The Confusion Between Food Grade and Food Safe Plastic Barrels.

Part of the confusion is that both types of drums are made from high density polyethylene (HDPE), a material that is designated as "food safe" by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Food Safe means that it is safe for you to consume food and water products that have come in contact with food safe HDPE. Food safe HDPE is OK for a variety of uses, such as cutting boards for food preparation, playground equipment, barrels for rain water collection, and yes, even for chemical containers. The versatility of polyethylene has made it one of the world's most popular plastics.

New Food Grade plastic, on the other hand, is deemed acceptable for the long term storage of food and liquids. Once the barrel has been used, that certification is no longer approved as such, which is why you will never see the words "Food Grade" embedded into the plastic of a 55-60 gallon barrel. If you're concerned about harmful chemicals leaching into your stored products, my suggestion would be to purchase white barrels as the white pigment used in the manufacturing of such barrels is Titanium Dioxide, found in many food products as well as sunscreens and toothpaste.

All recycled barrels offered by The Rainbarrel Man Company are designated Food Safe by the FDA as are their previous contents, namely DMSO. The exterior of all our barrels has been pressure washed to remove stickers and labels, etc., and the interior has been steam cleaned for complete sterilization.

 

Recycled Barrels

 

$90 With screen, overflow, and screw valve spigot
$70 With conventional screw valve spigot

We use screw valve brass spigots on these plastic barrels which are compressed on using a specialized insertion tool and fastened with a lock nut.  All the other raised Rain Barrel Systems on this site are plumbed using ball valve brass spigots, which are easier to open and have a stronger water flow.

Special Note: As winter approaches, barrels without screens should be drained enough to create an air pocket, in preparation for a cold snap as well as for expansion.