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Tight-Head Plastic Pails

TOUGH. STACKABLE. READY FOR THE LINE.

Tight-Head Plastic Pails

Sealed Top & Spout for Spill-Resistant Liquids

Tight-head plastic pails have a permanently sealed top with a moulded spout, so liquids pour under control and resist spilling in transit. You trade full-open access for a package that will not slosh out of an unlatched lid.

Leak Resistance
Chemical Resistant
Corrosion-Resistant
Food-Grade Approved

Overview

A closed-top HDPE pail for liquids that need a sealed, spill-resistant package with spout dispensing. Threaded spout and vent fitting options handle flow rate and glugging, and the sealed top rules it out for solids.

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)
MaterialHigh-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Wall Thickness90 mil (2.3 mm)
Dimensions11.9 in Dia x 13.4 in H (302 x 340 mm)
Empty Weight1.9 - 2.3 lbs (0.9 - 1.0 kg)
Head StyleTight Head (Sealed Top)
Lid & GasketMoulded Spout with Threaded Cap / Vent Fitting
UN CertificationUN 1H1/Y available
StackingThree to four high when filled
Exterior FinishWhite or Coloured 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
Food-Grade HDPE Pails
Food, beverage, and ingredient products requiring certified resin
FDA-compliant virgin resin
Premium over standard resin
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

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.