Answer-first: which grade fits which use?
- Food, beverage, fermentation, sanitary chemistry: Grade A — Food Grade (typically triple-rinsed and hot-washed, food-only history).
- Soap base, mild ag chemistry, fertilizer mix, brewery glycol: Grade B — Washed (typically hot- or steam-washed, food-compatible history).
- Non-potable water, raw materials, rain catchment, raised beds: Grade C — Rinsed (typically cold-rinsed, industrial history).
- Repurposing as planter, hydroponic, or non-fluid use: any grade works.
The grades, in detail
Grade A — Food Grade
Typical wash: several sequential rinses with draining between each, then a hot or steam wash, followed by visual inspection. Better suppliers also disassemble the manway and valve and replace gaskets. Exact methods vary, so ask the supplier how their Grade A units are cleaned.
Previous contents: food, beverage, food-safe additives only. A tote that previously held anything industrial generally shouldn't be sold as “food grade,” even if it's been 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
Typical wash: a hot or steam wash, usually without the multi-rinse pre-wash used for food grade. Manway and valve inspected, gaskets replaced if visibly worn.
Typical previous contents: 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
Typical wash: a cold-water rinse through the manway and out the valve, followed by a visual check.
Typical previous contents: 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 that's been washed AND had cage, bottle or valve repairs addressed. Many Grade A and B units on the market are technically “recon” in addition to being graded.
Bottle swap (or “rebottled”)
A salvageable cage paired with a new or refurbished bottle from a different source. The bottle's previous contents and condition follow the bottle; the cage's history follows the cage. Ask the supplier what's known about each.
UN/DOT marked (UN-rated)
An additional layer on top of grade. UN markings show an IBC design was tested for transporting regulated (hazardous) materials. Reused, rebottled or reconditioned IBCs generally need the required periodic tests and inspections to be current before they can ship hazmat. This site doesn't take requests for UN-rated totes for hazardous materials; check current regulations and work with a qualified packaging supplier.
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 the bottle's rated temperature. HDPE softens.
What if you need something between grades?
Some suppliers offer an in-between option, such as a washed tote with an extra inspection step and documented previous contents. It can suit non-food but high-sanitation applications (cosmetic raw materials, for example). Describe your use in your quote request and the supplier can tell you what they offer.