Container Reconditioning Guide
Comprehensive guide for preparing used drums and IBCs for reconditioning facilities. Learn what container facilities will and won't accept for processing and refurbishment.
Container Reconditioning Policy
This policy instructs container generators on how to prepare used empty containers (drums and IBCs) for legal and safe shipment to reconditioning facilities for processing and refurbishment in compliance with EPA regulations.
Important: Container reconditioning facilities have strict acceptance criteria for what materials they can and cannot process. Understanding these requirements is essential for successful container return and reconditioning.
Legal Compliance
All containers must conform to EPA standards under 40 CFR 261.7 for safe and legal transportation to reconditioning facilities.
Facility Requirements
Reconditioning facilities have specific material acceptance criteria to ensure safe processing and environmental compliance.
General Container Acceptance Criteria
All used containers (drums and IBCs) sent to reconditioning facilities must meet these essential standards for acceptance and processing.
Closure Requirements
All closures must be secured as if shipped full of product
- Plugs, covers, and closing rings must be in place
- IBC caps must be properly secured
- Refer to USEPA regulations at 40 CFR 261.7
Surface Cleanliness
Containers must be clean and free of contamination
- All outside surfaces must be clean
- No chemical contamination on exterior
- Visual inspection required before shipping
Label Requirements
Original labels must remain intact and legible
- Product name must be visible
- Manufacturer information required
- Health hazard labels must be intact
Drip Dry Standards
Containers must be properly emptied using normal methods
- Pouring, pumping, or aspirating methods
- Remove all pourable material
- Specific residue limits apply by location
Container Residue Limits by Location
Specific residue limits based on container type and processing facility location. California facilities have stricter requirements.
Standard Drums
Maximum Residue:
1 inch of non-pourable material
Weight Limit:
3% by weight of total capacity
Requirements:
- Normal emptying methods
- Pouring/pumping/aspirating
IBCs (Intermediate Bulk Containers)
Maximum Residue:
1 inch of non-pourable material
Weight Limit:
0.30% by weight of total capacity
Requirements:
- Proper drainage procedures
- Complete emptying process
California Containers
Maximum Residue:
No pourable material remaining
Weight Limit:
0.30% by weight (IBCs only)
Requirements:
- Drip dry certification
- Physical removal methods (scraping/chipping)
- No tilting/draining residue possible
Material Acceptance Policy for Reconditioning Facilities
Container reconditioning facilities have strict material restrictions based on safety, environmental, and processing capabilities.
Materials Never Accepted by Reconditioning Facilities
Containers that previously held these materials will be rejected:
- Acutely hazardous residues (RCRA P List)
- DOT Class 1: Explosive Materials
- DOT Class 2: Gaseous Materials
- DOT Class 4.1: Flammable Solids (not in Appendix B)
- DOT Class 4.2: Spontaneously Combustible
- DOT Class 6.2: Biological/Infectious Materials
- DOT Class 7: Radioactive Materials
- Dioxin-Bearing Waste
- PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl Substances)
- Galvanized drums (furnace processing)
- Malathion/Parathion
- Mercaptans (Thiols), Pyridine (high odor)
- Mercury/Lead/Cadmium/Arsenic bearing materials
- Hexavalent Chromium/Selenium/Silver bearing materials
- PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Exception: Items marked with (*) may be accepted with triple rinse and approved failsafe systems - see special exceptions below.
Materials Requiring Triple Rinse
Containers must be triple rinsed and labeled "Triple Rinsed":
- Acrylonitrile (≥0.1% concentration)
- Ammonium Bisulfite (≥0.1% concentration)
- Ammonium Fluoride/Bifluoride (≥0.1% concentration)
- Benzene (≥0.1% concentration)
- Butyl acrylate (≥0.1% concentration)
- Formaldehyde (≥0.1% concentration)
- Hydrochloric Acid (≥0.1% concentration)
- DOT Class 5.1 Oxidizers PG I (≥0.1% concentration)
- DOT Class 6.1 PG I & II Poisonous materials (≥0.1% concentration)
- Halogenated Organic Compounds (≥0.1% concentration)
- FIFRA-Regulated Materials (≥0.1% concentration)
- Lachrymators (causes eyes to tear)
- Triethylamine (≥0.1% concentration)
Facility Exemption Available
May be triple rinsed OR accepted by exempt facilities:
- Acids >50% concentration or pH <2.0
- Caustics >50% concentration or pH >12.5
- DOT Class 5.1 Oxidizers PG II & III
- DOT Class 5.2 Organic Peroxides
- FIFRA-Regulated Materials
Special Authorization Materials
May be accepted with special procedures and EHS Director approval:
DOT Class 4.3 Water Reactive Materials*
Triple rinse + failsafe systems + written procedures
EHS Director approval required
Hydrofluoric Acid/Hydrogen Fluoride*
Triple rinse + failsafe systems + written procedures
EHS Director approval required
Potassium/Sodium Permanganate*
Triple rinse + failsafe systems + written procedures
EHS Director approval required
Hydrogen-Bonded Silicones (Si-H)*
Must meet specific ppm limits + written procedures
EHS Director approval required
Non-Conforming Container Policy
Reconditioning facilities have strict policies for handling containers that don't meet acceptance criteria or contain prohibited materials.
Immediate Actions
- Non-compliant containers are clearly labeled
- Quarantined in designated area
- Generator immediately notified
Generator Responsibilities
- Immediate removal at generator's expense
- Entire shipment may be rejected for high volumes of non-compliant containers
- Additional transportation and handling costs apply
Have Materials Not Accepted by Container Reconditioners?
Don't worry! We specialize in safe disposal of materials that container reconditioning facilities can't accept. Our expert team provides compliant disposal solutions for restricted materials including PCBs, radioactive materials, biological waste, and other hazardous substances.
Restricted Materials
Expert disposal of PCBs, radioactive materials, biological waste, and other materials rejected by reconditioners
Compliance Assured
Full regulatory compliance with EPA, RCRA, DOT, and state requirements for specialized waste disposal
Certified Expertise
Licensed in all 50 states with specialized permits for handling materials too hazardous for standard reconditioning
We Accept What Others Can't
High-Risk Materials:
- PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
- Radioactive materials
- Biological/infectious materials
- Dioxin-bearing waste
- PFAS compounds
Specialized Disposal:
- Heavy metal contaminated containers
- Explosive/gaseous material residues
- Spontaneously combustible materials
- Acutely hazardous residues
- High odor compounds
Get Expert Disposal Solutions Today
Don't let restricted materials create compliance headaches. Our specialists will assess your materials and provide safe, compliant disposal solutions.
24/7 Emergency Disposal
support@hazcycle.comAdditional Resources & Training
Access helpful resources and training materials for proper container preparation.
Preparation Poster
Download our helpful poster for proper drum and IBC preparation guidelines.
Training Video
Master safe and compliant IBC and drum return with our instructional video.
Certification Program
Get certified in proper container handling and hazmat compliance.
Need Container Compliance Assistance?
Contact our compliance experts for guidance on container preparation, material classification, and regulatory requirements.