Business Waste

IBC Containers and Tanks

An IBC tank or container is a common option for businesses to store high volumes of either hazardous or non-hazardous liquids and other similar materials. They cannot be used to store and transport solid hazardous and non-hazardous waste for disposal. However, some may accommodate sludge, slurry, and types of chemical waste.

As a business, it’s your responsibility to ensure appropriate storage of any commercial waste your produce to protect human health and the environment. This is especially important when dealing with hazardous waste as you also need to comply with the Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005. Using an IBC container can help ensure compliance and safe storage.

Even if you just have non-hazardous liquid to get rid of, IBC tanks provide a large, convenient, and secure option. At Business Waste we can help arrange delivery and collection of these liquid containers to your business anywhere in the UK. Learn more about their uses and get a free quote for your commercial waste removal today.

Collection Frequency:
One-off, daily, weekly, fortnightly, or ad hoc collection
Capacity:
600, 800, and 1,000 litres
Waste Type:
  • Hazardous Waste
  • Liquid Waste
  • Oil Waste

What does IBC 
stand for?

IBC stands for intermediate bulk container. These are large, reusable, and cube-shaped containers. They were designed to store and transport high volumes of liquids – including chemicals, solvents, and food ingredients. An IBC container is normally attached to a steel or plastic pallet to keep it stable and make them stackable.

Due to their cubic shape, they can easily store more waste in the same area compared to cylindrical containers – such as waste drums and barrels. For this reason, they’re commonly used by businesses that generate lots of waste liquids, either hazardous or non-hazardous, on a regular basis.

IBC container sizes

IBC containers are designed to store and transport bulk waste. They’re some of the largest storage options for liquid and other non-solid waste. Each one is cubic in shape, which enables greater storage in the same space than cylindrical containers such as large drums. However, IBC container dimensions do vary with a choice of sizes to suit your needs.

Find an IBC container size that meets your commercial waste needs from one of the following common options:

  • 600-litre IBC container – these compact IBC tanks are ideal for slotting into small spaces on your premises for storage before collection.
  • 800-litre IBC container – a medium size IBC container, many can be stacked if needed where space is tight, while still storing large amounts of waste.
  • 1,000-litre IBC container – some of the largest IBC tanks best for businesses producing high volumes of liquid waste on a regular basis.

If your business produces a lower volume of liquid waste or requires more regular collection of smaller amounts, then consider using waste drums.

Why do I need an 
IBC tank or container?

Any business that produces a high volume of liquid waste, or smaller amounts but on a regular basis, could benefit from using an IBC container or tank for storage and disposal. They offer a convenient, reliable, and safe way to store liquid, chemical, oil waste and more on your premises and remain compliant with relevant environmental guidelines.

As a business, it’s your responsibility to ensure storage, collection, and disposal of commercial waste you produce is done safely, legally, and in an environmentally friendly manner. IBC containers help as they’re durable, which reduces the chance of leaks to protect human and environmental health, and can be reused to benefit the planet.

Compared to cylindrical containers such as waste barrels and drums, they have a larger capacity and take up less space. They’re an effective storage solution as IBC tanks are stackable and easy to load onto pallets for added security.

Due to their large capacity, it can also be more cost-effective for your business, compared to using lots of smaller containers. You’re able to arrange collection of waste on a less frequent basis, reducing how much you pay for waste disposal and cutting the amount of fuel used and journeys made to transport it – further benefiting the environment.

Learn more about liquid waste disposal

What can you 
put in IBC tanks?

You can use an IBC tank to separately store both hazardous and non-hazardous waste types. They can only be used to keep liquid and viscous materials including sludge and slurry – not solid waste. Check the capacity, any weight limits, and whether the specific IBC tank you have can store hazardous materials first.

Generally, IBC tanks can hold:

Arrange delivery and 
collection of IBC containers

Get IBC units delivered direct to your business anywhere in the UK for free – just pay for collection. However many containers you need, in any size and to hold whatever type of appropriate waste, we can help you arrange IBC tank hire for your organisation with ease.

It’s possible to schedule delivery of one or more IBC tanks, depending on the amount of waste you produce – and whether it’s for the same or different types of waste. Fill each container with one waste type and within the capacity limits, then store in a safe and secure place. Ensure you have room for each IBC unit on your premises.

Then arrange collection – whether it’s a one-off, daily, weekly, or monthly collection. One of our licensed waste carriers will collect your full IBC units from an agreed pickup point and transport to a nearby, relevant facility for safe, legal, and environmentally friendly disposal, depending on the waste type.

Get a free quote for IBC tank hire today. Complete the form below, contact us online or phone 0800 211 8390. One of our expert team can answer any questions you may have about using IBC containers and talk you through your quote.

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