Answer-first: which grade fits which use?
- Food, beverage, fermentation, sanitary chemistry: Grade A — Food Grade (triple-rinse + steam, food-only history).
- Soap base, mild ag chemistry, fertilizer mix, brewery glycol: Grade B — Washed (steam-washed, food-compatible history).
- Non-potable water, raw materials, rain catchment, raised beds: Grade C — Rinsed (cold rinse, industrial history).
- Repurposing as planter, hydroponic, or non-fluid use: any grade works.
The grades, in detail
Grade A — Food Grade
Wash protocol: three sequential cold rinses, drain test between each, then steam wash at 180°F for ~6 minutes. Visual inspection under bright light. Manway and valve disassembled, gaskets replaced.
Previous contents allowed:food, beverage, food-safe additives only. We don't buy “food-grade” from sellers whose tote previously held anything industrial — even if washed clean.
Suitable for: first-fill food applications (with auditor approval), beverages, fermentation, syrups, dairy, sanitary chemistry, cosmetic actives at the formulation stage.
Not suitable for: anything regulated as pharmaceutical or requiring sealed virgin packaging.
Grade B — Washed
Wash protocol: steam wash at 180°F for ~6 minutes, no triple-rinse pre-wash. Manway and valve inspected, gaskets replaced if visibly worn.
Previous contents allowed: food, beverage, food-compatible industrial (soap base, fertilizer mix, non-corrosive industrial cleaner), brewery glycol, water-soluble lubricants.
Suitable for: agricultural water, fertilizer mix, soap base, brewery wash trim, road brine, industrial dosing systems, paint base (washing removes most residue).
Grade C — Rinsed
Wash protocol: cold rinse for ~4 minutes through the manway and out the valve. Visual check.
Previous contents allowed:general industrial, ag chemistry that doesn't leave residue, raw materials, motor oil base.
Suitable for: non-potable water, rain catchment, raised garden beds (with lining), hydroponics with lining, raw material storage where minor residue is acceptable.
Recon (Reconditioned)
“Recon” isn't a wash grade — it's a process. A reconditioned tote is one we've washed AND addressed cage/bottle/valve repairs on. Most of our Grade A and B units are technically “recon” in addition to being graded.
Bottle swap (or “rebottled”)
A salvageable cage paired with a refurbished bottle from a different donor tote. Documented separately. The bottle's previous contents and condition follow the bottle; the cage's history follows the cage. Both get logged.
UN/DOT certified
An additional layer on top of grade. If the original UN/DOT marking on the cage is still legible and the tote passes the required pressure and drop tests, we tag it UN/DOT certified — meaning it's authorized to ship regulated chemistries domestically. Reapplication of UN/DOT markings is paperwork-intensive and we charge $32/tote for that service.
What “food grade” doesn't mean
Food grade does not mean:
- Pharmaceutical-grade. Pharma requires sealed virgin containers.
- Sterile. Steam wash isn't sterilization. If you need sterile, autoclave or chemical-sterilize after receipt.
- HACCP-certified. The tote is HACCP-compatible, but your facility's plan governs.
- Suitable for hot fill above 140°F. HDPE softens.
What if you need something between grades?
We offer a fourth tier on request: Grade B+ — washed and certified food-compatible. This is Grade B with an additional inspection step and documented previous-contents trace. Useful for non-food but high-sanitation applications (cosmetic raw materials, mineral water repackaging). $14 surcharge.