IBC Recycling

Sustainable disposal solutions for end-of-life containers - protecting the environment responsibly

95% material recovery rate - giving your old containers new life

Schedule Recycling Pickup

Tell us about your containers and we will arrange environmentally responsible recycling.

Responsible IBC Recycling

When IBC totes reach the end of their useful life, proper recycling is essential for environmental protection and regulatory compliance. Seattle IBC operates a comprehensive recycling program that recovers over 95% of materials from end-of-life containers.

Our state-of-the-art facility processes thousands of containers annually, diverting tons of plastic, steel, and wood from landfills. We partner with certified recycling facilities to ensure materials are properly processed and returned to the manufacturing stream.

For businesses with environmental compliance requirements, we provide complete documentation including certificates of recycling, destruction certificates for sensitive materials, and detailed material recovery reports. Our processes meet or exceed EPA guidelines and state environmental regulations.

Environmental Impact

2,500+ tons

Plastic diverted from landfills annually

1,800+ tons

Steel recycled each year

95%

Average material recovery rate

3,200 MWh

Energy saved vs. virgin material production

What We Recycle

Every component of an IBC tote can be recycled or repurposed. Here is what happens to each material.

HDPE Bottles

95%+ recovery

The inner plastic containers are made of high-density polyethylene, which is 100% recyclable. We shred and process these into pellets that become new containers, pallets, drainage pipes, and other plastic products.

Steel Cages

100% recovery

The galvanized steel cage framework is separated and sent to metal recyclers. Steel is infinitely recyclable and your old cages may become part of new construction, vehicles, or appliances.

Wooden Pallets

90%+ recovery

Wooden pallet bases in good condition are repaired and reused. Damaged wood is chipped and recycled into mulch, animal bedding, or biomass fuel.

Composite Pallets

85%+ recovery

Plastic and composite pallet bases are ground down and reprocessed into new composite lumber, parking bumpers, or recycled back into new pallets.

Valves & Fittings

90%+ recovery

Metal and plastic valve components are sorted by material type and recycled appropriately. Brass and aluminum fittings have particularly high recycling value.

Gaskets & Seals

70%+ recovery

Rubber and synthetic gaskets are processed through specialized rubber recycling streams when possible, or disposed of properly when recycling is not feasible.

Our Recycling Process

A systematic approach to maximize material recovery while ensuring environmental compliance.

Collection & Assessment

We pick up your end-of-life containers and assess each one at our facility. Containers are sorted by condition, previous contents, and recyclability.

Decontamination

Containers with residual contents undergo thorough cleaning and decontamination. Hazardous residues are handled according to EPA regulations.

Disassembly

Each IBC is carefully disassembled into its component materials: HDPE bottle, steel cage, pallet base, valve, and hardware.

Material Processing

Components are processed for recycling. Plastic is shredded, steel is baled, wood is chipped, and metals are sorted.

Recycling & Recovery

Processed materials are sent to appropriate recycling facilities where they become raw materials for new products.

Documentation

Significantly reduce your environmental footprint

Support the circular economy through material recovery

Avoid expensive landfill disposal fees

Free pickup for qualifying quantities (20+ units)

Responsible handling of contaminated containers

EPA and state environmental regulation compliance

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about our IBC recycling services.

What types of containers do you accept for recycling?

We accept all types of IBC totes including HDPE, stainless steel, and composite containers. We handle containers that previously held food products, industrial chemicals, agricultural products, and more. Even heavily damaged or contaminated containers can be recycled - we have processes for handling virtually any condition.

Do you provide recycling certificates for compliance purposes?

Yes, we provide comprehensive documentation including Certificates of Recycling, Certificates of Destruction (for sensitive materials), and detailed material recovery reports. This documentation is essential for ISO 14001 certification, environmental audits, and regulatory compliance. We maintain records for a minimum of 5 years.

How do you handle containers with hazardous material residues?

Containers with hazardous residues are handled separately following EPA regulations. We work with licensed hazardous waste disposal facilities when necessary. Additional fees apply for hazardous material containers, and we provide proper disposal documentation. Contact us to discuss specific chemicals - many materials can be safely neutralized and cleaned.

Is there a minimum quantity for free pickup?

Free pickup is available for 20 or more containers in the greater Seattle area. For smaller quantities, we charge a modest pickup fee or you can drop off containers at our facility during business hours at no charge. For large quantities (100+), we offer priority scheduling and may provide payment for recyclable containers.

What happens to the recycled materials?

Recycled HDPE becomes new containers, drainage pipes, plastic lumber, and automotive parts. Steel is melted and reformed into new steel products. Wood becomes mulch, animal bedding, or biomass fuel. We work exclusively with certified recycling facilities and can provide chain-of-custody documentation upon request.

How long does the recycling process take?

Standard recycling is completed within 1-2 weeks of pickup. Certificates and documentation are typically available within 5 business days of processing. For urgent compliance needs, we offer expedited service with 3-5 day turnaround. Hazardous material containers may require additional time for proper handling.

Can you recycle containers from outside the Seattle area?

Yes, we accept containers from throughout Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. For distant locations, we coordinate with regional partners or can arrange freight pickup for large quantities. Shipping containers to our facility is also an option. Contact us to discuss logistics for your location.

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