7 Creative Ways to Repurpose IBC Totes

IBC (International Bulk Container) totes are massive storage units that can hold around 300 gallons of liquid. They can be used both for food and chemicals. The ones for food are made of food-grade plastic, and they are great for repurposing projects.

Generally, IBC totes come in metal frames that add extra Support for the containers and make them stackable. The whole set-up is designed to have the footprint of a standard pallet, 48” by 40” (and around four feet tall), which makes it easy to move around with forklifts.

These containers are large enough to get into some pretty cool repurposing projects. Used IBC totes—often having carried cooking oil, syrups, hot sauce, etc.—can be readily found on recycling/reusing websites or sites like eBay and Facebook Marketplace. A used IBC costs $50-$100.

Now, what to do with them?

Source: Gardening Australia/YouTube

Wicking Garden Beds

IBC totes are great for making raised garden beds and, even better, wicking beds. To make raised beds, the metal rack and plastic “bottle” should be cut in half. That creates two raised beds great for growing loads of vegetables. Wicking beds are raised garden beds with water reservoirs in them so that water can wick up to the plant roots when it’s needed. This means watering is very infrequent, and it also means that moisture isn’t being lost to evaporation, a real boon for arid environments.

Compost Bin

Composting is one of the best things we can individually do for the planet, and it is also one of the best things we can do for our gardens. The ideal size for a backyard compost bin is about four-by-four-by-four feet, roughly the size of an IBC tote.

The composting tote has some great advantages aside from being the ideal size. It is covered so that it doesn’t get too wet from rain. It’s animal-proof to help with rodents, curious raccoons, and so on. And, its nozzle can drain liquid from the compost into a bucket to use as an organic fertilizer.

Source: homesteadonomics/YouTube

Rain Catchment

For those looking to do some serious rainwater catchment, IBC totes have far more storage capacity than rain barrels. Rain barrels usually hold somewhere in the vicinity of 50 gallons whereas the most common IBC totes hold six times that amount. Even better, they are already equipped with faucets!

Miniature Greenhouse

A door can be cut into the side of the IBC totes, and it can be used as a miniature greenhouse (or cold frame) for starting plants early, as well as protecting sensitive plants if the temperature drops. The totes can have vent holes in the sides to help with overheating when it’s warm, and they can easily be covered with a tarp or blanket if a cold front moves in late in the spring. The plants will be able to get plenty of sunshine, and they’ll be protected until they are ready to be moved to the outside garden.

Root Cellar

Because they are sealed on all sides and sturdy from the metal framing, IBC totes can be buried into a hillside with one side exposed or hidden under a stack of square hay bales to make an awesome root cellar for big vegetable harvests. Just make an access door.

They are big enough to build shelves in, and they’ll work for storing massive produce like pumpkins, winter squashes, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and cabbages. This setup can also be a cool pantry for keeping ferments and canned goods in.

Firewood Storage

A dry place is exactly what we need for firewood, and for those who like to light a campfire or an outdoor pizza oven from time to time, an IBC tote can make from a great firewood storage unit. It holds a good number of logs, keeps them dry, and can be put wherever is convenient. All that’s required is cutting out an access hole in one of the sides of the metal frame and then cutting the plastic bladder to go over the top as a roof. That creates a phenomenal little wood storage shed.

Giant Luminary

A funky idea for using a giant IBC tote is to make a giant luminary for the yard or patio. Rather than having bright light that can kill that evening or nighttime atmosphere. Run an extension cord into an IBC tote with a light set up inside. The light will make the tote glow for warm, comfortable lighting. It’s great for chillaxing.

Not only are these projects fantastic for making those outdoor spaces fruitful, fertile, and fun, but they are utilizing materials that have been discarded rather than demanding new resources. That’s wonderfully inexpensive, eco-conscious living.

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