Tank Recycling Services
Give your end-of-life IBC tanks a sustainable exit. We recycle 100% of materials through environmentally responsible processes.
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Why Recycle With Us?
When IBC tanks reach the end of their useful life, proper recycling ensures materials are recovered and environmental impact is minimized. Our recycling program is designed for maximum material recovery and regulatory compliance.
- 100% of materials recycled - nothing goes to landfill
- Free pickup for qualifying quantities
- Certificate of recycling provided
- EPA and state compliant processes
- Support your sustainability goals
- Hazardous material handling available
- Corporate recycling programs for ongoing needs
100% Material Recovery
Nothing goes to waste
Our Environmental Impact
Every tank recycled makes a difference. Here's the positive impact we've made together.
Tanks recycled annually
Tons of plastic diverted from landfills
Average material recovery rate
Tons of CO2 emissions prevented
Tons of steel recycled yearly
Gallons of water saved
Corporate partners served
Regulatory compliance rate
Our Recycling Process
Every tank goes through our comprehensive 8-step recycling process to ensure maximum material recovery and environmental responsibility.
Collection & Intake
Tanks are collected from your location or received at our facility. Each tank is logged and tagged for tracking.
- GPS-tracked pickup fleet
- Barcode scanning system
- Chain of custody documentation
Initial Assessment
Every tank is visually inspected and evaluated for condition, previous contents, and processing requirements.
- Content verification
- Contamination testing
- Condition grading (A-D)
Cleaning & Decontamination
Residual contents are removed and tanks undergo appropriate cleaning based on their previous use.
- Triple-rinse protocol
- High-pressure washing
- Solvent cleaning (if needed)
Disassembly
Tanks are carefully disassembled to separate the plastic bottle, steel cage, valve, and pallet base.
- Specialized tooling
- Component sorting
- Hardware recovery
Material Separation
Each material type is sorted and prepared for its specific recycling stream.
- HDPE plastic shredding
- Steel cage processing
- Wood/plastic pallet sorting
Processing & Recycling
Materials are processed through their respective recycling channels by certified partners.
- Plastic pelletization
- Metal smelting
- Wood chipping/composting
Quality Verification
Recycled materials are tested to ensure they meet quality standards for reuse in manufacturing.
- Purity testing
- Contamination screening
- Grade certification
Documentation & Reporting
Complete documentation is generated and provided to you for compliance and sustainability reporting.
- Certificate of Recycling
- Material manifest
- Environmental impact report
What Gets Recycled
Every component of your IBC tank has value. Here's how we ensure nothing goes to waste.
HDPE Plastic Bottle
~75% of tank weightThe inner bottle is our most valuable recyclable component. After cleaning and shredding, it becomes raw material for new products.
What it becomes:
- New IBC tank bottles
- Drainage pipe and fittings
- Plastic lumber and decking
- Industrial containers
Steel Cage Frame
~20% of tank weightThe galvanized steel cage is highly valuable in the scrap metal market. Steel is infinitely recyclable without losing quality.
What it becomes:
- New steel products
- Construction materials
- Automotive parts
- Appliances and equipment
Pallet Base
~5% of tank weightWhether wood, plastic, or composite, every pallet base finds a second life through our recycling channels.
What it becomes:
- Wood chips for landscaping
- Biomass fuel
- Recycled plastic products
- Composite materials
Valves & Caps
HDPE/Polypropylene
Plastic recycling stream
Gaskets & Seals
Rubber/Silicone
Rubber recycling or energy recovery
Labels & Markings
Paper/Adhesive
Paper recycling or incineration
Metal Hardware
Steel/Aluminum
Metal recycling stream
Environmental Benefits
Recycling IBC tanks creates significant environmental benefits compared to landfill disposal or new production.
Carbon Reduction
Less CO2 emissions compared to producing new plastic from raw petroleum
Energy Savings
Less energy required to recycle HDPE plastic than to produce virgin plastic
Water Conservation
Less water used in recycling process versus new plastic manufacturing
Landfill Diversion
Of materials are recovered - nothing from our process goes to landfill
Recycling vs. Landfill: The Impact
Landfill Disposal
- Takes 450+ years to decompose
- Releases methane as it breaks down
- Potential groundwater contamination
- Valuable materials permanently lost
- No recovery of embedded energy
Proper Recycling
- Materials reprocessed in weeks
- Zero emissions from decomposition
- No contamination risk
- 100% material recovery
- Energy savings from reuse
What Tanks Can Be Recycled?
We accept virtually all IBC tanks regardless of condition. Here's what we can recycle.
We Accept
- Standard HDPE IBC tanks (275-330 gallon)Most common type
- Composite IBC tanksHDPE bottle in steel cage
- Steel IBC tanksAll-metal construction
- Damaged or crushed tanksAny condition accepted
- Tanks with residual productUp to 10% remaining
- Tanks that held food productsFood-grade tanks welcome
- Tanks that held non-hazardous chemicalsCleaning solutions, oils, etc.
- Tanks that held hazardous materialsSpecial handling, see below
- Expired or date-coded tanksNo longer suitable for food
- Tanks with missing componentsNo valve/cap/pallet okay
Special Handling Required
- Unknown previous contentsTesting required ($25-50/tank)
- Radioactive materialsRefer to licensed facility
- Pharmaceutical wasteDEA-compliant disposal required
- Biohazardous materialsMedical waste handling needed
- RCRA hazardous wasteSpecialized decontamination
- Explosive or reactive chemicalsSafety assessment required
Important: Always disclose previous tank contents. This protects our workers and ensures proper handling. Undisclosed hazardous materials may result in additional fees and delays.
Hazardous Material Handling
We're equipped to safely handle tanks that contained hazardous materials. Our certified team follows strict protocols to protect people and the environment.
Our Hazmat Capabilities
Certified Personnel
All hazmat handling is performed by HAZWOPER-certified technicians with current 40-hour training and annual refreshers.
Proper PPE
Team members use appropriate personal protective equipment including respirators, chemical suits, and specialized gloves.
Contained Processing
Hazardous materials are processed in our secondary containment area with spill capture and ventilation systems.
Licensed Disposal
All hazardous waste is transported by licensed haulers to permitted treatment, storage, and disposal facilities (TSDFs).
Complete Documentation
We provide hazardous waste manifests, certificates of destruction, and compliance documentation for your records.
Hazmat Processing Fees
Additional fees apply for tanks that contained hazardous materials due to specialized handling requirements.
Exact fees depend on material type, quantity remaining, and disposal requirements. Contact us for a specific quote based on your tanks.
Certifications & Compliance
We maintain all required certifications and follow strict environmental regulations to ensure responsible recycling.
EPA Compliant
All operations comply with Environmental Protection Agency regulations for waste handling and recycling.
Maryland DEQ Licensed
Licensed by Maryland Department of the Environment for solid waste processing and recycling operations.
RCRA Compliant
Full compliance with Resource Conservation and Recovery Act requirements for hazardous waste handling.
DOT Registered
Department of Transportation registered for safe transport of materials including hazardous goods.
ISO 14001 Principles
Environmental management practices aligned with ISO 14001 standards for continuous improvement.
R2 Certified Partner
We work with R2 certified electronics recyclers for any electronic components or sensors.
Our Compliance Promise
We maintain complete records of all recycling activities for a minimum of 5 years. Our operations are subject to regular inspections by Maryland Department of the Environment and we conduct internal audits quarterly. When you recycle with us, you can be confident that your tanks are handled responsibly and in full compliance with all applicable regulations.
Documentation Provided
We provide comprehensive documentation for your records, compliance needs, and sustainability reporting.
Certificate of Recycling
Official document confirming your tanks have been properly recycled through environmentally responsible processes.
Includes:
- Date of recycling
- Number of tanks
- Total weight processed
- Company information
- Certification seal
Material Recovery Report
Detailed breakdown of materials recovered from your tanks and their destination recycling streams.
Includes:
- HDPE plastic weight
- Steel weight recovered
- Pallet material processed
- Recovery percentages
- Downstream processors
Environmental Impact Statement
Quantified environmental benefits of your recycling activity for sustainability reporting.
Includes:
- CO2 emissions prevented
- Energy saved (kWh)
- Water conserved
- Landfill space saved
- Comparison to disposal
Chain of Custody Documentation
Complete tracking of your tanks from pickup through final processing for accountability.
Includes:
- Pickup confirmation
- Transport records
- Processing timestamps
- Handler signatures
- Final disposition
Hazardous Waste Manifest
EPA-required documentation for tanks that contained hazardous materials (when applicable).
Includes:
- Generator information
- Waste codes
- Transporter signatures
- TSDF confirmation
- EPA tracking number
Annual Recycling Summary
Year-end summary for corporate recycling program participants with aggregated metrics.
Includes:
- Total tanks recycled
- Cumulative impact
- Monthly trends
- Cost summary
- Sustainability metrics
Pickup Services
We make recycling easy with flexible pickup options. From one-time collections to scheduled routes, we've got you covered.
Scheduled Pickup
Regular pickup service on a schedule that works for your business. Perfect for ongoing tank turnover.
- Weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly
- Consistent pickup day/time
- Priority scheduling
- Volume-based pricing
On-Demand Pickup
Call when you need us. We'll schedule a pickup within 3-5 business days of your request.
- No commitment required
- Flexible scheduling
- Free for 10+ tanks locally
- Same-week availability
Drop-Off Service
Bring your tanks to our facility anytime during business hours. Always free, no appointment needed.
- Always free
- No minimum quantity
- Immediate processing
- Cash payment available (50+)
Service Area
Free Pickup Zone (10+ tanks)
- Baltimore City
- Baltimore County
- Anne Arundel County
- Howard County
- Harford County
- Carroll County
Extended Service Area
We also service the greater Mid-Atlantic region including:
- Washington D.C. Metro
- Northern Virginia
- Delaware
- Southern Pennsylvania
- Eastern Shore Maryland
*Pickup fees may apply outside Baltimore metro area
Recycling Pricing
In most cases, we offer free recycling pickup for qualifying quantities. We may even pay for tanks with reusable components.
Tanks
Drop off at our facility
FREENo appointment needed
Tanks
Free local pickup included
FREEBaltimore metro area
Tanks
We pay you!
$5-15/tankBased on condition
Additional Pricing Information
Corporate Recycling Programs
Partner with us for ongoing IBC tank recycling. Our corporate programs help businesses meet sustainability goals while simplifying waste management.
Basic Partnership
- Monthly pickup scheduling
- Standard processing priority
- Certificate of Recycling
- Quarterly impact reports
- Dedicated account contact
for 25+ tanks/month
Premium Partnership
- Weekly pickup available
- Priority processing
- Full documentation suite
- Monthly impact reports
- Annual sustainability summary
- Branded recycling certificates
- Emergency pickup service
for 50+ tanks/month
Enterprise Program
- Custom pickup schedule
- Highest priority processing
- Complete compliance support
- Real-time tracking portal
- Multi-location coordination
- Custom reporting
- Sustainability consulting
- Volume rebates available
Contact for pricing
Over 500 businesses trust us with their IBC tank recycling needs. Join our corporate program and demonstrate your commitment to sustainability.
Become a PartnerRecycling FAQ
Common questions about our IBC tank recycling services.
For standard drop-offs, tanks are processed within 1-2 weeks. For scheduled pickups, we typically complete processing within 2-3 weeks. Certificates of recycling are issued within 5 business days of processing completion.
We can accept tanks with residual product (up to 10% remaining) for most non-hazardous materials. Tanks with more than 10% remaining product or hazardous contents require special handling - contact us for guidance and potential additional fees.
Yes! While free pickup is limited to the Baltimore metro area, we accept drop-offs from anywhere. For large quantities outside our pickup zone, we can arrange regional pickup for a fee or coordinate with our partner network.
Tanks that held hazardous materials undergo our specialized decontamination process by certified technicians. We follow EPA and RCRA guidelines, and all waste is disposed of through licensed hazardous waste facilities. Additional fees apply based on the material type.
Absolutely! We accept tanks in any condition - cracked, crushed, rusted, or otherwise damaged. While these tanks cannot be reconditioned, all materials (plastic, metal, wood) are still recyclable. Severely damaged tanks may have reduced or no payment value.
Free pickup requires a minimum of 10 tanks within the Baltimore metro area. For 5-9 tanks, a small pickup fee may apply. Under 5 tanks, we recommend drop-off at our facility, which is always free.
Remove any product labels if possible, drain residual contents (properly dispose of any liquids), and leave valves/caps on for transport. You do not need to clean tanks - we handle that during processing. Keep tanks accessible for pickup.
We provide a Certificate of Recycling that includes the number of tanks processed, date of recycling, materials recovered, and confirmation of environmentally responsible disposal. This document is suitable for sustainability reporting and regulatory compliance.
Yes! We offer weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly scheduled pickup services for businesses that generate regular IBC waste. Contact us to set up a recurring schedule and receive priority pricing.
Tanks with unknown contents require testing before processing, which adds $25-50 per tank. We strongly recommend maintaining records of tank contents. If testing reveals hazardous materials, additional handling fees will apply.
Ready to Recycle Your IBC Tanks?
Whether you have 1 tank or 1,000, we make recycling easy. Get started today with free drop-off or schedule a pickup. Help us keep valuable materials out of landfills.
Questions? Email us at recycling@baltimoreibctanks.com