Summary

Interesting ideas for uses of IBC totes and 55 gallon barrels.

If you’ve ever desired a used 55-gallon drum or an IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) tote—especially ones that previously held harmless materials like food ingredients or non-toxic cleaners—you may have wondered, what can I do with this giant container? The good news is, with a bit of cleaning and creativity, these industrial containers can be repurposed for a wide range of household uses. Below are some practical, eco-friendly, and even artistic ways to reuse them around the home.

🌱 1. Rainwater Harvesting System

IBC Tote Use:
IBC totes make perfect rainwater collection tanks thanks to their large capacity (usually 275–330 gallons) and built-in spigots. Position one under your downspout, add a mesh screen to filter debris, and you’ve got yourself a sustainable irrigation system for your garden. We even sell a spigot and can point you in the right direction to get your tote 100% ready for those rains & hot dry times!

55-Gallon Drum Use:
Smaller rain barrels made from 55-gallon drums can be tucked under smaller eaves or connected in series for more storage. We sell a kit with all of the parts sourced already that; with a little bit of drilling you can turn our used barrels into a small containment system!

🪴 2. DIY Raised Garden Beds

55-Gallon Drum Use:
Cut them in half lengthwise, add drainage holes, and you’ve got two durable raised garden beds. These are ideal for vegetables, herbs, or even decorative plants.

IBC Tote Use:
With the top portion of the bottle removed and drainage added, IBC totes can serve as deep beds for root vegetables like carrots or potatoes. Then you can upcycle the cage for other things!

🔥 3. Backyard Fire Pit or BBQ Smoker

55-Gallon Drum Use:
Used steel drums are often turned into backyard fire pits or homemade BBQ smokers. With proper ventilation, fireproofing, and safe modifications, you can enjoy cozy fires or smoked meats without spending a fortune.

🐓 4. Animal Feed or Water Troughs

IBC Tote or 55-Gallon Drum Use:
Cut to the right size and shape, both containers can be used as livestock troughs or feeders. The previous contents were 100% non-toxic, but we still recommend you clean thoroughly before use.

🚿 5. Outdoor Shower or Handwashing Station

IBC Tote Use:
Need a rustic shower at your cabin, workshop, or garden? Mount an IBC tote above a sturdy platform (remember a full tote can weigh upwards of 2,700 lbs.) and fit it with a simple gravity-fed plumbing setup. Black-painted totes even warm up with the sun for a hot shower experience!

🎮 6. DIY Furniture or Decor

55-Gallon Drum Use:
With some cutting, sanding, and painting, steel drums can be transformed into:

  • Industrial-style chairs or stools

  • Coffee tables

  • Outdoor storage units

Plastic drums can become whimsical garden art or colorful compost bins.

Used Whiskey Barrels make beautiful works of art that will last generations if done right!

🍂 7. Composting Bin

55-Gallon Drum Use:
Turn a plastic drum into a compost tumbler with some ventilation holes and a crank or hand-turned mechanism. This helps speed up decomposition and keeps pests out.

IBC Tote Use:
Ideal for static piles or larger-scale composting efforts, especially on homesteads.

🚧 8. Tool or Equipment Storage

IBC Tote Use:
Cut off the top, and you’ve got a rugged storage bin for tools, firewood, or even sports equipment. The cage can be used separately as a rack or heavy-duty frame for other projects like firewood storage or stone transport.

💡 Final Tips

  • Always clean thoroughly. Even if the contents were juice and “harmless,” residue can affect plants or animals.

  • Label your containers. Especially if you’re using them for food or water storage.

  • Use food-grade containers if you plan to store anything consumable (water, animal feed, garden soil). Some containers were specifically used in the food industry and are considered safe for that. The food industry is audited to food safety standards, but did you know that many container manufacturers are held to the same standards and regularly audited by the same governing body? If it was harmful in your application, we would not recommend or sell it to you. Please be transparent with us when inquiring so that we may best serve you! We would not want to sell you anything that was reconditioned as it is not safe for food but perfect for chemicals or fuel storage!

♻️ Conclusion

Reusing 55-gallon drums and IBC totes is not only a sustainable way to reduce waste or upcycle and give it a second life but also a fun and cost-effective way to create functional assets for your home and garden. With a bit of effort, these industrial cast-offs can live a second life as integral parts of your eco-friendly household.

Have you repurposed a drum or tote? Share our post so others will know!