The Complete Guide to IBCs

IBCs can be complicated. Which one should you buy? Brand new or reconditioned? To add further confusion, we sell grade A reconditioned IBCs and grade B reconditioned IBCs. This can cause extra confusion regarding knowing what these are and what they are suitable for.

To clear this up, we thought we’d explain to you what the two are and how they can potentially save you a few pennies.

Reconditioned IBC

When IBCs aren’t used for products consumed by humans or animals, reconditioned IBCs offer a cost-effective storage solution.

Despite being reconditioned, you can be sure they are still manufactured from high-density polyethylene plastic and come with a fully galvanised outer cage. You may find the plastic or outer cage has imperfections or signs of rust.

Grade A and B IBCs are reconditioned IBCs that are available on our website. They offer a great, cost-effective alternative when the IBC doesn’t need to be in brand-new condition.

Grade A Reconditioned IBC

Our grade A reconditioned IBCs are high quality and deemed to be in close to ‘new’ condition. Before we sell a Grade A IBC, they are professionally cleaned to an extremely high standard to ensure the interior is clean, and there are a few imperfections or signs of rust. The IBC is leak-tested, and lids, valves or gaskets are replaced if required.

As these could have contained any liquid before, we don’t advise that these are used for products consumed by animals and humans or by the pharmaceutical industry.

Grade B Reconditioned IBC

Our grade B IBCs are more used than the grade A IBCs we offer. They will likely have some imperfections to the frame and possible discolouration of the inner bottle. These are professionally cleaned, but depending on the previous contents, residue may still remain.

As with the grade A IBC, as they could have contained any liquid before, we don’t advise these are used for products consumed by animals and humans or used by the pharmaceutical industry.

Due to the condition of the IBC, grade B IBCs are our cheapest option, but they offer a highly costly-effective solution to liquid storage in certain situations.

Which Type of IBC is Best for You?

Everyone’s IBC needs are different, and there are many more things to consider than just the condition of the IBCs.

If you want someone to store wastewater, grades A or B are the best options. Grade B IBCs aren’t leak tested, so you could leak wastewater into the surrounding area, make sure you consider this beforehand. Whereas grade A IBCs have been tested for leaks which will give you peace of mind they won’t leak out wastewater.

Industry Superstore IBCs

Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about our IBC tanks or other products.

sales@industrysuperstore.co.uk / +44 (0) 1892 66 44 99