What a used IBC held last largely decides what it can safely hold next. Before you buy a used tote, or sell one, the prior contents should be known and written down.
Why it matters
A tote can look clean and still carry a risk. Some chemicals, particularly certain solvents and hydrocarbons, can be absorbed into the HDPE wall. A wash removes surface residue but may not remove what has been absorbed, and that residue can later leach into a new product. Visual inspection cannot tell you which totes are affected. Only the history can.
What good documentation looks like
- Prior contents listed by tote, or by lot if the totes came from a single product stream.
- For chemical service: the safety data sheet (SDS) for the prior contents.
- For food service: the food product or category.
- For unknowns: an honest statement that the contents are unknown.
The honest unknown
A tote with unknown prior contents is not worthless. It may suit non-contact industrial storage, repurposing or recycling. It should not go into food service or be priced as if it could.
For sellers
If you are selling used totes, having the prior contents written down for each tote makes them easier to place. Include it when you submit a request to sell, and a partner supplier can tell you what your totes are suitable for.