When businesses upgrade their storage equipment or change operations, they’re often left with one question: What do we do with these old IBC totes?
Instead of letting them go to waste, there are smart and creative ways to repurpose these large, sturdy containers.
Many people buy IBC totes for their durability and weather resistance. But once they’ve served their original purpose, they can be turned into useful tools for homes, farms, and businesses.
Here are 10 clever uses for old IBC totes that can save you money, reduce waste, and even improve your daily life.
1. Rainwater Collection System
One of the most popular uses for an old IBC tote is turning it into a rainwater collection tank. These totes can hold a lot of water, perfect for collecting rain from your roof. Just add a mesh filter to the top and connect it to your gutter downspout. Use the water later for your garden, lawn, or cleaning projects.
2. Raised Garden Beds
Want a garden without the back pain? Cut an IBC tote in half and fill each half with soil to create deep raised beds. These are great for growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers. You can even add a small drip system for watering. It’s a budget-friendly way to start a garden almost anywhere.
3. Compost Bin
Composting doesn’t have to be messy or complicated. IBC totes make excellent compost bins. Cut out a section of the side for easy access, add some ventilation holes, and start layering your food scraps and yard waste. The size helps heat the compost naturally, which speeds up the breakdown process.
4. Animal Shelter or Feed Storage
Farmers love using old IBC totes for animal care. With some cutting and simple modifications, a tote can become a cozy shelter for goats, chickens, or pigs. You can also use the containers to store large quantities of animal feed, keeping it dry and protected from pests.
5. Aquaponics or Hydroponics Tank
If you’re into sustainable growing systems, IBC totes can be transformed into aquaponics or hydroponics setups. Cut the tote into sections—one for fish and one for growing plants. Add a pump and filtration system, and you’ve got a mini ecosystem that recycles water and nutrients.
6. Mobile Tool Storage
Need strong storage that can handle the outdoors? An IBC tote with a door cut into the side can become a secure mobile tool shed. Install a lock and shelves inside to store garden tools, hoses, or small machines. It’s perfect for people who need tough, weatherproof storage.
7. DIY Hot Tub
Yes, people really do this! With the right insulation and a simple water heater setup, an IBC tote can be turned into a rustic hot tub. Line it with a waterproof barrier and add a small wood stove or propane heater. It’s not luxury spa-level, but it’s fun and functional for backyard relaxation.
8. Outdoor Sink or Washing Station
Need a hand-washing station or place to clean up outdoors? Turn your old IBC tote into a gravity-fed sink system. Cut out the top, add a faucet near the bottom, and fill it with clean water. Great for farms, campsites, or anywhere that doesn’t have easy plumbing.
9. Storage for Firewood or Hay
IBC totes are perfect for storing firewood or hay because they provide structure and airflow. Just remove one side and stack the material neatly inside. It keeps your firewood off the ground, dry, and organized through all seasons.
10. Floating Dock or Raft Base
If you’re into lake life, old IBC totes can be used as flotation for a dock or small raft. Their sealed design keeps them buoyant and stable. Strap several underneath a wooden frame and you’ve got a floating platform for fishing, swimming, or lounging in the sun.
Final Thoughts
Old IBC totes don’t have to end up in a landfill. With a little creativity and effort, they can be repurposed into tools, storage solutions, or even backyard luxuries. They’re strong, reliable, and built to last, which makes them the perfect material for all kinds of DIY projects.
Not sure where to find one? Many companies sell second-hand totes at a great price, so you can buy IBC totes and start transforming them into something new today.
