IBC recycling
When a tote reaches end of life, we dismantle and recycle it with documented downstream partners.
Every IBC eventually reaches the end of its serviceable life. When reconditioning is no longer viable, responsible recycling ensures materials re-enter the production cycle rather than going to landfill. Our on-site recycling center processes end-of-life containers with full documentation for your sustainability reporting needs.
Material recovery
HDPE bottles are shredded and baled, while steel cages are routed to certified metal recyclers. Our on-site processing ensures materials are properly separated and prepared for downstream recycling.
Each material stream is processed according to recycler specifications to maximize recovery value and ensure materials can actually be recycled rather than rejected.
Materials we process:
- HDPE bottles (high-density polyethylene)
- Steel cage frames
- Composite and wood pallets
- Plastic pallets
- Steel pallets
- Valves and metal fittings
- Gaskets and rubber components
Verified reporting
We issue recycling certificates with weight data for your sustainability reporting. Every batch of recycled containers is documented with materials processed and downstream destinations.
Our documentation meets common sustainability reporting requirements and supports your waste diversion, recycling rate, and circular economy metrics.
Documentation includes:
- Container count processed
- Weight by material type
- Downstream partner identification
- Processing date and location
- Chain of custody verification
- Recycling certification numbers
Our recycling process
End-of-life IBCs are processed systematically to maximize material recovery and ensure proper handling of any residues.
Assessment
Incoming containers are evaluated to confirm they're truly end-of-life. Containers that could be reconditioned are diverted to repair.
Residue handling
Any remaining product is removed and handled according to its classification. Containers are rinsed if needed to prevent contamination.
Disassembly
Containers are dismantled into component materials. Bottles are removed from cages, valves are separated, and pallets are detached.
Processing
HDPE bottles are shredded and baled. Steel cages are cut and sorted. Each material is prepared according to recycler specifications.
Quality check
Processed materials are inspected for contamination. Clean materials are staged for shipment to certified recyclers.
Documentation
Weights are recorded by material type. Recycling certificates are generated with full chain-of-custody information.
Material streams
Different materials require different processing and have different recycling pathways. We handle each material stream appropriately.
HDPE bottles
High-density polyethylene bottles are the largest component by weight. Our shredder reduces bottles to chips that are then baled for efficient transport to plastic recyclers.
Recycling pathway:
- Shredded into consistent chip size
- Baled for efficient transport
- Shipped to certified plastic recyclers
- Processed into recycled HDPE pellets
- Used in new plastic products
Recovery rate: 95%+ of bottle material is recovered as recyclable HDPE.
Steel cages
Steel cage frames are cut into manageable pieces and sorted by grade. Clean steel commands better prices at recyclers and ensures efficient processing.
Recycling pathway:
- Cut into transportable sizes
- Sorted by steel grade
- Shipped to certified metal recyclers
- Melted and recast as new steel
- Used in construction, manufacturing
Recovery rate: 99%+ of steel is recovered for recycling.
Composite pallets
Composite pallets (wood and plastic) require separation before recycling. Wood components go to wood recyclers; plastic to plastic streams.
Recycling pathway:
- Separated into wood and plastic
- Wood chipped for mulch or fuel
- Plastic processed separately
- Metal fasteners recovered
Recovery rate: 85%+ of pallet materials are diverted from landfill.
Full plastic pallets
All-plastic pallets are processed with bottle material when compatible, or separated if different plastic type.
Recycling pathway:
- Material type identified
- Shredded with compatible materials
- Baled for recycler shipment
- Processed into recycled pellets
Recovery rate: 90%+ of plastic pallet material is recovered.
Steel pallets
Steel pallets are processed with cage material for efficient handling and recycling.
Recycling pathway:
- Cut as needed
- Combined with cage steel
- Shipped to metal recyclers
- Melted for new steel production
Recovery rate: 99%+ of steel is recovered.
Valves + fittings
Metal valves and fittings are separated for metal recycling. Functional valves may be recovered for reuse in repairs.
Recycling pathway:
- Removed during disassembly
- Functional units saved for reuse
- Non-functional metal recycled
- Plastic components separated
Recovery rate: 95%+ of valve materials are recovered or reused.
Why recycle with us
Single-source solution
We handle everything from pickup to final recycling documentation. No need to coordinate multiple vendors or track materials through different channels.
Verified downstream
Our recycling partners are certified and audited. We don't just send materials away—we verify they're actually recycled and document the chain of custody.
Compliance documentation
Get the paperwork you need for sustainability reporting, waste audits, and regulatory compliance. Weight-based documentation by material type enables accurate metrics.
Reuse-first approach
We don't recycle containers that could be reconditioned. Our assessment ensures materials go to the highest-value use—reuse when possible, recycling when not.
Environmental responsibility
Recycling with us means your containers don't end up in landfills. Materials re-enter the production cycle, reducing demand for virgin resources.
Potential value recovery
For large volumes, material value may partially offset pickup costs. We'll discuss value recovery options based on your container quantities and types.
Recycling programs
On-demand recycling
Have a batch of end-of-life containers? Schedule pickup and we'll process them with full documentation. Works well for occasional needs or one-time cleanouts.
How it works:
- Contact us with container count and location
- We arrange pickup scheduling
- Containers processed at our facility
- Recycling certificate provided
- Invoice or credit as applicable
Recurring recycling contracts
For ongoing recycling needs, establish a regular program. We pick up on schedule, process consistently, and provide periodic reporting for your records.
Contract benefits:
- Scheduled regular pickups
- Consistent process and documentation
- Monthly or quarterly reporting
- Predictable costs and logistics
- Annual sustainability summaries
Sustainability reporting support
Our documentation is designed to support your sustainability reporting needs across common frameworks and requirements.
Waste diversion metrics
Track containers diverted from landfill with weight-based documentation. Report accurate diversion rates for sustainability goals and compliance.
Recycling rate reporting
Material-specific weights enable accurate recycling rate calculations. Show exactly how much HDPE, steel, and other materials entered the recycling stream.
Circular economy metrics
Document participation in circular economy through container reuse and recycling. Support extended producer responsibility program reporting.
Carbon footprint data
Recycling avoids emissions from virgin material production. We can provide data to estimate avoided emissions for Scope 3 reporting.
ESG reporting
Annual summaries align with common ESG frameworks. Document your environmental performance with verified third-party processing data.
Audit support
Complete chain-of-custody documentation supports sustainability audits. We can provide additional verification if needed for third-party auditors.
What we accept for recycling
Standard acceptance
- End-of-life IBCs (all sizes)
- Damaged containers not suitable for repair
- Expired UN certification containers
- Containers with non-hazardous residue
- Mixed condition lots
- All pallet types
- All valve configurations
Special handling required
Some containers require special handling. Contact us to discuss:
- Containers with hazardous residue
- Unknown previous contents
- Containers with visible contamination
- Pharmaceutical containers
- Agricultural chemical containers
We can often accept these with proper documentation and handling procedures. Discuss your situation before sending.
Our recycling partners
We work exclusively with certified, audited recycling partners who meet our standards for legitimate material recovery.
Partner requirements
- Certified recycling facility
- Proper permits and licensing
- Documented material recovery rates
- Environmental compliance record
- Regular audit and inspection
- Transparent processing practices
Verification practices
- Annual partner audits
- Processing verification visits
- Recovery rate tracking
- Compliance monitoring
- Chain of custody documentation
- Downstream verification
Why it matters
Not all "recycling" actually results in material recovery. Some materials shipped for recycling end up landfilled due to contamination or market conditions. Our partner verification ensures your materials are actually recycled.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a minimum quantity for recycling?
We typically require 10+ containers for pickup. Smaller quantities can be delivered to our facility or combined with nearby pickups. Contact us to discuss your situation.
Do I get paid for recycled containers?
Material value depends on current commodity prices and container condition. For large volumes, material value may offset some costs. For smaller quantities, we typically charge for processing.
Can you recycle containers with residue?
Yes, with proper disclosure of previous contents. Non-hazardous residues are handled through our standard process. Hazardous residues require special procedures—contact us to discuss.
How do I get recycling documentation?
Documentation is provided automatically with every recycling batch. You'll receive a certificate with container counts, weights by material, and processing verification.
What happens to contaminated materials?
Contaminated materials that can't be recycled are disposed of properly through licensed waste facilities. We aim to minimize this through careful sorting and processing.
Can you provide annual recycling summaries?
Yes, for recurring programs we provide annual summaries showing total materials recycled, weights by type, and cumulative environmental impact metrics.
Ready to recycle your IBCs responsibly?
Contact us with details about your end-of-life containers. We'll arrange pickup, process materials properly, and provide complete documentation for your sustainability reporting.