An IBC (intermediate bulk container) is one of the most cost-effective ways to store and move liquids in bulk. Prices vary quite a lot depending on whether you buy new, rebottled or reconditioned, and on extras such as food grade, UN approval or UV protection.
This guide sets out what an IBC costs in the UK, what makes one IBC more expensive than another, and the other costs to budget for. All prices are from our current IBC containers range.
The short answer
A 1,000 litre IBC costs from £178 ex VAT for a reconditioned IBC, from £228 for a rebottled IBC and from £247 for a new IBC. Buying in bulk brings the price down, to £135 each for 52 or more reconditioned IBCs. Standard delivery to mainland UK is free.
IBC prices at a glance
Prices are per IBC, excluding VAT, and correct at November 2026.
| IBC type | Price for 1 IBC | Lowest bulk price |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 litre reconditioned IBC | From £178 | £135 (52+) |
| 1,000 litre rebottled IBC | From £228 | £191 (32+) |
| 1,000 litre new IBC, plastic pallet | From £247 | £210 (32+) |
| 1,000 litre new IBC, steel/plastic pallet | From £251 | £213 (32+) |
| 1,000 litre food grade IBC | From £253 | £215 (32+) |
| 1,000 litre black UV-protected IBC | From £259 | £219 (32+) |
| 1,000 litre AdBlue IBC | From £261 | £217 (32+) |
| 1,000 litre anti-static (EX) IBC | From £338 | £283 (32+) |
| 300 litre COMPACTline IBC | From £222 | £180 (30+) |
| Foldable IBC (Combolife bag-in-box) | From £549 | – |
Each product page shows the full quantity price breaks, so you can see the price per IBC at every level before you order.
Why do IBC prices vary?
New, rebottled or reconditioned
This is the biggest factor in price.
- Reconditioned IBCs are the cheapest. The original bottle and cage are cleaned, inspected and leak tested. They’re a good choice for water and compatible non-hazardous liquids, but not for food, drinking water or dangerous goods.
- Rebottled IBCs combine a brand new inner bottle and valve with a used, inspected cage and pallet. You get a clean new bottle for around £20 less than a new IBC.
- New IBCs are made entirely from unused components. They give the longest service life and the widest choice of approvals.
Not sure which to choose? See our guide to choosing between new, rebottled and reconditioned IBCs and the difference between reconditioned and rebottled IBCs.
Approvals and specification
Extra features add to the cost:
- Food grade: for food ingredients, drinks and drinking water.
- UN approval: needed to transport dangerous goods. Approval applies to the complete tested design, so check the details on each product page.
- UV protection: a black bottle that blocks sunlight and stops algae growing in stored water. Ideal outdoors.
- Anti-static (EX): for flammable liquids where static build-up must be controlled.
- AdBlue: fitted out for storing and dispensing AdBlue.
Pallet type
Our new 1,000 litre IBC on a plastic pallet is slightly cheaper than the version on a steel/plastic pallet. Both can be moved by forklift or pallet truck.
Quantity
Every IBC has quantity price breaks, typically at 4, 12, 20 and 32 units. If you use IBCs regularly, buying a full load can save 15–25% per IBC. For larger or repeat orders, ask us for a volume quote.
Delivery costs
Standard delivery to mainland UK is free, usually within 1–3 working days. Next working day delivery is £12.99. Some large or pallet orders, and deliveries to the Scottish Highlands, islands and Northern Ireland, can cost more. If so, we’ll contact you before we dispatch. See our delivery information for full details.
Other costs to budget for
The IBC itself is usually only part of the cost. Depending on how you’ll use it, you may also need:
- Fittings and adaptors: to connect a hose or tap to the outlet, from £13.26. See IBC fittings.
- A cover: to keep out dust and sunlight, from £24.49, or £117 for a UV-resistant IBC cover. See IBC covers.
- A bund or spill pallet: required by law if you store oil at a business site, and recommended for chemicals. An IBC spill pallet with an 1,125 litre sump starts from £644.10. Find out what size bund you need for an IBC.
How to get the best value
- Match the IBC to the job. For rainwater or non-hazardous liquids, a reconditioned IBC is usually the cheapest option. Only pay for food grade or UN approval if you need it.
- Think about lifespan. A new IBC can last 10 years or more with care. That can make it the better value over time if you’ll use it every day.
- Buy in quantity. Check the price breaks: moving up a tier can cut the price per IBC significantly.
- Plan your extras. Order fittings, covers and bunds at the same time, so everything arrives together.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 1,000 litre IBC cost?
From £178 ex VAT for a reconditioned IBC, £228 for a rebottled IBC and £247 for a new IBC, with lower prices for bulk orders.
What is the cheapest IBC?
A reconditioned 1,000 litre IBC, from £178 ex VAT, or £135 each for 52 or more. It’s suitable for water and compatible non-hazardous liquids.
How much is a food grade IBC?
Our 1,000 litre food grade IBC is from £253 ex VAT, or £215 each for 32 or more.
Is it worth buying a new IBC rather than a used one?
If you need food grade, dangerous goods approval or the longest service life, yes. For rainwater, irrigation or non-hazardous liquids, a reconditioned or rebottled IBC is usually better value.
Do IBC prices include delivery?
Standard delivery to mainland UK is free. Some large or pallet orders and remote areas may cost more, and we’ll always contact you first.
Are IBC prices shown with or without VAT?
Prices in this guide exclude VAT. Each product page shows both prices.
Prices correct at November 2026 and may change. Check the product pages for the latest prices and quantity breaks. Need help choosing an IBC? Contact our team.