TOUGH. STACKABLE. READY FOR THE LINE.
Translucent Wall for Fill-Level Visibility
Natural HDPE pails leave the resin uncolored, so the wall stays translucent and operators read fill level without opening the lid. That visibility is why food, beverage, and pharma lines specify them.
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Translucent Walls
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FDA-Compliant Resin
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Non-Reactive
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Easy To Sanitize
Overview
Uncolored FDA-compliant resin gives a non-reactive, easy-to-sanitize interior with a see-through wall. The trade-off is UV resistance: natural pails belong indoors, not in a yard.
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90-mil construction stands up to products that corrode metal.
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HDPE will not rust, so no interior lining is needed for water-based chemistries.
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Virgin FDA-compliant resin available across the plastic pail range.
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Empty pails nest to cut storage space and return freight.
Specifications
Nominal Capacity
5 U.S. gallons (18.9 Liters)
Material
Natural (Uncolored) FDA-Compliant HDPE
Wall Thickness
70 - 90 mil (1.8 - 2.3 mm)
Dimensions
11.9 in Dia x 13.4 in H (302 x 340 mm)
Empty Weight
1.7 - 2.1 lbs (0.8 - 1.0 kg)
Head Style
Open Head
Lid & Gasket
Tamper-Evident Snap Lid / PE Gasket
UN Certification
UN 1H2/Y available
Stacking
Three to four high when filled
Exterior Finish
Translucent Natural Finish
Common Uses
Food & Ingredients
Acids & Caustics
Detergents & Cleaners
Paints & Coatings
Solvents
Powders & Dry Goods
Hazardous Materials
Waste & Recovery
Lubricants & Fuels
How to spec yours
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Verify HDPE resistance at your concentration and temperature before ordering.
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Virgin food-grade resin for edible and high-purity products, standard resin for industrial.
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Natural for fill-level visibility, black for UV protection, white for general use.
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Open head for full access, tight head for sealed liquids; EPDM or PE gasket to suit.
Compare
Type
Best For
Key Benefit
Consideration
Steel Pails
Solvents, coatings, and UN-rated hazardous materials
Heavier than plastic
Maximum strength and durability
Food-Grade HDPE Pails
Food, beverage, and ingredient products requiring certified resin
Premium over standard resin
FDA-compliant virgin resin
HDPE Plastic Pails
Non-hazardous liquids, chemicals, and general industrial products
Not ideal for high heat
Chemical resistance
Natural HDPE Pails
Food, beverage, and pharma products needing fill-level visibility
Less UV resistance
Product visibility
Black HDPE Pails
Light-sensitive chemicals, lubricants, and fuels for outdoor storage
Heat can cause expansion
UV protection
UN-Rated Pails
Regulated hazardous liquids and solids certified for transport
Rating requires the certified lid
Certified for hazmat shipping
Tight-Head Plastic Pails
Liquids needing a sealed, spill-resistant package with spout dispensing
No full access for solids
Leak-resistant sealed top
Related Products
What are 5 gallon plastic pails made of?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
How should 5 gallon plastic pails be stored?
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Keep pails on a clean, flat surface out of prolonged direct sunlight, and stay within the recommended fill and stack height for your contents. Seat the lid fully after filling to protect the product from dust and moisture in storage and transit.
Our packaging specialists will help you match the ideal container to your product, storage, and compliance needs. We stock and ship nationwide.
