About Baltimore IBC Recycling
Since 2018, we've been Baltimore's trusted partner for sustainable IBC container solutions — buying, selling, recycling, and transporting used totes across the Mid-Atlantic region.
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Giving Every IBC Container a Second Life
At Baltimore IBC Recycling, we believe no intermediate bulk container should end up in a landfill when it still has useful life left. Our mission is to extend the lifecycle of every IBC tote that passes through our facility, whether that means cleaning and reconditioning it for resale, recycling its materials, or connecting sellers with buyers who need affordable containers.
Every tank we recycle keeps approximately 130 pounds of plastic and 75 pounds of steel out of landfills. Multiply that by the thousands of units we process each year, and the environmental impact is substantial. That is what drives us every single day.
Our Core Values
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Sustainability First
Every decision we make considers the environmental impact. We prioritize reuse over recycling, and recycling over disposal.
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Honest Pricing
Transparent, fair pricing for both buyers and sellers. No hidden fees, no bait-and-switch tactics.
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Quality Assurance
Every reconditioned IBC leaves our facility pressure-tested, cleaned, and ready for its next use cycle.
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Community Impact
We employ locally, source locally, and reinvest in Baltimore's environmental infrastructure.
Complete IBC Container Lifecycle Management
From acquisition to reconditioning to resale and responsible recycling, we handle every stage of the IBC container lifecycle.
Buy IBC Totes
We purchase used IBC tanks from manufacturers, distributors, and commercial operations at competitive prices. Quick pickup and immediate payment.
★Sell IBC Totes
Browse our inventory of cleaned, inspected, and reconditioned IBC containers. Food-grade, chemical-grade, and general-use options available.
♻Recycle & Recondition
Our facility processes IBC containers through a multi-step cleaning, repair, and testing process. Containers that can't be reused are broken down for material recycling.
►Transport & Logistics
We provide pickup and delivery services across the Baltimore metro area and Mid-Atlantic region. Flexible scheduling for single units or full truckloads.
Our Impact in Numbers
Since opening our doors in 2018, we have made a measurable difference for businesses and the environment.
Built by People Who Know Containers
Our team brings decades of combined experience in industrial packaging, logistics, waste management, and environmental compliance. From our warehouse crew who inspect and recondition every tote by hand, to our logistics coordinators who plan efficient routes across the Mid-Atlantic, everyone here is dedicated to quality and sustainability.
We are proud to be a Baltimore-based employer, hiring locally and investing in our community. Our team members receive ongoing training in hazardous material handling, pressure vessel testing, and environmental regulations to ensure every container we process meets the highest standards.
Join Our Team →Hands-On Expertise
Every team member is trained in IBC inspection protocols, including valve testing, cage integrity assessment, and inner bottle evaluation. We do not cut corners.
Safety Culture
Regular safety audits, OSHA-compliant processes, and proper PPE for all container handling. Our zero-incident record speaks for itself.
Continuous Improvement
We track reconditioning yield rates, turnaround times, and customer feedback to constantly refine our processes and deliver better results.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Our leadership team brings decades of combined experience in industrial packaging, logistics, environmental compliance, and business development. They are the driving force behind everything we do.
Marcus Johnson
Founder & CEO
With 15+ years in industrial waste management and logistics, Marcus founded Baltimore IBC Recycling in 2018 after witnessing firsthand how many reusable containers were being needlessly landfilled. His vision for a circular IBC economy in the Mid-Atlantic has guided the company from a one-truck startup to a regional leader.
Business Strategy & Circular EconomyAngela Torres
Director of Operations
Angela oversees all facility operations, from container intake and inspection to reconditioning and dispatch. Before joining Baltimore IBC Recycling in 2019, she spent a decade managing distribution center operations for a Fortune 500 logistics company. Her process optimization expertise has doubled the facility's throughput while maintaining rigorous quality standards.
Process Engineering & Quality SystemsDavid Chen
Head of Sustainability & Compliance
David holds a master's degree in Environmental Science from Johns Hopkins University and previously worked as an environmental compliance consultant for the Maryland Department of the Environment. He leads our sustainability initiatives, manages regulatory compliance, and develops partnerships with environmental organizations across the region.
Environmental Policy & Regulatory AffairsRachel Mitchell
Sales & Business Development Manager
Rachel has built Baltimore IBC Recycling's customer base from a handful of local accounts to over 500 active clients across five states. Her background in industrial sales and deep knowledge of the packaging supply chain allow her to match businesses with the exact container solutions they need, whether they are buying, selling, or setting up a recurring program.
Client Relations & Market ExpansionJames Okafor
Logistics & Fleet Coordinator
James manages our growing transportation fleet and coordinates all pickups and deliveries across the Mid-Atlantic corridor. With over 12 years of experience in commercial fleet management and route optimization, he ensures that every container reaches its destination on time and that our transport operations remain as fuel-efficient and low-emission as possible.
Supply Chain Logistics & Fleet ManagementCompany by the Numbers
A comprehensive look at the scale, reach, and impact of our operations across the Mid-Atlantic region.
Inside Our 60,000 Sq Ft Baltimore Facility
Located at 1012 Wilso Dr in Baltimore, MD 21223, our purpose-built facility is designed from the ground up for efficient, high-volume IBC container processing.
Our 60,000 sq ft Baltimore facility — cleaning bays, inspection stations, and storage
Purpose-built for efficient, high-volume IBC container processing
Our 60,000-square-foot facility is the operational heart of Baltimore IBC Recycling. Situated in the industrial corridor of southwest Baltimore, we have direct access to major highways including I-95, I-695, and I-70, enabling efficient transportation across the entire Mid-Atlantic region.
The facility was strategically designed to handle every stage of the IBC lifecycle under one roof. From the moment a used tote arrives on our loading docks to the point it ships out reconditioned and ready for its next use cycle, our layout minimizes handling time and maximizes throughput.
In 2023, we completed a major expansion that added a second cleaning bay, additional inspection stations, and an expanded outdoor storage yard. This investment increased our daily processing capacity by 60% and allows us to maintain a larger ready-to-ship inventory for faster order fulfillment.
Cleaning Bays
Two industrial-grade cleaning bays equipped with high-pressure wash systems, heated water capability up to 180 degrees F, and food-safe cleaning agents. Our closed-loop water recycling system recovers 80% of wash water for reuse.
Inspection Stations
Four dedicated inspection stations staffed by trained technicians. Each station is equipped with pressure testing equipment, valve testing rigs, and digital documentation tools for our 12-point inspection protocol.
Storage Yard
A 20,000-square-foot outdoor storage yard accommodating up to 2,000 IBC totes at any time. Inventory is organized by grade, size, and previous-contents category for efficient retrieval and order picking.
Loading Docks
Three loading docks capable of handling full-size tractor trailers, box trucks, and flatbed vehicles. Forklifts and pallet jacks are on-site for safe, efficient loading and unloading of container shipments.
Material Sorting Area
A dedicated disassembly and sorting area where end-of-life IBCs are broken down into component streams: HDPE bottles for plastic recycling, steel cages for metal recyclers, and pallets for repair or biomass processing.
Office & Training Center
Administrative offices, a customer meeting area, and a training room where team members receive ongoing education in safety protocols, environmental compliance, hazardous material handling, and inspection procedures.
Community Involvement
We are proud to be a Baltimore-based business, and we believe in investing in the community that has supported us since day one.
Baltimore Green Works Partnership
We partner with Baltimore Green Works, a local nonprofit focused on urban sustainability, to sponsor neighborhood cleanups, tree-planting events, and environmental education workshops throughout the city. In 2025 alone, we co-organized 8 cleanup events that removed over 12,000 pounds of litter from Baltimore waterways.
Youth Environmental Education Program
Through our partnership with Baltimore City Public Schools, we host quarterly field trips at our facility for middle and high school students. Students learn about the circular economy, materials science, and careers in environmental management. Over 600 students have visited our facility since the program launched in 2022.
Community College Internship Program
We collaborate with the Community College of Baltimore County to offer paid internships in operations management, logistics, and environmental compliance. Since 2021, we have hosted 14 interns, six of whom joined our team full-time after graduation.
Habitat for Humanity Partnership
We donate cleaned, repurposed IBC totes and cages to Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake for use as construction water storage, material organization systems, and rainwater collection tanks on their build sites across the Baltimore area.
Local Hiring Commitment
Over 90% of our workforce lives in the greater Baltimore area. We prioritize hiring from surrounding neighborhoods and offer competitive wages, benefits, and professional development opportunities. We believe in building careers, not just filling positions.
Baltimore Farmers Market Support
We supply discounted reconditioned IBC totes to local urban farms and community gardens for rainwater collection and irrigation. We also sponsor a booth at the Baltimore Farmers Market to raise awareness about industrial recycling and sustainable packaging.
Interested in Partnering With Us?
We are always looking for new ways to support our community. If you represent a Baltimore-area school, nonprofit, or community organization and are interested in partnering with us on an environmental initiative, we would love to hear from you.
Contact Us About Partnerships →Our Process: From Arrival to Sale
Every IBC container that enters our facility follows a rigorous, standardized process designed to maximize quality, safety, and sustainability at every step.
Precision at Every Step
Our trained technicians and industrial equipment work in concert to process each IBC through eight rigorous stages. From the moment a container arrives on our loading dock to the point it ships out reconditioned and ready for use, every step is documented, quality-checked, and optimized for efficiency.
Intake & Documentation
When a container arrives — via our fleet, customer drop-off, or third-party carrier — it is logged into our inventory management system with a unique tracking ID. We record the source, previous contents (when known), container dimensions, and visual condition. Every tote receives a barcode label that follows it through every stage of processing.
Avg. Time: 5-10 min per unit12-Point Inspection
A trained technician performs our comprehensive inspection protocol. This includes evaluating the HDPE inner bottle for cracks, discoloration, and odor; testing the steel cage for structural integrity, rust, and weld failures; checking the pallet for rot, breakage, and load-bearing capacity; and testing the valve assembly for proper seating and flow. Any container that fails critical criteria is routed to material recycling.
Avg. Time: 15-20 min per unitCleaning & Reconditioning
Containers approved for reuse enter our industrial wash bays for a triple-rinse cleaning process. Water is heated to 180 degrees Fahrenheit and applied at high pressure with food-safe cleaning agents. The inner bottle, valve, and cage are cleaned separately. Valves are replaced if worn. Cage repairs (straightening, welding) are performed as needed. The pallet is inspected and repaired or replaced.
Avg. Time: 25-35 min per unitPressure Test & Final QA
Every cleaned container undergoes a pressure test to verify the inner bottle holds without leaking. We test at pressures exceeding standard operating loads to ensure reliability under real-world conditions. A final quality assurance check confirms the container meets our grade standards. The unit is then classified (food-grade, chemical-grade, or general-use), photographed, and added to available inventory.
Avg. Time: 10-15 min per unitGrading & Classification
Based on inspection and cleaning results, each container is assigned one of four grades: Grade A (like-new condition, food-grade approved), Grade B (minor cosmetic wear, fully functional), Grade C (visible wear, suitable for non-food industrial use), or Recycling Only (failed structural or pressure criteria). Transparent grading ensures customers know exactly what they are buying.
Avg. Time: 5 min per unitStorage & Inventory Management
Graded containers are moved to our 20,000 sq ft storage yard, organized by grade, capacity, and previous-contents category. Our digital inventory system tracks every unit in real time, enabling rapid order fulfillment and accurate availability reporting. Containers are stored on level ground with proper spacing for forklift access and efficient picking.
Avg. Time: ContinuousOrder Fulfillment & Dispatch
When a customer places an order, our logistics team selects matching units from inventory, performs a final visual check, and stages them at the appropriate loading dock. We prepare all documentation including condition reports and delivery manifests. Orders are typically fulfilled within 24-48 hours for in-stock items. Our fleet of six vehicles handles local and regional deliveries.
Avg. Time: 24-48 hrsEnd-of-Life Material Recycling
Containers that cannot be reconditioned are disassembled in our dedicated material sorting area. HDPE bottles are shredded and sent to plastic recyclers for pelletizing. Steel cages go to metal scrap recyclers. Pallets are repaired for reuse or chipped for biomass fuel. Valve assemblies are sorted for component recovery. This process ensures our 100% material recovery rate — nothing goes to landfill.
Avg. Time: 20-30 min per unitTraining & Safety Programs
Operating an industrial IBC reconditioning facility requires rigorous training and an uncompromising safety culture. Here is how we keep our team skilled and our workplace safe.
New Hire Training Program
Every new team member completes a 40-hour onboarding training program before they work independently on the production floor. The program covers IBC container anatomy and terminology, our 12-point inspection protocol, proper use of pressure testing equipment, high-pressure wash system operation, forklift certification (OSHA-compliant), hazardous material identification and handling procedures, and our safety protocols including PPE requirements and emergency procedures.
Ongoing Education
Training does not stop after onboarding. Every team member receives at least 40 hours of continuing education per year, including quarterly safety refresher courses, annual OSHA compliance updates, cross-training in different facility roles, environmental regulation updates from our compliance team, new equipment and process training as we invest in improvements, and leadership development for senior technicians and team leads.
Certifications Maintained
Our facility and team maintain current certifications including OSHA General Industry Safety (29 CFR 1910), forklift operator certification for all warehouse personnel, hazardous materials handling and identification, DOT compliance for container transport, fire safety and emergency response, and first aid and CPR certification for all supervisors and team leads.
Safety by the Numbers
Safety Culture, Not Just Compliance
Compliance is the floor, not the ceiling. Our safety culture is built on peer accountability, near-miss reporting without blame, and a commitment from leadership that production targets never override safety protocols. Every team member has the authority to stop operations if they observe an unsafe condition — and they are recognized for doing so.
Technology & Innovation
We invest in equipment, software, and processes that make our operations faster, cleaner, and more reliable. Here is the technology stack behind Baltimore IBC Recycling.
Industrial Wash Systems
Two purpose-built high-pressure wash bays capable of heating water to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Food-safe cleaning agents are metered automatically for consistent concentration. Our closed-loop water recycling system captures, filters, and reuses 80% of wash water, reducing both water consumption and wastewater discharge. Each bay can process up to 40 containers per shift.
Digital Inventory Management
Every container in our facility is tracked via barcode from intake to dispatch. Our custom inventory management system records grade, capacity, previous contents, cleaning history, and current location. This gives us real-time visibility into available stock and enables accurate, fast order fulfillment. We are developing a customer-facing portal for real-time inventory browsing, planned for beta launch in 2027.
Pressure Testing Equipment
Four inspection stations equipped with calibrated pressure testing rigs that verify inner bottle integrity under loads exceeding standard operating conditions. Digital readouts and automatic pass/fail thresholds eliminate subjective judgment from the testing process. Test results are logged automatically to each container's digital record.
Route Optimization Software
Implemented in late 2024, our route optimization platform plans the most efficient delivery and pickup routes across our six-vehicle fleet. The system factors in traffic patterns, delivery windows, load capacity, and fuel efficiency to minimize miles driven. In its first three months, it reduced fuel consumption by 22% and cut average delivery times by 35 minutes per route.
GPS Fleet Tracking
All six vehicles in our fleet are equipped with GPS tracking, providing real-time location updates for customers expecting deliveries. The system also logs driving behavior for safety monitoring, tracks maintenance schedules, and provides historical route data for continuous logistics improvement.
Automated Cleaning Systems (Coming 2026)
We are investing in semi-automated wash and rinse systems that will increase per-bay throughput by 40% while reducing water and energy consumption per container. The system will use programmable wash cycles tailored to different container grades and previous-contents categories. Expected installation in late 2026.
Supplier Relationships
A reliable supply of used IBC containers is the lifeblood of our business. We have built a diverse network of suppliers across multiple industries to ensure consistent inventory and quality.
Our supplier network spans over 200 businesses across five states. We work with companies in food and beverage manufacturing, chemical processing, pharmaceutical production, agricultural operations, and industrial cleaning — each generating used IBC containers as part of their normal operations. By providing a convenient, profitable outlet for their used totes, we save them disposal costs and give their containers a second life.
The diversity of our supplier base is strategic. Different industries generate containers at different rates and seasons, which helps us maintain steady inventory year-round. It also gives us a broad range of container types and grades to offer our buyers — from food-grade totes suitable for edible products to general-use containers for water storage and industrial applications.
We treat our suppliers as partners, not just sources. Many are on scheduled pickup programs where we collect their used totes on a regular cadence — weekly, biweekly, or monthly — so they never have to worry about containers piling up. Our buyback pricing is transparent and consistent, and we handle all logistics so the process is effortless for them.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing
35%Our largest supplier segment. Includes juice producers, sauce manufacturers, dairy processors, and beverage companies. Containers from this sector often qualify for food-grade reconditioning after our cleaning process.
Chemical Processing & Distribution
25%Chemical blenders, cleaning product manufacturers, and industrial chemical distributors. These containers require thorough cleaning and content-specific documentation, and are typically reconditioned for chemical-grade reuse.
Pharmaceutical & Personal Care
15%Manufacturers of soaps, sanitizers, lotions, and pharmaceutical intermediates. High-quality containers from this sector often arrive in excellent condition and are prime candidates for reconditioning.
Agriculture & Landscaping
15%Farms, nurseries, and landscaping companies that use IBCs for fertilizer, herbicides, and water storage. Seasonal patterns create predictable supply cycles that we plan around.
Other Industrial & Government
10%Includes printing companies, automotive suppliers, government agencies, and various industrial operations. This diverse category provides steady supplemental supply across all seasons.
Customer Success Stories
Our customers span industries and sizes, but they share one thing in common: they needed a reliable, affordable IBC container solution. Here are three examples of how we delivered.
Chesapeake Sauce Co.
Challenge
A growing hot sauce manufacturer in Baltimore was spending over $180 per new IBC tote for ingredient storage — and going through 15-20 containers per month. As production scaled, new container costs were eating into margins and creating cash flow pressure during peak production seasons.
Solution
We set up a recurring supply program delivering 20 Grade A food-grade reconditioned totes per month at $85 each, a 53% savings versus new. We also implemented a buyback arrangement where we pick up their emptied containers monthly, paying them $15-25 per tote depending on condition.
Result
Annual container cost savings of over $22,000. Eliminated container disposal fees entirely. The buyback revenue covers over 30% of their replacement container costs. They have been a monthly customer for three years running.
Mid-Atlantic Chemical Blending
Challenge
A chemical blending company in northern Virginia was accumulating 50-80 used IBCs per quarter with no cost-effective disposal option. They were paying a waste hauler $35 per container to crush and landfill them, costing over $10,000 annually in disposal fees alone — plus the containers were going to waste.
Solution
We established a quarterly scheduled pickup program. Our fleet collects their used containers on a set schedule, pays them $12-20 per tote through our buyback program, and handles all transportation. No effort required from their team beyond staging containers at the loading dock.
Result
Transformed a $10,000 annual disposal expense into $4,800 in annual buyback revenue — a net swing of nearly $15,000. Over 250 containers per year are now reconditioned and resold instead of landfilled. The entire process is hands-off for their operations team.
Green Valley Urban Farm
Challenge
A community urban farm in East Baltimore needed 30 IBC totes for a rainwater collection and irrigation system but had a grant budget of only $3,000 — far below the $5,400+ cost of new containers. They also needed guidance on which container types were safe for agricultural water use.
Solution
We provided 30 Grade B reconditioned totes that had previously held food-grade liquids, at a discounted community rate of $65 per tote. Our team advised on proper valve configuration for gravity-fed irrigation and delivered all containers to the farm site at no charge.
Result
The farm installed their complete irrigation system for $1,950, well under budget. The reconditioned totes have been in service for two growing seasons with zero failures. We now supply discounted containers to four additional Baltimore urban farming projects based on this success.
Career Opportunities
We are building the future of sustainable container management in the Mid-Atlantic — and we are always looking for dedicated people to join our growing team.
What It's Like to Work Here
Working at Baltimore IBC Recycling means being part of a team that genuinely makes a difference. Every container we recondition is a tangible environmental impact you can see and measure. Our team members often say that the most rewarding part of the job is knowing their work keeps material out of landfills and helps businesses access affordable containers.
We are a fast-paced, hands-on environment. No two days are exactly the same. You might be pressure-testing containers one hour and helping optimize a delivery route the next. We value initiative, reliability, and a willingness to learn. Many of our team members had no prior experience in IBC recycling — they came to us with good work ethic and we trained them on everything else.
Our culture is built on mutual respect, open communication, and a shared commitment to doing things right. We celebrate wins as a team, address problems without blame, and invest in every team member's professional growth.
Benefits & Perks
Typical Roles We Hire For
Warehouse Technician
Inspect, clean, and recondition IBC containers. Operate wash systems, perform pressure testing, and maintain quality standards. No prior experience required — full training provided.
CDL Delivery Driver
Operate our delivery vehicles for pickups and drop-offs across the Mid-Atlantic region. Manage loading, customer interactions, and route documentation. Valid CDL required.
Logistics Coordinator
Plan and optimize delivery and pickup routes, coordinate with customers on scheduling, and manage fleet operations using our route optimization software.
Sales Representative
Build relationships with new and existing customers, provide quotes, manage accounts, and identify new business opportunities across our service area.
Quality Inspector
Lead our 12-point inspection process, make grading decisions, document container conditions, and ensure every unit that leaves our facility meets our quality standards.
Interested in Joining Our Team?
Send your resume and a brief note about why you are interested in working with us.
careers@baltimoreibcrecycling.comIndustry Expertise
Seven-plus years of hands-on IBC container processing have given our team deep, specialized knowledge that sets us apart. Here is what we know and how it benefits you.
IBC Container Anatomy & Construction
We understand every component of an intermediate bulk container — the HDPE inner bottle (blow-molded polyethylene in 275 and 330-gallon configurations), the galvanized or powder-coated steel cage (tubular or wire-frame construction), the wooden or plastic pallet base, and the valve assembly (butterfly, ball, or camlock types). This deep knowledge of IBC construction allows us to identify potential failure points during inspection that less experienced handlers might miss.
Content Compatibility & Cross-Contamination Prevention
Different products leave different residues, and not every container can safely transition between uses. Our team is trained in chemical compatibility, food safety requirements, and the specific cleaning protocols needed for containers that held acids, bases, solvents, food products, or agricultural chemicals. We maintain detailed previous-contents records and never allow a container to be repurposed for an incompatible use.
Regulatory Compliance for Used Containers
Used IBC containers are subject to a complex web of regulations including DOT transport requirements, EPA guidelines for containers that held hazardous materials, FDA food contact regulations, and state-specific environmental rules. Our compliance team stays current on all applicable regulations and ensures that every container we sell is properly documented, labeled, and cleared for its intended use.
Reconditioning Economics & Lifecycle Analysis
We can assess a container in minutes and accurately determine whether it is more cost-effective to recondition or recycle. This expertise — built over years and thousands of containers — allows us to optimize the balance between reuse and material recycling. It also helps our customers understand the true total cost of ownership for new versus reconditioned IBCs, including factoring in buyback value at end of use.
Why Expertise Matters in IBC Recycling
IBC recycling is not as simple as washing a container and putting it back on the market. Without deep knowledge of container construction, content compatibility, regulatory requirements, and reconditioning best practices, there is real risk of selling containers that fail under load, contaminate their new contents, or violate regulatory standards.
Our seven-plus years of specialized experience — and the 15,000+ containers we have processed — give our customers confidence that every tote they purchase from us has been properly evaluated, thoroughly cleaned, and carefully matched to its intended application. That expertise is what separates a professional IBC reconditioner from someone with a pressure washer and a storage lot.
Learn More About Us
Dive deeper into our story, our environmental commitment, and what sets us apart from other IBC suppliers.
Our Story
From a one-truck operation in 2018 to Baltimore's leading IBC recycling facility. Discover the journey, the milestones, and the vision that drives us forward.
Read Our Story→Sustainability
IBC recycling is more than a business for us — it is an environmental imperative. Learn about our circular economy approach and sustainability goals.
Our Green Mission→Why Choose Us
Competitive pricing, rigorous quality standards, fast turnaround, and a genuine commitment to the environment. See why businesses across the region trust us.
See Our Advantages→Ready to Work With Us?
Whether you need to buy reconditioned IBC totes, sell your used containers, or set up a recurring recycling program, we are here to help. Reach out today for a free, no-obligation quote.
1012 Wilso Dr, Baltimore, MD 21223 • info@baltimoreibcrecycling.com