TOUGH. STACKABLE. READY FOR THE LINE.

Food-Grade HDPE Pails

Certified Virgin Resin for Food, Beverage & Ingredients

Food-grade HDPE pails are molded from virgin FDA-compliant resin with food-safe colorants throughout. Every pail carries lot traceability, which is what separates a food-grade package from a pail that merely looks clean.

Food-Grade Approved
Corrosion-Resistant
Recyclable
Leak Resistance

Overview

Certified resin, controlled manufacturing, and tamper-evident gasketed lids for food, beverage, and ingredient products. Documentation is available for audits, and empty pails nest to cut return freight.

Heavy-Wall HDPE

90-mil construction stands up to products that corrode metal.

Corrosion Proof

HDPE will not rust, so no interior lining is needed for water-based chemistries.

Food-Grade Options

Virgin FDA-compliant resin available across the plastic pail range.

Nests Empty

Empty pails nest to cut storage space and return freight.

Common Uses

Food & Ingredients

Acids & Caustics

Detergents & Cleaners

Paints & Coatings

Solvents

Powders & Dry Goods

Hazardous Materials

Waste & Recovery

Lubricants & Fuels

Specifications

Nominal Capacity5 U.S. gallons (18.9 Liters)
MaterialVirgin FDA-Compliant HDPE
Wall Thickness70 - 90 mil (1.8 - 2.3 mm)
Dimensions11.9 in Dia x 13.4 in H (302 x 340 mm)
Empty Weight1.7 - 2.1 lbs (0.8 - 1.0 kg)
Head StyleOpen Head
Lid & GasketTamper-Evident Snap Lid / PE Gasket
UN CertificationUN 1H2/Y available
StackingThree to four high when filled
Exterior FinishWhite or Natural Molded Finish
UN-Rated Options
Chemical Compatibility

Verify HDPE resistance at your concentration and temperature before ordering.

Resin Grade

Virgin food-grade resin for edible and high-purity products, standard resin for industrial.

Colour & Light

Natural for fill-level visibility, black for UV protection, white for general use.

Head & Gasket

Open head for full access, tight head for sealed liquids; EPDM or PE gasket to suit.

Find my drum

Compare Drum Materials

Pail Type
Best For
Key Benefit
Consideration
Steel Pails
Solvents, coatings, and UN-rated hazardous materials
Maximum strength and durability
Heavier than plastic
HDPE Plastic Pails
Non-hazardous liquids, chemicals, and general industrial products
Chemical resistance
Not ideal for high heat
Natural HDPE Pails
Food, beverage, and pharma products needing fill-level visibility
Product visibility
Less UV resistance
Black HDPE Pails
Light-sensitive chemicals, lubricants, and fuels for outdoor storage
UV protection
Heat can cause expansion
UN-Rated Pails
Regulated hazardous liquids and solids certified for transport
Certified for hazmat shipping
Rating requires the certified lid
Tight-Head Plastic Pails
Liquids needing a sealed, spill-resistant package with spout dispensing
Leak-resistant sealed top
No full access for solids

Steel drum faqs

What are 5-gallon plastic pails made of?

Plastic pails are blow- or injection-molded from high-density polyethylene, typically in a 90-mil heavy wall. HDPE is corrosion proof and rust proof, so no interior lining is required for most water-based products.

Are plastic pails food grade?

Only when molded from virgin FDA-compliant resin with food-safe colorants and additives. Standard industrial resin should not be assumed food grade; request documentation for your ingredient.

Can plastic pails ship hazardous materials?

UN 1H2 rated plastic pails are available for eligible regulated products. The rating must be checked against your classification, and the pail must ship with its certified lid.

Are plastic pails recyclable?

HDPE pails are widely recyclable once cleaned of residue. Previous contents determine whether a pail can enter a standard recycling stream or requires regulated disposal.

How high can 5-gallon pails be stacked?

Filled pails generally stack three to four high, though the limit depends on contents, wall thickness, lid style, and storage conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's stacking and weight instructions.