Storing foods in plastic buckets can be
helpful in numerous ways. Plastic buckets allow you to store large amounts of
bulk foods like grains and dried beans in lightweight containers for emergency
preparedness. Using plastic containers will also allow you to buy cheaper bulk
food and store it in an insect-proof and airtight container. However, not all
plastics are safe for use with food; some plastics can leach harmful compounds
into your food. To avoid this problem, you'll need to learn how to identify food
grade buckets before using them.
Check the recycling symbol on the bottom of
the bucket. The quickest and most reliable way to check
for food safety is by consulting the recycling number. This number will be
between 1 and 7 and will be stamped inside a triangle of arrows. As a general
rule, the numbers that are safe for use with food are 1, 2, 4, and 5.
o The best type of plastic for use in long-term
food storage is high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is indicated by the
"2" symbol. HDPE is one of the most stable and inert forms of
plastic, and all plastic buckets sold specifically for food storage will be
made from this material.
o Other types of plastic acceptable for food
storage include PETE, LDPE, and polypropylene (PP). These plastics are represented
by the numbers 1, 4, and 5 respectively.
o An exception to this rule is bio-plastics,
which are categorized under the catch-all symbol "7." Bio-plastics
are plastic-like materials that are synthesized from plant-based sources such
as corn. These materials are nonreactive and can be used to store food, but
note that not all plastics marked as "7" are bio-plastics.
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Examine any food-handling symbols imprinted on
the plastic bucket. A standardized system of symbols is used on
plastics to indicate their appropriate uses around food. A symbol depicting a
cup and fork means that the plastic is safe for storing food, and is therefore
a food grade bucket. Other symbols include radiating waves meaning
"microwave-safe," a snowflake meaning "freezer-safe," and dishes
in water meaning "dishwasher-safe."
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Consult the label on the plastic buckets.
If the buckets still have a price tag, manufacturer's label, or other
identifying tag on them, you can consult this tag to determine if the plastic
is food grade. Food grade buckets will nearly always be marked as such, because
they are often more expensive to produce and thus can be sold at a premium. If
the tag is missing, you may be able to contact the manufacturer and ask about
the buckets they produce to determine if yours is food grade.
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Utilize buckets that have previously been used
to store food. If a plastic bucket was initially designed
for food storage, then it is a good bet that it is suitable for storing your
own bulk foods.
o For example, many bakeries receive frosting
and other ingredients in large plastic buckets, often of 5 gallon (19 L)
capacity. These bakeries may be willing to donate or sell their empty buckets
to you, after which you can clean them and use them for food storage.
o Smaller plastic containers should be excepted
from this rule. For example, bottled water is often packaged using PETE (with
the designation "1"), which is designed to be used once and then
recycled. PETE is initially food safe, but may break down and release harmful compounds
if continually reused.
- Plastic buckets with rubber gaskets under
the lids are preferable for storing food, as they provide a better seal
against air, moisture, and intruding insects.
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