Comprehensive Guide to Plastic Pails

Plastic pails are sturdy containers made from various types of plastic that come in various sizes, shapes, and colors. They are designed to store and transport materials and substances ranging from paint, detergents, and food to chemicals and construction materials.

Plastic pails have numerous advantages over other types of containers, such as:

• Durability: Plastic pails are resilient against dents, impacts, and temperature fluctuations, making them ideal for both storage and transport.
• Cost-effective: Compared to metal or wooden containers, plastic pails are more economical to produce and purchase.
• Recyclability: Many types of plastic pails are recyclable, which can help reduce environmental impact.
• Lightweight: Plastic pails are generally lighter than their counterparts, which can reduce shipping costs and make handling easier.
• Chemical resistance: Plastic pails are resistant to many chemicals, making them suitable for storing a wide variety of substances.

Food-grade plastic pails are designed to store food safely. They are made from plastic that meets specific standards for food safety, such as the FDA’s regulations in the United States. These pails should have a label or a stamp that indicates they are food grade. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to ask the manufacturer directly.

Yes, many plastic pails can be recycled, but it depends on the type of plastic used and the recycling facility.

Pails made from HDPE, LDPE, and PP are commonly accepted at many recycling centers. However, pails made from PVC typically aren’t accepted because they can release harmful chlorine gas when incinerated. Always check the recycling number (usually found at the bottom of the pail) along with your local recycling guidelines.

The lifespan of a plastic pail varies greatly depending on its use, the type of plastic, and environmental conditions. With proper care, a plastic pail can last several years. However, it is essential to inspect pails regularly for signs of wear or damage, particularly if they’re used for storing chemicals or food.

There are several types of plastic pails, each designed for different needs and purposes. Here are a few of the most common ones:

• Open-Head Pails: Also known as bucket-style pails, these are versatile containers with removable lids. They are perfect for mixing, storing, or transporting liquids and semi-solid materials.
• Tight-Head Pails: These pails have non-removable, sealed lids. They’re used for storing and transporting liquids that might leak or spill, such as paint, chemicals, or oil.
• Screw-Top Pails: As the name suggests, these pails have a screw-top lid for secure closure. They are suitable for storing a wide range of materials, especially those that require airtight sealing.
• Food-Grade Pails: These are specially designed for storing food and beverages. They are made from FDA-approved plastics that do not leach harmful chemicals into the food.
• Hazardous Material Pails: These pails are built to handle hazardous substances safely. They often include additional features like tamper-evident seals or child-resistant lids.

Plastic pails have a broad range of uses across various industries and domestic scenarios. A few of the most common uses are:

Food and Beverage Industry: Food-grade plastic pails are used for storing and transporting food items like dairy products, pickles, honey, and more.

Paint Industry: Plastic pails are the containers of choice for storing and selling paint due to their durability, sealability, and resistance to chemical reactions.

Chemical Industry: Plastic pails are used for storing and transporting a variety of chemicals, including cleaning agents, solvents, and industrial chemicals.

Construction Industry: Plastic pails are commonly used on construction sites to mix and carry materials such as cement, plaster, or grout.

Agriculture: Plastic pails are used for feeding and watering animals, carrying grains, or storing agricultural chemicals.

Home Use: At home, plastic pails serve numerous purposes, from storage containers to gardening tools. They’re often used for DIY projects, household chores, or even as plant pots.

Our plastic pails are available in multiple sizes and capacities, typically ranging between one gallon and five. In addition to the different capacities, our plastic pails also come in a huge variety of colors, materials, thicknesses, styles and more.

Plastic pails come with a variety of lid options to suit different storage and transportation needs. Common lid types include:

• Snap-on lids: These are easy to use and are great for quick access to the contents of the pail. They provide a relatively secure seal but may not be suitable for storing highly volatile substances.
• Screw-top lids: These lids provide a secure seal and are ideal for storing liquids and other substances that require a tight seal to prevent leakage or contamination.
• Spouted lids: These come with a spout that can be cut to allow for easy pouring of liquids, making them ideal for storing and dispensing liquids in a controlled manner.
• Gasketed lids: These are equipped with a gasket that helps in creating an airtight seal, protecting the contents from moisture, air, and contaminants.
• Lids with tear tabs: These lids come with a tear tab that ensures the contents are sealed securely until the tab is torn off, helping to maintain the freshness and quality of the contents.
• Lids with lever locking rings: These lids come with a lever and a ring that lock the lid tightly onto the pail, providing a secure seal that is suitable for transporting hazardous materials.

Different lids also come with optional features such as child-resistant designs, senior-friendly designs, and vented designs for the safe release of gas buildup in the pail.

There are limitations to what can be safely stored in plastic pails. Some include:

• Chemical compatibility: Not all plastics are compatible with every type of chemical. It is essential to ensure that the plastic type is compatible with the substances it is supposed to store to avoid reactions that could lead to leaks or contamination.
• Temperature sensitivity: Plastic pails can deform or become brittle under extreme temperatures, limiting their use in high or low-temperature environments.
• Sharp objects: Plastic pails can be punctured by sharp objects, so they are not suitable for storing materials with sharp edges or points.
• Heavy materials: While plastic pails are generally durable, there is a limit to the weight of the materials they can hold, beyond which they may crack or break.

Plastic pails can indeed be used for hazardous material transportation, provided they meet UN certification requirements. These requirements stipulate that containers used for hazardous material transportation must adhere to specific standards to ensure safety. Plastic pails used for this purpose typically undergo rigorous testing procedures, including drop tests, leakproof tests, hydrostatic pressure tests, and stack tests, among others, to acquire UN certification.

To confirm if a plastic pail is suitable for hazardous material transportation, always check for UN certification markings on the pail, which indicate that the pail meets the necessary standards.

Choose Orlando Drum for your packaging needs and join us in making a positive environmental impact. Every day, we collect and recondition used steel and plastic drums, keeping them out of landfills and turning them into new, useful products like drain pipes and flower pots. Our mission is to provide high-quality, sustainable packaging that benefits our customers, community, and the environment.

Our plastic recycling division, Polypro Recycling, is dedicated to prompt pickups and quick payments, helping your business efficiently manage scrap materials. By opting for our eco-friendly containers, you not only save money but also support a greener planet.

Let’s work together for a sustainable future. Contact Orlando Drum today to see how we can meet your packaging needs while promoting environmental responsibility.