Container Definitions / Descriptions

Terms Attributed to Size, Use, Material and Manufacture
of these containers

Click images to enlarge

Asset Tank – Also known as Rotationally Molded Tanks, these tanks are designed and constructed for multi trip and many years of use. Asset Tanks are manufactured in capacities of 60 to 330 gallons, and typically are constructed of Rotationally Molded Polyethylene (most common) or Stainless Steel (not as common). New units or tanks already in service must meet all requirements of the August 2011 EPA Container and Containment Rule. (Images #1, #2, #3, #4)

Caged Unit – Also known as Bottle in Cage Totes, Caged IBC and Composite IBC, see Composite IBCs for description. (Images #5, #6)

Composite IBC – Also known as Caged IBC, Caged Totes and Caged Units, these Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) are designed for multiple trips and many years of use in a program that includes inspection, reconditioning, or replacement of the inner plastic container and valve. These units are constructed with three primary components – a blow molded inner plastic container made typically from natural HDPE plastic with UV-blocking additive; a surrounding galvanized steel cage; and a base made from steel, both steel and plastic, or wood. Bottle in Cage totes are sold in 275 gallon or 330 gallon sizes, depending on make and model; 275 gallon is the more popular size. New units or tanks already in service must meet all requirements of the August 2011 EPA Container and Containment Rule. (Images #5, #6)

Deposit IBC – This is a general term for IBC units that involve the end-user leaving a deposit at time of purchase. Once the IBC unit is returned to the manufacturer, or contractor acting on behalf of the manufacturer, the deposit is reimbursed to the end-user. This term can apply to any type of container including Caged Units, Asset IBCs. New units or tanks already in service must meet all requirements of the August 2011 EPA Container and Containment Rule. (Images #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6)

Drum – This container type is blow molded of high density high molecular weight polyethylene (HDPE) in capacities from 15 to 55 gallons (most common). Drums can be constructed of Stainless Steel (not as common). Refillable drums can be part of Mini Bulk and IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) management programs. New refillable drums, or refillable drums already in service must meet all requirements of the August 2011 EPA Container and Containment Rule. Single trip drums are accepted in the ACRC (Ag Container Recycling Council) program for HDPE container recycling.

IBC Tote – Also known as Bottle in Cage Totes, Caged Units and Composite IBCs, see Composite IBCs for description. (Images #5, #6)

Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) – This is a Department of Transportation term for containers that have capacities larger than 119 gallons and are designed for mechanical handling. IBCs are typically, but not always, reusable. (Images #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6)

Jug or Bottle – This container type is blow molded of high density (fractional melt) polyethylene (HDPE) ranging in size from half pints to 3 gallons. Typically Jugs or Bottles are not part of Mini Bulk and IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) management programs. However, Jugs and Bottles are part of the ACRC (Ag Container Recycling Council) program for HDPE container recycling.

Limited Use Tanks - This category describes tanks that need to be removed from service (either immediately or within 2.5 years) because they do not meet the requirements in the August 2011 EPA Container and Containment Rule. It includes Composite IBCs that are not in a program that includes inspection, reconditioning or replacement of the inner plastic container and valve. It also includes older containers that do not have the DOT markings and are not authorized for use by the registrant of the pesticide, such as the containers in Images #7, #8.

Long Term Use Tank – This term generally applies to Asset Tanks, Asset IBCs and Rotationally Molded Tanks. (Images #1, #2, #3, #4)

Mini Bulk – A group term for containers, typically reusable in capacities from 60 through 330 gallons and includes all Totes, Tanks and IBCs described here.

Non-bulk Container– This represents a Department of Transportation term for containers that have capacities of 119 gallons or less. Non-bulk containers include jugs, bottles, drums and small portable refillable containers.

Nonrefillable Container – A term from the August 2011 EPA Container and Containment Rule for pesticide containers that describes containers not intended to be filled with a pesticide more than once. These are also referred to as one-way or disposable containers. Jugs, bottles, and bags are generally nonrefillable containers. Drums, minibulks, and IBCs can be nonrefillable or refillable containers, depending on the intent of the pesticide manufacturer.

Portable Refillable Container (PRC) – A group term from the August 2011 EPA Container and Containment Rule for Mini Bulk and IBC containers that can be easily moved, refilled and reused, caged or not. PRCs include all Totes, Tanks and IBCs described here.

Refillable Container – A term from the August 2011 EPA Container and Containment Rule for pesticide containers that describes containers intended to be filled with a pesticide more than once. These are often referred to as reusable containers. Drums, Mini Bulks, and IBCs can be nonrefillable or refillable containers, depending on the intent of the pesticide manufacturer.

Rotationally Molded Polyethylene Tank – Also known as Rotomold, Asset Tank and Asset IBC, these tanks are typically free standing, made from high density polyethylene in a rotationally molded process vs. blow molded, and are not part of Caged Unit designs. New Rotationally Molded units or tanks already in service must meet all requirements of the August 2011 EPA Container and Containment Rule. (Images #1, #2, #3, #4)

Shuttle - A group term for Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC) and Mini Bulk.

Stainless Steel Tank – An asset tank constructed in stainless steel, these are currently in limited use.

Totes – A group term for Intermediate Bulk Container (IBCs) and Mini Bulks and are typically Caged Units. (Images #5, #6)