The Environmental Benefits of IBC Tank Recycling

IBC tanks are built to be used more than once. When a tank finishes one job, it can often be cleaned and reused, reconditioned with new parts, or taken apart so its materials can be recycled.

What an IBC Tank Is Made Of

A composite IBC has an inner bottle made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a galvanized steel cage, and a pallet base of steel, plastic or wood. Steel and HDPE are both widely recycled materials.

Reuse Comes First

Reusing a tank avoids building a new one. A tank in good condition, with a known history, can often be cleaned and put back into service for a similar product.

Reconditioning

When the bottle is worn but the cage is sound, the tank can be reconditioned with a new bottle, valve or cap. That keeps the steel cage in use.

Recycling the Parts

• HDPE bottle: once cleaned, it can be ground and recycled into new plastic products.
• Steel cage: it can be recycled as scrap steel.
• Pallet: steel and plastic pallets can be recycled; wood pallets can often be reused or chipped.

Benefits for Your Business

• Free up space taken by empty tanks
• Reusable tanks may have resale value
• Fewer tanks sent to the landfill
• Buying reconditioned tanks can cost less than buying new

How to Get Started

1. Collect and store: keep used tanks capped and protected from the weather.
2. Note the details: quantity, condition and previous contents.
3. Send a request: a partner supplier in our network follows up about options.
4. Arrange pickup: collection and any payment are agreed with the supplier.

Tanks that held hazardous materials usually need proper cleaning first. Requirements depend on the product, so check current regulations and ask the recycler.