Repurposed Totes

What a tote becomes
after it’s done being a tote.

Used IBC totes that are no longer wanted for shipping liquids often still make sound static storage. People turn them into rain barrels, aquaponics tanks, raised beds and more. Partner suppliers in our network may offer washed totes suited to these projects.

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Your request goes to partner suppliers in our network, and a partner supplier follows up with a quote. No obligation.

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PROJECT 01Rain barrel conversionsA 275-gallon tote under a downspout makes a large gravity-fed rainwater tank. Common additions are a hose adapter on the bottom valve, a screened inlet and an overflow port.Read the guide PROJECT 02Aquaponics tanksA tote cut into a fish tank below and a grow bed above is a popular DIY aquaponics setup for backyard greenhouses and classrooms.Read the guide

PROJECT 03Off-grid water storageSeveral totes linked with a manifold give cabins and farms a larger non-potable water reserve. Plan for the weight of full totes on a level base.

PROJECT 04Livestock water troughsCut horizontally, the lower part of a tote can serve as a trough, with the cage left on for support.

PROJECT 05Raised garden bedsCut and filled with soil, a tote makes a raised bed, and the steel cage can double as a trellis.

PROJECT 06Something else?Compost bins, grain hoppers, animal shelters: totes are a common starting point for all kinds of builds. Tell partner suppliers what you plan to make when you ask for a tote.

Why repurposing matters

Reuse comes before recycling.

A tote that is no longer suitable for carrying industrial liquids on a truck can often still hold water, soil or fish. Reusing it in a project keeps it in use longer before it is recycled.

Prior contents matter. Ask the supplier what a tote held before, and choose one that held food-grade or non-hazardous contents for anything involving plants, animals or water you will use.

Common questions.

Can I buy a used tote to build my own project?

Yes. Send a quote request and partner suppliers may offer washed or rinsed totes suited to DIY projects. Pricing is by quote from partner suppliers.

Are repurposed totes food-safe?

It depends on what the tote held and how it was cleaned. For irrigation water or soil, a tote that held food-grade or non-hazardous contents is the usual choice. Ask the supplier about prior contents before you buy.

Can I get a tote delivered for a project?

Delivery and pickup options are set by the partner supplier and depend on your location. Ask about them in your quote request.

Do you build or sell finished conversions?

No. IBC Reconditioned is a referral service. The guides on this site are general information for people building their own.

Next step

Need a tote for a project?

Send a free, no-obligation quote request and a partner supplier follows up.

Request a quote →Aquaponics guide