businesses with ongoing IBC tank needs. These agreements provide several benefits: guaranteed pricing for an agreed period (typically 3-12 months), priority access to inventory during high-demand periods, automatic scheduling of regular deliveries, simplified ordering and invoicing, and the best possible per-unit pricing based on your annual volume commitment. Recurring agreements work well for food processors, chemical manufacturers, agricultural operations, and any business that regularly uses and replaces IBC tanks. Contact our sales team to discuss a custom agreement.

Our primary service area covers all of Southern California, including Orange County (Santa Ana, Anaheim, Irvine, Fullerton, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach), Los Angeles County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County (Inland Empire), and San Diego County. We offer free pickup for recycling within Orange County (5+ tanks) and throughout Southern California (10+ tanks). Delivery is available to all Southern California locations, and we can arrange nationwide shipping via common carrier for customers outside our local service area. No matter where you are in the US, we can get IBC tanks to you.