What reconditioning
actually involves.
A reconditioned IBC is a used tote that has been cleaned, inspected, tested and refitted for another use. The work is done by partner reconditioners in our network. Here is what the process generally looks like across the industry.
Free quote request.
Your request goes to partner suppliers in our network, and a partner supplier follows up with a quote. No obligation.
What generally happens between intake and resale.
- STEP 01
Intake & records
The tote is logged and its prior contents identified, often from a safety data sheet supplied by the previous user.
- STEP 02
Inspection & sorting
Totes are sorted into reconditionable, suitable for a new bottle, or end-of-life recycling.
- STEP 03
Exterior cleaning
Labels, dirt and debris are removed from the bottle, cage and pallet.
- STEP 04
Cage & pallet check
The steel cage and pallet are inspected; damaged parts are repaired or replaced, or the bottle goes into a different cage.
- STEP 05
Interior wash
The bottle is washed inside, commonly with hot water and a cleaning solution suited to the prior contents.
- STEP 06
Rinse
One or more rinses remove cleaning solution and loosened residue.
- STEP 07
Inspection
The inside is checked for remaining residue and odor. Totes that do not come clean are re-washed or set aside.
- STEP 08
Leak test
The bottle is tested for leaks. Totes that fail are typically re-bottled or recycled.
- STEP 09
Gaskets & valve
Worn gaskets and valves are replaced, and the fill cap is checked for a good seal.
- STEP 10
Marking & release
Required markings are applied or checked, the tote is graded, and it is ready to sell.
Steps and methods vary between reconditioners. Ask the partner supplier who quotes you how their totes are processed.
Why each part of the process matters.
Washing
Interior washing usually combines heat, a cleaning agent and agitation or spraying. Alkaline (caustic) solutions are widely used because they break down oils, fats and many organic residues so they rinse away.
Rinsing
Rinsing matters as much as washing: it removes the cleaning solution along with the residue. Reconditioners typically rinse more than once for totes going into more sensitive uses.
Inspection
After washing, the inside of the bottle is checked for remaining residue, staining and odor. Totes that do not pass are washed again, given a new bottle, or recycled.
Difficult prior contents
Some residues, such as adhesives, resins and heavy oils, are hard to remove from HDPE. Those totes may need extra cleaning steps, or may be better suited to a new bottle in the existing cage or to recycling.
Rebottling
When the bottle cannot be reused but the galvanized steel cage and pallet are sound, a new HDPE bottle can be fitted into the used cage. The result is often sold as a rebottled tote.
Hazardous materials
UN-rated IBCs carry a UN mark such as 31HA1. Reuse for hazardous materials is subject to periodic testing and inspection rules, so check current DOT/UN regulations and ask the supplier about the tote’s status before using it for hazmat.
What to ask a partner supplier before you buy.
Common questions.
Who does the reconditioning?
Partner reconditioners in our network. IBC Reconditioned is a referral service; it connects your request with partner suppliers who process and sell totes.
Can I send my own totes to be reconditioned?
Some partner reconditioners take customer-owned totes. Mention it in your request with the quantity, condition and prior contents.
Is a reconditioned tote suitable for hazardous materials?
It depends on the tote’s rating, markings and test status. Check current DOT/UN regulations and confirm the details with the supplier before use.
What happens to a tote that fails reconditioning?
Typically it gets a new bottle if the cage is sound, or the materials go to recycling.
Is reconditioned the same as washed?
Not always. A washed tote may only be cleaned, while reconditioning usually also includes inspection, testing and replacement parts. Ask the supplier what was done.
Looking for reconditioned totes?
Send a free, no-obligation request. A partner supplier follows up on availability and pricing.