Factors Affecting the Lifespan of IBC Totes Outdoors
- Exposure to Sunlight: Unprotected IBC plastic can become brittle after a few years of exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) energy found in sunlight. UV exposure can often make the top of an IBC tote become brittle first as it is most likely to receive more sunlight longer and more evenly. Most modern poly IBC totes include UV stabilizing agents that get added during manufacturing that work to significantly reduce the effects of sunlight UV and extend an IBC’s service life. The poly caged IBC totes we offer are made with premium UV stabilized high-density polyethylene plastic.
- Materials of the Tank and Cargo: The exact materials that IBC components are made from and their compatibility with the cargo the tote carries can affect the IBC’s outdoor service life. Corrosive or hazardous cargo can chemically weaken the IBC over time if the tote is not fully resistant, which can be intensified through sunlight and heating. If the poly tote is carrying an inert cargo, such as water, this will not be a concern to the IBC’s lifespan.
- Maintenance and Care: Proper care and maintenance can lengthen the life of an IBC tote. For instance, deep cleaning to remove algae, biofilms, or chemical residues can limit damage to the tote’s plastic tank. Proper care such as preventing damage, storing indoor when possible, and not dropping the tote, can help to extend the useful life of an outdoor IBC.
- Temperature Variations: Outdoor IBC totes are exposed to temperature variations through the seasons, and this will cause the plastic material of the tank to expand and contract. This is normal and not harmful to the tote plastic. However, if temperatures are extremely hot, ≥ 100°F, or extremely low, ≤ 0°F, this can cause the plastic to weaken and be more susceptible to physical damage or chemical attack.
- Weather Conditions: While the polyethylene material the container is made from is weatherproof and rustproof, the metal tote frames can be susceptible to rusting. Even though our poly tote cages are made from galvanized steel, if the steel gets damaged, such as deep scratches, it can serve as a starting point for rust. Significant exposure to precipitation or the tote sitting in water can accelerate rust formation when it begins.
How Long Do IBC Totes Last Outdoors?
While an IBC’s useful life will vary based on the above factors, some IBC totes have been known to last more than 5 years while sitting in the sun and storing water. However, without protecting the IBC from sunlight, or more precisely the sun’s UV rays, they may only last around 2 years with high intensity, extended direct sunlight exposure.
Preserving the Lifespan of IBC Totes
To preserve the lifespan of an IBC tote that is used and kept outdoors, consider the following tips:
- Use a Cover: Using a cover that blocks harmful UV rays can prevent the damage it can cause to the tote’s plastic and allow IBCs to last for even more years outside.
- Proper Placement: The placement of the IBC tote will affect the amount of sun UV exposure and therefore the IBC’s lifespan. By placing an IBC in the shade of a building or vegetation, or building a structure for it, can significantly limit sunlight stress on the container.
- Store Inside When Not in Use: If possible, such as between seasons or during long periods of inactivity, consider storing the IBC tote inside a structure, such as a shed, garage, barn, or warehouse, to prevent unnecessary sun exposure.
While outdoor storage and use may impact the lifespan of IBC totes due to UV energy from the sun and environmental influences, with the proper care and protection, the lifespan of an outdoor IBC tote can be extended for many years of useful service.
