When a tote
finally retires.
A reused tote eventually reaches the end of its useful life. When that happens, its parts can still be recovered: the HDPE bottle, the galvanized steel cage, and often the pallet and valve. Partner suppliers in our network may arrange pickup and route those materials to recyclers.
Free quote request.
Your request goes to partner suppliers in our network, and a partner supplier follows up with a quote. No obligation.
Send a request, get a partner’s answer.
Tell us how many totes you have, where they are, their condition and what they held. A partner supplier who handles end-of-life totes in your area follows up.
Whether pickup makes sense depends on prior contents, quantity and distance. Pricing is by quote from partner suppliers. If no partner can take your totes, you will hear that, and a local materials recovery facility may be another option.
If some of your totes are still usable, a partner may want to buy them for reuse instead, which is usually the better outcome.
Where the parts of a retired tote can go.
| Component | Material | Common destination |
|---|---|---|
| Bottle | HDPE | Plastic recyclers that grind and process it into material for new products |
| Cage | Galvanized steel | Reused with a new bottle if sound; otherwise scrap metal recycling |
| Pallet · plastic or composite | Plastic | Reused or recycled with other plastics |
| Pallet · steel | Steel | Scrap metal recycling |
| Pallet · wood | Lumber | Reused or processed into wood products |
| Valves | Plastic or metal | Reused if sound; otherwise recycled by material |
What can be recovered depends on the tote’s condition, prior contents and the recyclers available in your region.
Three things a partner will ask about.
Common questions.
What paperwork do I get?
That depends on the partner supplier. If you need documentation of pickup or recycling, ask them when they follow up.
Can I recycle totes I bought somewhere else?
Yes, you can send a request for any IBC totes. Partners mainly need to know their condition and what they held.
Will partners take damaged or partly full totes?
Damaged totes are often accepted for recycling. Partly full totes generally are not, especially when the residue is hazardous. Describe them accurately in your request.
Is recycling better than reuse?
Reuse usually comes first: reusing a tote avoids manufacturing a new one. Recycling recovers the materials when a tote can no longer be reused.
How much does recycling pickup cost?
Pricing is by quote from partner suppliers and depends on prior contents, quantity and distance.
Got totes at end of life?
Send a free, no-obligation request. A partner supplier follows up on recycling pickup.