275-Gallon IBC Totes
The industry standard for bulk liquid storage. Our most popular size, in stock and ready for immediate pickup or delivery from our Omaha warehouse.
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The 275-Gallon Standard
The 275-gallon IBC tote is the most widely used intermediate bulk container in North America. Originally designed to replace five 55-gallon drums with a single, easier-to-handle unit, this size has become the default choice for industries ranging from food and beverage to chemical manufacturing. Its 48" x 40" pallet footprint is the universal standard for warehousing, trucking, and rail transport in the United States.
At 46 inches tall, the 275-gallon model sits below the height threshold for most standard racking systems and shipping containers. You can stack them two-high when properly supported, effectively doubling your storage density without additional floor space. A fully loaded 275-gallon tote filled with water weighs approximately 2,413 pounds, well within the capacity of a standard forklift or pallet jack.
The HDPE inner bottle is blow-molded from FDA-compliant high-density polyethylene resin, which is naturally resistant to a wide range of chemicals, acids, and bases. The surrounding galvanized steel cage protects the bottle from impact damage during transport and handling, while the integrated pallet base provides four-way forklift access for maximum handling flexibility.
Full Specifications
Pricing & Grades
Pricing depends on the grade, condition, and quantity ordered. Volume discounts are available for orders of 10 or more units. All prices are for pickup at our Omaha warehouse; delivery charges vary by distance.
Food Grade
$150 - $200
Single-use, previously held food-safe liquids
Clean interior, minimal staining, intact labels. Best choice for potable water, agriculture, and food processing.
Industrial Grade
$100 - $150
Previously held non-hazardous industrial liquids
Good structural condition, may have moderate staining or odor. Great for manufacturing, construction, and general storage.
Chemical Grade
$75 - $120
Previously held chemicals or solvents
Structurally sound, may have residual odor or discoloration. Suitable for non-sensitive storage, waste collection, and industrial rinsing.
Prices are approximate and subject to change based on market conditions and inventory. Contact us for an exact quote tailored to your specific needs and quantity.
Popular Uses for 275-Gallon IBC Totes
Agricultural Irrigation
Connect multiple 275-gallon totes in series for a gravity-fed drip irrigation system. The 2-inch butterfly valve provides enough flow rate for medium-sized plots, and the standard pallet base lets you position totes on uneven terrain with minimal leveling.
Rainwater Harvesting
A single 275-gallon tote captures the equivalent of 4.5 inches of rainfall from a 100-square-foot roof section. Cut the top open for direct gutter input or connect a downspout adapter to the 6-inch fill port for a cleaner installation.
Manufacturing Fluid Storage
Store coolants, lubricants, parts washing solutions, or process water at the point of use. The 275-gallon size fits under standard mezzanines and inside most freight elevators, making it ideal for multi-floor production facilities.
Emergency Water Supply
At 275 gallons, a single food-grade tote can provide a family of four with approximately 34 days of emergency water at the recommended 2 gallons per person per day. Stack two totes in your garage for over two months of supply.
Mobile Wash Stations
Mount a 275-gallon tote on a trailer with a 12V pump for a fully mobile pressure washing or parts cleaning station. The compact 48" x 40" footprint fits in standard utility trailers and pickup truck beds.
Aquaponics & Hydroponics
The 275-gallon IBC is the preferred tank for home aquaponics systems. Cut it into two sections: the bottom two-thirds serves as the fish tank, while the top third becomes the grow bed. Thousands of backyard growers use this exact method.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a used 275-gallon IBC tote last?
With proper care and storage out of direct sunlight, a used HDPE IBC tote can last an additional 3-5 years for most non-critical applications. The HDPE bottle is rated for 5-7 total use cycles before the material begins to degrade. UV exposure is the biggest factor in reducing lifespan.
Can I store drinking water in a used IBC tote?
Only in food-grade totes that have been properly cleaned and sanitized. We recommend our food-grade totes that previously held food-safe liquids. Always flush with a diluted bleach solution and rinse thoroughly before storing potable water. Chemical-grade and industrial-grade totes should never be used for drinking water.
Will a 275-gallon IBC tote fit in my pickup truck?
Yes, the 48" x 40" footprint fits in standard full-size pickup beds (6.5-foot and 8-foot beds). However, a full 275-gallon tote weighs over 2,400 lbs when filled with water, which exceeds the payload capacity of most consumer trucks. Transport the tote empty and fill it on-site.
What is the difference between 275-gallon and 330-gallon totes?
Both sizes share the same 48" x 40" pallet footprint. The 330-gallon model is approximately 7 inches taller (53" vs 46"), providing 20% more capacity. The 275-gallon model is more common, more widely stocked, and fits under lower clearances.