Storing items meant for human consumption in generous size food grade buckets is a cost-effective and simple preservation technique. When they are used correctly, they make excellent storage containers and provide a way for dry goods to maintain a five to ten year shelf life. Such containers offer an efficient barrier against rodents, moisture and insects. They allow commercial businesses and individual consumers to purchase in bulk and thereby reduce packaging waste.

There is an easy way to determine if a particular storage container is made from such plastic. On the bottom of all plastic containers there is a symbol in the form of a triangle. If the number located in the triangle’s center is one through six, then it is food grade. If the number is seven or higher it is most likely not this type of container, but one can contact the manufacturer to find out for sure.

Such buckets are specifically manufactured from plastics that do not leach harmful chemicals into the items they hold. Because such containers are used to store products that will eventually be eaten by humans, they should be sanitized. This process is recommended for the purpose of preventing illness. It also prevents the spread of harmful bacteria that could result in food poisoning. Those who anticipate using such containers should make sure they are familiar with proper sanitation methods.

The bucket should first be washed with a mild soap and warm water. A nonabrasive cotton cloth or sponge should be used for this process. Although one may be tempted to use rough scrub sponge, this is a bad idea as it can lacerate the container’s surface and create spaces in which bacteria can hide.

A sanitizer solution consisting of three tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water should be placed in the bucket and it should be allowed to sit for 20 minutes. The container should then be rinsed thoroughly and allowed to air dry. If the aforementioned steps are followed, food grade buckets will last for many years during which they will provide practical storage solutions for dry good of all kinds.