Rain Barrels, Planters & Creative Reuse
Repurposed IBC totes transformed into practical products for your home, garden, and farm. Every product keeps a used container out of the landfill and puts it to productive new use.
Get a Free Quote
Tell us what you need and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.
The Second Life of an IBC Tote
Not every used IBC tote needs to go back into industrial service. Some of the most creative and rewarding uses for these versatile containers are right in your backyard. The same qualities that make IBC totes excellent for industrial bulk storage -- durability, UV resistance, food-safe materials, and a built-in steel frame -- also make them perfect for rainwater harvesting, gardening, aquaponics, composting, and dozens of other homestead and DIY applications.
Our creative reuse products start with carefully selected food-grade IBC totes that have been cleaned and inspected. We then modify them in our Omaha workshop to create ready-to-use products that would cost significantly more if built from scratch. Each product comes with all necessary fittings, adapters, and basic setup instructions.
Whether you are a suburban homeowner looking to reduce your water bill, an urban farmer building a backyard aquaponics system, or a rancher who needs a high-capacity livestock waterer, we have a repurposed IBC solution for you.
IBC Rain Barrel
$125 - $200Harvest up to 275 gallons from a single downspout
Our most popular repurposed product. A used food-grade IBC tote converted into a high-capacity rain barrel that collects and stores rainwater from your roof gutters. Each unit captures 5-10 times more water than a typical 50-gallon rain barrel, making it ideal for serious gardeners, small farms, and off-grid properties.
What's Included
- Food-grade HDPE tote (previously held food-safe liquids)
- Downspout diverter inlet installed in top cap
- Mesh screen filter to keep debris and mosquitoes out
- 2-inch butterfly valve for high-flow output
- Garden hose adapter included for easy connection
- Optional opaque UV cover to prevent algae growth
- Steel cage provides structural support and security
- Standard 48" x 40" pallet base for stability
Setup & Tips
Position the IBC tote on a level surface near a downspout. For gravity-fed watering, elevate the tote on our IBC stand for 18-30 inches of head pressure. Connect a garden hose to the bottom valve adapter and run it to your garden beds. One inch of rainfall on a 1,000-square-foot roof produces approximately 600 gallons of water -- more than enough to fill two IBC rain barrels.
IBC Raised Garden Planter
$100 - $175No-bend gardening at the perfect working height
A used IBC tote cut and configured as a raised garden planter. The steel cage provides a sturdy frame, and the HDPE liner retains moisture while allowing proper drainage. At approximately 30 inches tall on its pallet base, this planter puts your garden at a comfortable working height -- no kneeling or bending required.
What's Included
- IBC tote cut to desired depth (12", 18", or 24" options)
- Drainage holes pre-drilled in the HDPE bottom
- Steel cage serves as a built-in trellis for climbing plants
- Landscape fabric liner included to retain soil
- Holds 15-30 cubic feet of soil depending on depth
- Pallet base elevates the planter and provides air circulation
- Can be lined with food-grade plastic for edible gardens
- Optional drip irrigation kit available
Setup & Tips
Place the planter on a level surface that receives adequate sunlight for your intended crops. Fill with a quality garden soil mix (we recommend a 60/40 blend of topsoil and compost). The steel cage bars make excellent support for tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, and other climbing vegetables. For root vegetables, choose the 24-inch depth option.
IBC Aquaponics System
$250 - $400Grow fish and vegetables in one integrated system
A complete aquaponics starter system built from a single 275-gallon IBC tote. The tote is cut into two sections: the lower two-thirds becomes a 180-gallon fish tank, and the upper third is inverted to create a media-filled grow bed. A simple pump circulates nutrient-rich water from the fish tank through the grow bed and back, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that produces both fresh fish and vegetables.
What's Included
- IBC tote professionally cut and assembled
- Bottom section: ~180-gallon fish tank with viewing window option
- Top section: inverted grow bed with bell siphon drainage
- Water pump and plumbing kit included
- Expanded clay media (LECA) for the grow bed
- Bell siphon assembly for automatic flood-and-drain cycling
- Opaque wrap to prevent algae growth in fish tank
- Starter guide with fish species and plant recommendations
Setup & Tips
Set up in a location with 6-8 hours of sunlight for the grow bed. The system cycles approximately 275 gallons of water per hour through the grow bed and back to the fish tank. Tilapia, catfish, and goldfish are popular choices for beginners. The grow bed supports lettuce, herbs, tomatoes, peppers, and most leafy greens. Allow 4-6 weeks for the nitrogen cycle to establish before adding fish.
IBC Compost Bin
$90 - $150High-volume composting in a contained, manageable system
A modified IBC tote designed for efficient aerobic composting. The steel cage provides structure while ventilation cuts in the HDPE walls ensure proper airflow. The 275-gallon capacity handles yard waste, kitchen scraps, and farm residues at a scale that small bins cannot match. The butterfly valve at the bottom makes it easy to extract finished compost or compost tea.
What's Included
- Ventilation holes cut in strategic pattern for aerobic decomposition
- Removable top for easy loading of materials
- Bottom valve for draining compost tea (liquid fertilizer)
- Steel cage prevents animal intrusion
- Optional lid with mesh screen for pest control
- Pallet base keeps compost off the ground for air circulation
- Capacity for approximately 1 cubic yard of material
- Optional internal divider for two-stage composting
Setup & Tips
Place in a shaded area with good drainage. Layer green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials in a 1:3 ratio. The enclosed design retains heat better than open pile composting, accelerating decomposition. Expect finished compost in 2-4 months with regular turning. Drain compost tea from the bottom valve weekly for an excellent liquid fertilizer.
IBC Livestock Waterer
$125 - $175275 gallons of clean water for your animals
A food-grade IBC tote configured for livestock watering. The large capacity means less frequent refilling, and the gravity-fed valve provides a consistent, low-pressure water supply. Popular with cattle ranchers, horse farms, and poultry operations in the Omaha area and throughout rural Nebraska.
What's Included
- Food-grade tote (safe for animal drinking water)
- Float valve connection for automatic refilling from a water line
- Low-pressure outlet for trough or bowl connection
- Opaque cover to prevent algae growth
- Steel cage protects against animal damage
- Can be connected in series for larger herds
- Winter option: thermostatically controlled de-icer
- Easy to clean and refill through the 6-inch top opening
Setup & Tips
Position within reach of a water supply line for automatic refilling, or fill manually with a hose. Elevate on a stand or platform so the outlet valve feeds a trough by gravity. For winter use in Nebraska, add a stock tank de-icer or wrap with an insulated blanket to prevent freezing. Clean the tote and replace water at least monthly during warm weather.
IBC Deck / Dock Float
$100 - $150Floating platforms for docks, decks, and water features
Clean, sealed IBC totes used as flotation barrels for floating docks, swimming platforms, and water-based structures. Each sealed 275-gallon tote provides approximately 2,200 pounds of buoyancy, making them an economical alternative to purpose-built dock floats. The steel cage adds structural rigidity and provides attachment points for decking frameworks.
What's Included
- Pressure-tested for leak-free performance
- Sealed cap and valve to prevent water entry
- Steel cage provides framework attachment points
- ~2,200 lbs buoyancy per 275-gallon tote
- Can be chained or bolted together for larger platforms
- UV cover recommended for longevity in direct sun
- Can support wood or composite decking on top
- Available in white, black, or blue bottles
Setup & Tips
Secure multiple totes together using the steel cage connection points. Build a wood or aluminum frame on top for decking. Each tote supports approximately 2,200 lbs of weight when fully submerged. For a standard dock section, four totes arranged in a 2x2 grid support a 4x8-foot deck with ample capacity for people and equipment. Check local regulations for floating structure permits.
DIY vs. Pre-Built: Your Choice
Buy a Pre-Built Product
Our pre-built products come ready to use with all modifications, fittings, and adapters installed. Just position, connect, and start using. Perfect if you want a turnkey solution without the hassle of cutting, drilling, and plumbing an IBC tote yourself.
All pre-built products include a 30-day satisfaction guarantee on our workmanship and modifications.
Buy a Used Tote + Accessories
If you enjoy DIY projects, buy a used IBC tote and the individual accessories you need. We sell garden hose adapters, mesh screens, UV covers, and all the fittings required for most conversion projects. You will save money and have full control over the design.
We are happy to advise on the best accessories for your specific project. Just ask.
Environmental Impact
130 lbs
Plastic Saved Per Tote
Each repurposed IBC tote keeps approximately 130 pounds of HDPE plastic out of landfills and the recycling stream.
600+ gal
Rainwater Per Inch
One inch of rain on a 1,000 sq ft roof produces over 600 gallons of free, chemical-free water for your garden.
70%
Water Bill Reduction
Homeowners who switch to rainwater irrigation typically reduce their outdoor water consumption by 50-70%.
Nebraska Rainwater Collection Laws
Rainwater harvesting is legal in Nebraska with no permit required for residential use. The state encourages water conservation practices, and there are no restrictions on the volume of rainwater you can collect from your own roof. Some municipalities may have additional guidelines regarding the appearance or placement of collection systems -- check with your local building department if you plan to install in a front yard or visible area.
For commercial or agricultural rainwater collection systems, consult the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources regarding any applicable water rights considerations for large-scale operations.