Sell Your IBC Tanks
Turn your surplus or used IBC tanks into cash. We offer fair market prices and convenient pickup service throughout the Baltimore area.
Get a Free Quote
What Tanks We Buy
We purchase a wide variety of IBC tanks regardless of their previous use. Here is a breakdown of tank types and typical pricing ranges.
Food-Grade Tanks
Tanks that held food-safe products like juice, syrup, cooking oils, or drinking water.
- • Beverage concentrates
- • Food-grade oils
- • Drinking water
- • Syrups and sweeteners
- • Wine and spirits
Clean Chemical Tanks
Tanks used for non-hazardous chemicals that can be cleaned and repurposed.
- • Cleaning solutions
- • Detergents and soaps
- • Agricultural chemicals
- • Water treatment chemicals
- • Glycols and antifreeze
Industrial Tanks
Tanks from industrial applications that may have residue but are structurally sound.
- • Lubricants and oils
- • Paints and coatings
- • Adhesives
- • Ink and dyes
- • Solvents
Damaged/Parts Tanks
Tanks with damage to bottles but salvageable cages and components.
- • Cracked bottles
- • UV-damaged plastic
- • Missing valves
- • Stained but intact
- • Good cage, bad bottle
Not sure what category your tanks fall into? Send us photos and we will provide an accurate quote.
Get a Quote for Your TanksHow We Determine Pricing
Our pricing is transparent and based on several key factors. Understanding these helps you know what to expect when selling your tanks.
Physical Condition Assessment
Market Value Factors
- Previous Contents:Food-grade commands 30-50% premium
- Tank Size:330 gallon tanks worth more than 275 gallon
- Cage Condition:Rust-free cages add significant value
- Valve Type:2-inch butterfly valves most desirable
- Age of Tank:Newer tanks (under 5 years) preferred
- Brand/Manufacturer:Quality brands like Schutz, Mauser valued higher
Volume Discounts Work Both Ways
When you sell 20 or more tanks at once, we can offer better per-tank pricing because our pickup costs are spread across more units. This means more money in your pocket for larger quantities.
Acceptable Tank Conditions
We buy tanks in almost any condition. Here is what we look for and what affects the value of your tanks.
Grade A - Excellent
Highest Value
- Clean inside and out
- No cracks, chips, or holes
- Clear or lightly tinted bottle
- Cage is straight with no rust
- All valves present and functional
- Labels can be easily removed
- Less than 3 years old
Grade B - Good
Standard Value
- Minor residue (cleanable)
- Small scratches or scuffs
- Slight discoloration
- Minor cage dents
- Light surface rust
- May need new gaskets
- 3-7 years old
Grade C - Fair
Parts/Recycling Value
- Heavy staining or residue
- Cracked or damaged bottle
- Significant discoloration
- Bent or damaged cage
- Moderate rust
- Missing valves or caps
- Over 7 years old
Previous Contents Requirements
Knowing what your tank previously held is essential for proper handling, cleaning, and resale. Here is how previous contents affect our purchasing decisions.
Preferred Contents
These tanks command the highest prices and are easiest to resell:
- Potable water
- Food-grade oils (vegetable, canola, olive)
- Beverage concentrates and syrups
- Wine, beer, or spirits
- Food-grade glycerin
- Pharmaceutical-grade materials
- Cosmetic ingredients
- Food-grade sanitizers
Acceptable Contents
We buy these tanks at reduced prices for industrial reuse:
- Detergents and cleaning agents
- Non-hazardous chemicals
- Lubricants and motor oils
- Paints and coatings (water-based)
- Agricultural fertilizers
- Glycols and antifreeze
- Adhesives and sealants
- Industrial solvents (non-hazardous)
Cannot Accept
For safety and regulatory reasons, we cannot purchase tanks that held:
- Hazardous waste materials
- Radioactive substances
- Biohazardous materials
- Pesticides classified as hazardous
- Corrosive acids or bases
- Flammable materials (certain types)
- Unknown or unlabeled contents
- Controlled substances
Honesty is Required
Please be truthful about what your tanks previously contained. Misrepresenting tank contents can create safety hazards and legal issues. If you are unsure about the contents, let us know and we can help assess the situation.
Free Pickup Service
We make selling your tanks as convenient as possible with our free pickup service. No need to rent a truck or figure out transportation - we come to you.
Free for 10+ Tanks
Standard free pickup throughout the Baltimore metropolitan area for orders of 10 or more tanks.
Extended Service Area
We service all of Maryland, DC, Delaware, and parts of Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Flexible Scheduling
We work around your schedule. Morning, afternoon, or specific time windows available.
Forklift Equipped
Our trucks come with liftgates and our team handles all the loading for you.
Pickup Fee Structure
Baltimore Metro Area
Extended Service Area
Local area only
Drop-off recommended
Pickup fees may be waived for high-value tanks. Contact us for details.
Step-by-Step Selling Process
Selling your IBC tanks is simple and straightforward. Here is exactly what to expect.
Contact Us with Tank Details
Reach out via phone, email, or our online form. Provide the following information:
- Number of tanks you have
- Tank sizes (275 or 330 gallon)
- What the tanks previously contained
- General condition assessment
- Your location for pickup
Send Photos (Optional but Recommended)
Photos help us provide the most accurate quote. Useful angles include:
- Overall tank view
- Close-up of any labels
- Inside the tank (if possible)
- Any damage or wear
- Valve and cage condition
Receive Your Quote
Within 24-48 hours, we will provide a detailed quote including:
- Price per tank based on grade
- Total estimated value
- Pickup fee (if applicable)
- Any conditions or requirements
Schedule Pickup
Once you accept our quote, we will arrange a convenient pickup time:
- Choose morning or afternoon
- We can work with loading dock hours
- Typically within 3-5 business days
- Rush pickup available if needed
Tank Inspection on Site
When we arrive, our team will quickly inspect each tank to confirm:
- Condition matches description
- Contents are as stated
- Quantity is accurate
- Any adjustments to quote (rare)
Get Paid Immediately
Once inspection is complete, you receive payment on the spot:
- Cash for smaller transactions
- Business check for larger amounts
- Direct deposit for established sellers
- We handle all loading and transport
Documentation Needed
To ensure a smooth transaction and proper documentation, please have the following ready.
For Individuals
- Valid photo ID (drivers license)
- Proof of ownership (if requested)
- Receipt not required
For Businesses
- Business authorization letter
- Company ID or business card
- W-9 form (for payments over $600)
- Contact for accounts payable
Helpful to Have
- SDS for previous contents
- Original tank documentation
- Purchase records (for value)
- Cleaning certificates
Do not have all documentation? Contact us - we can often work with what you have available.
Payment Methods and Timing
We offer multiple payment options to suit your preferences. Most payments are made same-day at the time of pickup.
Cash
Immediate payment in cash for transactions up to $500. Most popular for individual sellers.
Business Check
Company check for larger transactions. Preferred for amounts over $500 or business accounts.
Direct Deposit / ACH
Electronic payment for established business relationships and recurring sellers.
Same-Day Payment Guarantee
For standard transactions, you will receive payment before our truck leaves your property. No waiting, no invoicing, no chasing payments. We come prepared to pay you on the spot. For larger corporate transactions requiring purchase orders, we can accommodate net-15 or net-30 terms.
Bulk Selling Benefits
Have a large quantity of tanks to sell? The more you sell, the more benefits you receive.
10-19 Tanks
- Free local pickup
- Standard pricing
- Same-day payment
20-49 Tanks
- Free extended pickup
- +5% price bonus
- Priority scheduling
- Flexible payment options
50-99 Tanks
- Free regional pickup
- +10% price bonus
- Dedicated coordinator
- Same-day processing
100+ Tanks
- Free pickup anywhere
- +15% price bonus
- Custom contract terms
- Volume pricing locked in
- Recurring pickup available
For Businesses
Manufacturing facilities, food processors, and distribution centers often accumulate tanks regularly. We offer recurring pickup programs with:
- Scheduled weekly or monthly pickups
- Pre-negotiated pricing agreements
- Dedicated account representative
- Simplified paperwork and reporting
- Sustainability tracking for your records
For Liquidators and Brokers
If you regularly handle IBC tanks as part of liquidations, cleanouts, or brokerage, we want to be your go-to buyer. Benefits include:
- Fast quote turnaround (same day)
- Flexible pickup scheduling
- Mixed lot purchasing
- Referral bonuses available
- Long-term partnership opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about selling your IBC tanks to us.
QHow quickly can you pick up my tanks?
For most locations in the Baltimore metro area, we can schedule pickup within 3-5 business days. Rush service is available for urgent needs - just let us know when you contact us. For large quantities (50+ tanks), we may be able to arrange pickup even sooner.
QDo I need to clean the tanks before you pick them up?
No, you do not need to clean the tanks. We handle all cleaning and processing. However, tanks should be drained of any remaining product. If tanks still contain significant quantities of product, let us know - we can sometimes still purchase them, but it may affect pricing.
QWhat if my tanks are stacked or hard to access?
Our pickup crew is equipped to handle most situations. If tanks are stacked, we can un-stack them. If they are in tight spaces, we have equipment to move them. Just let us know the situation when scheduling so we can bring appropriate equipment.
QCan you pick up tanks from multiple locations?
Yes, we can arrange pickups from multiple sites. For the best efficiency and pricing, we prefer to schedule nearby locations on the same day. Let us know all your locations when requesting a quote.
QWhat happens if the tanks are in worse condition than described?
We conduct an on-site inspection at pickup. If tanks are in significantly different condition than described, we may need to adjust the price. However, we will always discuss any changes with you before proceeding - you can choose to accept the adjusted offer or keep your tanks.
QDo you buy tanks with the product still in them?
It depends on the product. For non-hazardous products, we may still be interested - the value would be reduced to account for disposal costs. We cannot accept tanks with hazardous materials still inside. Contact us with details about your situation.
QCan I deliver tanks to you instead of having them picked up?
Absolutely! We welcome drop-offs at our facility during business hours (Monday-Friday, 7am-4pm). Drop-offs avoid pickup fees and may result in slightly better pricing. Just call ahead so we know you are coming.
QDo you buy just the cages without the bottles?
Yes, we purchase steel cages even without the plastic bottle. These have value for reconditioning projects. Pricing is typically $5-15 per cage depending on condition and quantity.
QHow do you determine if a tank is food-grade?
We look at several factors: the original manufacturer specifications, what the tank previously contained (with documentation if available), and whether the tank has the appropriate certifications. Labels on the tank often indicate if it was manufactured as food-grade.
QIs there a minimum number of tanks you will buy?
We will buy any quantity, even a single tank. However, for small quantities (under 10 tanks), pickup fees may apply or drop-off may be more economical. The larger the quantity, the better the overall deal for everyone.
QWhat areas do you service for pickup?
We primarily serve the Baltimore metropolitan area, but we regularly pick up throughout Maryland, Washington DC, Delaware, southern Pennsylvania, and northern Virginia. For large quantities, we can arrange pickups almost anywhere on the East Coast.
QHow long is my quote valid?
Quotes are typically valid for 14 days. Market conditions can change, so we recommend scheduling pickup promptly if you accept our offer. For large quantities or ongoing relationships, we can discuss longer-term pricing agreements.
Ready to Sell Your Tanks?
Get a free, no-obligation quote today. We respond to all inquiries within 24-48 hours and can typically schedule pickup within the week.
Prefer email? Send tank details to info@baltimore-ibc-tanks.com