TOUGH. STACKABLE. READY FOR THE LINE.
Maximum Strength for Solvents, Coatings & Hazmat
Cold-rolled steel pails carry the products that defeat plastic: solvents, coatings, and regulated hazardous materials. The steel body grounds for flammable transfer, takes a rust-inhibitive lining, and survives handling that would crack a resin pail.
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Cold-Rolled Steel
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UN 1A2 Rated
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Groundable Build
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Rust-Inhibiting Lining
Overview
The strongest 5 gallon package Novvia stocks, available in UN 1A2 rated constructions with matched lids. Interior linings are specified to your chemistry, and the pails are reconditionable and fully recyclable at end of life.
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Cold-rolled steel body survives drops, stacking, and rough plant handling.
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Rated constructions available for regulated liquids and solids in transport.
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Conductive steel body bonds and grounds during solvent transfer.
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Rust-inhibitive and epoxy phenolic linings matched to your chemistry.
Specifications
Nominal Capacity
5 U.S. gallons (18.9 Liters)
Material
Cold-Rolled Steel
Wall Thickness
24 - 29 gauge (0.4 - 0.6 mm)
Dimensions
11.9 in Dia x 13.4 in H (302 x 340 mm)
Empty Weight
4.0 - 5.5 lbs (1.8 - 2.5 kg)
Head Style
Open Head or Tight Head
Lid & Gasket
Lug or Ring Lid / Buna or EPDM Gasket
UN Certification
UN 1A2/Y available
Stacking
Three to four high when filled
Exterior Finish
Painted or Lithographed Exterior
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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Match the interior lining to your product's pH, solvent content, and contact time.
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Confirm whether your classification needs a 1A2 rated pail and its certified lid.
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Open head for solids and viscous product, tight head for sealed liquids.
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Steel adds strength and freight weight; compare against HDPE for your lane.
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 steel pails used for?
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Steel pails carry solvents, coatings, adhesives, and UN-rated hazardous materials. The steel body handles products that would soften, swell, or permeate a plastic pail, and it can be grounded during flammable transfer.
Are steel pails UN rated?
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UN 1A2 rated constructions are available for regulated liquids and solids. The rating covers the pail and its certified lid together, and must be matched to your product's packing group and specific gravity.
Do steel pails need an interior lining?
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It depends on the product. Water-based, acidic, and caustic chemistries will corrode bare steel, so a rust-inhibitive or epoxy phenolic lining is specified to the chemistry and contact time.
Can steel pails be reconditioned?
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Steel pails can often be cleaned, inspected, and returned to service depending on previous contents and condition. They are also fully recyclable at end of life.
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.
Can steel pails be grounded for flammable products?
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Yes. A steel pail provides a conductive body that can be bonded and grounded during transfer, which helps manage static when handling solvents and other flammable liquids. Follow your facility's bonding and grounding procedures for the specific product.
Our packaging specialists will help you match the ideal container to your product, storage, and compliance needs. We stock and ship nationwide.
