IBC Tote Recycling & Disposal
When an IBC tote reaches the end of its useful life, the HDPE, steel and pallet can often still be recovered. Kansas IBC Cycling is a referral service that routes your recycling request in Kansas to partner suppliers. Availability varies, and the work is done by the suppliers.
How IBC Tote Recycling Commonly Works
This is a general description of how IBC recycling is commonly carried out. Each partner supplier works in its own way, so use it as a guide for the questions to ask.
Intake & Logging
Recyclers commonly log incoming containers by count and condition, and note the previous contents label. A weight record may be made at intake. Ask the supplier what records it keeps.
Hazard Assessment
Container markings are reviewed, and a safety data sheet (SDS) is often requested for unknown contents. Containers that held hazardous materials may be handled separately from others before any disassembly.
Residual Liquid Removal
Any leftover liquid is typically drained or pumped out under controlled conditions. Residual liquids may need to go to an appropriate treatment or disposal stream and should never be poured to a drain or onto the ground.
Disassembly
Containers are commonly broken down into their three primary components: the HDPE inner bottle, the galvanized steel cage, and the pallet base. Valves, fittings and banding are sorted separately.
Material Processing
HDPE bottles are commonly rinsed, shredded or granulated, and baled for resin processors. Steel is typically sold to scrap dealers. Sound pallets may be reused, and unsound pallets may be chipped.
Records
Ask the supplier what records it can provide for your lot, such as counts or material weights. Do not assume any specific document is included.
From Request to Recycling
Here is how a recycling request moves from your quote form to a partner supplier. Timing depends on the supplier and on the size and location of your lot.
Request
You describe the totes, their contents and condition, and your Kansas location in the quote form.
Match
Kansas IBC Cycling routes the request to partner suppliers that handle end-of-life totes.
Supplier Follow-Up
A partner supplier follows up with you. Whether and how it can take your totes is the supplier's decision.
Agree Logistics
Agree drop-off or pickup, any minimums, and any fee or payment, directly with the supplier.
Hand-Over
Totes are collected or delivered. Suppliers typically count and check them on arrival.
Processing
The supplier or its downstream recycler separates and processes materials. Methods differ by supplier.
Records
Ask the supplier for whatever records it provides. Do not assume specific documents are included.
What an IBC Tote Is Made Of
A composite IBC is a combination of recyclable materials. Here is what each part is, and where it commonly goes when a tote is recycled.
HDPE Plastic
The inner bottle of a composite IBC is made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE, resin code 2), one of the more commonly recycled plastics. After rinsing, bottles are typically granulated and baled for processors who convert the material to pellets for new plastic products.
Galvanized Steel
The welded steel cage is galvanized steel. Cage components are typically compressed or baled and sold to scrap processors. Steel is one of the most widely recycled materials.
Pallets
Standard IBC bases use a pallet footprint of about 40 by 48 inches. Sound pallets can be cleaned, inspected and reused. Unsound or contaminated pallets may be chipped or sent to other end uses, depending on what the supplier does.
Metal Hardware
Butterfly valves, camlock-style fittings, caps and banding are sorted and evaluated. Reusable fittings may be kept for reconditioning work, and the rest goes to scrap.
Recycling vs. Landfill
Many companies default to landfill because it seems simpler. Here is how the two routes compare in general terms.
| Topic | Recycling | Landfill Disposal |
|---|---|---|
| HDPE plastic | Can be recovered as resin | Lost to disposal |
| Steel cage | Can be recovered as scrap | Lost to disposal |
| Pallet | May be reused or chipped | Disposed at tipping fee |
| Your cost | Set by the supplier; may be a fee or a payment | Disposal fees apply |
| Records | Ask the supplier what it provides | Typically a disposal receipt |
| Hazardous residue | Ask what the supplier accepts | May be restricted or prohibited |
What to Ask a Recycling Supplier
Recycling claims can be vague. Before you rely on any supplier for compliance or sustainability reporting, ask for specifics in writing. Kansas IBC Cycling does not process containers or issue any certificates, so any documentation comes from the supplier.
Useful questions to put to a supplier include:
- Which contents and container types do you accept?
- Do you charge a fee, or pay, for end-of-life totes?
- What happens to the HDPE, the steel cage and the pallet?
- What records do you provide, and in what form?
- Who handles residual liquid, and is there an extra charge?
- Do you offer pickup, and is there a minimum quantity?
Reusing a tote avoids making a new one, so if your totes are still in good shape, consider asking about reuse before recycling.
Ask About Where Materials Go
Suppliers differ in how they handle each material stream. If you plan to report on recycling, ask the supplier where HDPE, steel and pallets end up, and what it can put in writing.
Records Differ by Supplier
Some suppliers provide receipts or weight records and others do not. If you need records for your own files, say so in your quote request.
Hazardous Residue
Containers that held hazardous materials may be subject to additional rules even after emptying. Ask the supplier whether it accepts them and what it needs from you. Check current regulations.
Pallet Condition
Wood pallets contaminated by product are usually not reusable. Mention pallet condition when describing your totes.
Regulatory Topics to Be Aware Of
IBC container recycling touches several federal and state regulatory topics. This is general information, not legal advice. Check current regulations and ask the supplier what it requires.
Hazardous Waste Rules
Federal and state hazardous waste rules can apply to containers that held certain materials, even after they are emptied. Which rules apply depends on the product and on your role as a generator. Check current regulations and ask the supplier what it needs.
Empty Container Standards
Regulations define when a container counts as empty, and the standard can be stricter for acutely hazardous materials. Rely on your SDS and the current rules, and tell the supplier what the tote held.
Agricultural Pesticide Containers
Pesticide containers are usually subject to rinse requirements before disposal or recycling, and product labels often describe the procedure, such as triple rinse or pressure rinse. Follow the label and check current regulations.
State Rules in Kansas
Kansas has its own state-level requirements for solid and hazardous waste. Check with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for what applies to your containers.
Transport Rules
Moving containers that previously held regulated materials can bring transport requirements. Confirm with the carrier and check current regulations.
How Hazardous-Material Containers Are Commonly Handled
Containers that previously held hazardous materials call for more careful handling. This is a general outline, and each supplier decides what it accepts.
Identification
UN hazard class, packing group and previous contents are identified from container markings and the SDS. Containers without adequate marking are commonly treated as potentially hazardous until classified.
Segregation
Containers that held hazardous materials are typically kept separate from other containers, and incompatible materials are not stored next to each other.
Residual Characterization
Residual liquid may need to be tested or characterized to decide the correct disposal pathway. Ask the supplier how this is handled.
Licensed Disposal
Residual liquids that qualify as hazardous waste generally need to go to a licensed disposal facility through licensed carriers. Ask the supplier who arranges this.
Container Treatment
After liquid removal, a container may be rinsed or treated as indicated by the SDS before it is disassembled or reused.
Records
Hazardous waste movements generally involve manifests and other records. Ask the supplier what is produced, who keeps it and for how long. Check current regulations.
Information to Have Ready for Hazmat Containers
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for each hazardous material
- UN hazard class and packing group, if known
- Approximate residual volume in each container
- Any waste code that applies to the contents
- Whether you are a regulated waste generator
- Container count by material type
Recycling Large and Small Quantities
Whether you have a handful of end-of-life totes or a large one-time clear-out, describing your situation clearly helps suppliers respond.
Few Totes
Occasional end-of-life totes
Ask suppliers about drop-off or pickup. Smaller quantities may be easier to drop off.
Ask the supplierRegular Volumes
A steady stream of totes
Mention the regular volume in your request. Whether a supplier offers any recurring arrangement is up to that supplier.
Ask the supplierLarge Lots
A big one-time clear-out
Share an approximate count and condition. Suppliers may want to see the lot before quoting.
Ask the supplierMixed Streams
Totes with differing contents
Group your description by contents. Different contents can mean different handling and different suppliers.
Ask the supplierWhat Totes Commonly Held
Different industries create different contamination profiles, and previous contents are the main factor in whether and how a tote can be recycled. Common examples include the following.
Agriculture & Irrigation
Fertilizer, herbicide, and adjuvant containers
Food & Beverage
Syrups, concentrates, edible oils, and dairy
Chemical Manufacturing
Industrial solvents, cleaning agents, and specialty chemicals
Pharmaceutical
Ingredients, excipients, and process fluids
Petroleum & Lubricants
Base oils, hydraulic fluids, and lubricant blends
Water Treatment
Coagulants, flocculants, and treatment chemicals
Not sure whether your container type can be recycled? Describe the previous contents and any UN hazard designation in your quote request, and a partner supplier follows up to say whether it can take them.
IBC Recycling — Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be sure nothing goes to landfill?
Kansas IBC Cycling does not operate a recycling facility, so we cannot make that promise. Partner suppliers handle the work, and what they do with each material stream differs. Ask the supplier where HDPE, steel and pallets go and what it can confirm in writing.
Can partner suppliers take containers that held pesticides or agricultural chemicals?
Some can. Agricultural chemical containers are a common stream, and they are usually expected to be rinsed according to the product label and applicable rules before recycling. Tell the supplier the specific product and any UN designation, and check current regulations.
What records will I receive after recycling?
That depends on the supplier. Some provide a receipt or weight record. Ask in advance what you will get, especially if you need it for your own compliance or reporting, and do not assume that any specific document is included.
Can I use supplier records for sustainability reporting?
Only if the supplier can substantiate them. Reusing a tote avoids making a new one, and recycling recovers HDPE and steel, but any quantities you report should come from the supplier's own records, not from this website.
What happens to the HDPE after it is granulated?
Granulated HDPE is typically baled and sold to resin processors, who convert it into pellets for new plastic products such as pipe, film or containers. Which processor a supplier uses is the supplier's choice.
Do I need to drain residual liquid before sending containers for recycling?
Disclose any residual contents when you request a quote. Some suppliers will handle residual liquid, possibly with extra charges, and others will require totes to be empty. Never mix leftover chemicals, and follow the product label and SDS.
What about containers with unknown contents?
Containers with missing or illegible labels are commonly treated as potentially hazardous until the contents are identified. Many suppliers will decline them, or treat them as hazardous, which can add cost and time. Clear labeling prevents this.
Is there a minimum quantity for recycling?
Minimums are set by each partner supplier. Drop-off may suit small quantities, and pickup may require a minimum. Mention your quantity in the quote request.
Request IBC Recycling
Submit a free, no-obligation quote request. A partner supplier follows up with you.