I have that same brand just larger. don't recall mine having much of a smell. I just wiped it down with water and let it dry out before I loaded it up.http://www.target.com/p/sterilite-air-tight-storage-tote-transparent-with-aquarium-blue-latch-20qt/-/A-15066036#prodSlot=_1_9
I just purchased this tote from Target and am having a lot of difficulty trying to remove the plastic smell. I didn't really notice it in store but once I got home, it was strong.
I've had it sitting with baking soda for 3 days.
If not, going to try washing it out and sitting it in the sunshine for a few days.
Any others ideas? Heard plain charcoal might help.