How to Store IBCs and Meet Containment Regs

Question: I store hazardous waste in intermediate bulk containers (IBCs). What secondary containment options are available that will help me comply with secondary containment regulations?

Answer: Your containment system must have sufficient capacity to “contain 10% of the volume of the containers, or the total volume of the largest container, whichever is greater” [40 CFR 264.175]. But the regulation also requires that “the containers are elevated or are otherwise protected from contact with the accumulated liquid.” Basically, if any liquid leaks out of the container, it can’t just sit in its own waste.

So the challenge with IBCs is that just placing them in a large sump isn’t a secondary containment solution. Doing so makes it nearly impossible to dispense from the valves on these containers and there’s no barrier between the IBC and any liquid that could accumulate in the sump.

Poly IBC Spill Containment Pallets provide durable, chemically resistant large-capacity containment for IBC units. The pallets offer high-volume containment and lift the totes to a manageable height for dispensing, while keeping them free of any liquids that may leak into the sump area. These pallets are also available in a twin model for storing two totes side by side and provide 535 gallons of containment.

If you need secondary containment for flammable liquids, use a steel containment unit, which can be grounded. Two totes can be stacked on our heavy-duty units – they have a 12,000 lb. load capacity and 400 gal. sump capacity. Modular IBC Spill Pallets allow you to create a low-profile, expandable storage system for up to five totes.

Ready to upgrade your IBCs’ secondary containment system? Get proper IBC Containment to keep your IBCs protected and comply with regs.