A 275-gallon tote holds a lot of liquid. If a valve fails or a forklift punctures a bottle, it can all come out quickly, and a site with no plan may see it reach a floor drain, soil, or a storm sewer.
Good containment protects people, property, and water, and it can also be a legal requirement. This guide covers the main options and planning points. It is general information, not legal advice. Requirements depend on your materials and site, so check current regulations.
Rules That May Apply
Several kinds of rules can affect how you contain liquids in totes. Knowing which apply to you is the first step.
Oil Storage and SPCC
EPA's Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule applies to certain sites that store oil above set amounts. Oil can include petroleum products, vegetable oils, and animal fats. Add up all your storage capacity, then check whether the rule covers you.
Hazardous Waste
Federal and state waste rules can set containment requirements for sites that store hazardous waste in containers.
Workplace Safety
OSHA standards can apply to storage areas for flammable and combustible liquids, including keeping spills from reaching other areas.
Water Protection
Discharges to waterways are restricted, so sites near waterways or storm drains need to think hard about where a spill would go.
Secondary Containment: The Core Idea
Primary containment is the tote itself. Secondary containment is the backup that catches and holds liquid if the tote fails.
Sizing Your Containment
Containment should be able to hold at least the full contents of the largest tote in the area, plus any margin that applies to your site. Sizing rules differ by material and regulation, so check current regulations before you buy.
Spill Containment Options for IBC Totes
The right choice depends on the number of totes, what they hold, and whether storage is indoors or outdoors.
1. IBC Containment Pallets
These are purpose-built platforms with a grated deck over a sump. The tote sits on the grate, and leaks drain into the basin below. Polyethylene models resist corrosion and suit many chemicals, and steel models are stronger and may suit fire-sensitive storage. Check the sump capacity and load rating, and confirm compatibility using the SDS.
2. Spill Containment Berms
Berms are flexible, folding barriers that create a containment area on a flat surface, using a chemical-resistant liner with raised walls. They suit outdoor areas, loading docks, and places where permanent structures are not practical.
3. Concrete Containment Areas
For permanent storage, a sealed concrete area with raised curbs is a sturdy option. Use a coating suited to the stored liquids, and do not run drains to the storm sewer. A closed sump lets collected liquid be checked and handled properly.
4. Enclosed Containment Units
These are cabinets or small buildings with built-in sumps and weather protection, sometimes with ventilation and fire protection. Confirm with the maker and your local fire authority that a unit suits your materials.
Outdoor Storage: Additional Considerations
Outdoor storage brings challenges that indoor storage does not. Rain and snowmelt collect in open containment and take up capacity, which can leave too little room for a spill. Chicago-area storms and spring melt make this a real concern. Allow for rainfall when you size outdoor containment, and check whether current regulations set a design storm for your site.
Practical options include a roof or canopy, extra freeboard, and a routine for removing rainwater. Check that water before releasing it, in case it is contaminated. Stormwater rules can apply as well.
Spill Response Planning
Containment is only half of the job. You also need a plan for when something goes wrong. A written plan should cover:
- •Spill kits: Keep stocked kits close to tote storage, with absorbents suited to your products, protective gear, disposal bags, and a copy of the SDS.
- •Notification: Write down who to contact, and when. Some spills must be reported to agencies, so check current regulations.
- •Training: Everyone who works near totes should know what to do, including temporary workers. Keep records and refresh it regularly.
- •Inspections: Regularly check containment, spill kits, tote condition, and valves, and record what you find.
- •Disposal: Used absorbents and recovered liquid may be regulated waste. Follow the SDS and applicable rules.
Common Containment Mistakes to Avoid
Illinois and Local Considerations
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency administers state environmental rules, which can add containment, reporting, or permitting requirements depending on your materials and location. Sites close to wetlands, flood plains, or water supply wells should look closely. Chicago-area municipalities and counties may also have stormwater ordinances that affect outdoor containment.
If you are unsure what applies, ask an environmental professional or contact the agency directly.
Totes for Your Operation
Containment equipment usually comes from specialist vendors, so confirm the fit with your tote before buying. For the totes themselves, IBC Recycling Chicago takes requests from Chicago and the Chicagoland area and passes them to partner suppliers. Availability depends on the supplier, and pricing comes by quote. Request a quote and a partner supplier follows up.
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Need IBC Totes for Your Operation?
Tell us what you are storing and how many totes you need. Your request goes to partner suppliers, and pricing comes by quote.