Questions people ask us about IBC totes
These are common questions, in plain answers: what a tote is, which grade to pick, whether it can hold drinking water, how to sell empties, and what we cannot promise. Each answer links to the page that explains it.
Last reviewed November 11, 2026
Buying
What is an IBC tote?
An intermediate bulk container: a 275 or 330 gallon HDPE bottle in a galvanized steel cage on a pallet base. See what an IBC is.
Which size should I choose?
The 275 gallon tote is the standard; the 330 is about seven inches taller on the same footprint. See 275 or 330.
Which grade for rain?
Rinsed or reconditioned, with a screen on every opening. See rain catchment.
Which grade for drinking water?
New, rebottled or a used tote with a documented food history. See drinking water.
Do you post prices?
No. We reply by email once we know the grade, the count and the place.
Water and storms
How much water should I store?
CDC advises at least a gallon per person per day for at least three days, and two weeks if you can. See storm-season water.
How often do I change stored water?
Every six months. See how long water keeps.
Will you deliver before a storm?
We never promise delivery before a named storm.
How do I keep mosquitoes out?
Screen every opening with fine mesh. See mosquitoes.
Are rain barrels legal here?
We do not give legal advice. Ask your city and your association. See rain barrel rules.
Selling and disposal
Do you buy empties?
We take requests and reply with the grade and the path. See selling empties.
What do you need from me?
The count, the size, the last contents and a photo of the plate. See the load sheet.
Can I send hazardous waste?
No. See disposal and the empty-container rule.
Do you recycle?
Yes, through the right stream for the plastic and the steel. See recycling.
About us
Where are you?
We serve Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. We do not publish a street address. See areas.
How do I contact you?
Use the form on the contact page.
Questions to settle first
The questions below are worth settling first: whether the totes smell, whether they can be painted, whether they can be buried, whether they can be tipped on their sides, whether the water tastes plastic and whether the totes can be used as planters. Totes should not smell once rinsed. The cage can be painted, but not the bottle. A tote should not be buried; the bottle is not designed for soil load. A full tote should not be tipped. Water from a clean tote should not taste of plastic; if it does, the bottle is old or was used for something strong. A cut tote can make a planter, but then it is no longer a tote.
Questions people ask
Is there a phone number?
No; we reply by email.
Can I come and see totes?
Ask in your request; we do not publish an address.
Do you sell parts?
Cages, valves and caps sometimes; ask.
Can I sell a few totes?
Yes, small counts are common.
Can I ask in Spanish?
Yes.
Ask another question
We answer by email and add common ones to this page.
Prefer email? Write to info@miamiusedtotes.com. We do not post a phone number or a yard address.