Are Home Depot Buckets Food Grade? A Complete Guide for Safe Storage

Understanding the Food Grade Status of Home Depot Buckets

The question of whether Home Depot buckets are food grade is common among DIYers, home preppers, and anyone seeking affordable storage options for food and water. While Home Depot sells a variety of plastic buckets, not all of them are suitable for direct food contact. It is critical to understand the differences between regular and food-grade buckets, the underlying materials, and the importance of certification before using any container for food storage.

What Does “Food Grade” Mean?

A food-grade container is made from materials deemed safe by regulatory agencies such as the FDA for direct contact with food or drink. Such containers must not leach harmful chemicals, dyes, or additives into food under normal usage. Food-grade plastics are manufactured and handled in environments that prevent contamination and often bear explicit labeling or certification.

Material Composition: HDPE and Food Safety

Most Home Depot buckets, including the popular orange “Homer” buckets, are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE is a durable plastic commonly used for food storage containers, but the material alone does not determine food safety. Virgin, non-recycled HDPE can be food safe if processed correctly. However, not all HDPE containers are automatically food-grade, as the manufacturing process, use of recycled materials, and potential contamination with dyes or other chemicals can affect safety [1] .

Are Orange Home Depot Buckets Food Grade?

Orange Home Depot “Homer” buckets are not food grade . According to both Home Depot representatives and the bucket manufacturer (Leaktite), these buckets are intended for general purpose, DIY, and paint storage. They are not FDA certified for food use. The presence of colorants and the non-segregated production lines introduce additional risks of contamination. The orange colorant used is not tested as food safe, and the manufacturer does not guarantee the buckets meet food safety standards [1] [2] .

How to Identify Food-Grade Buckets at Home Depot

Home Depot does sell white food-grade buckets , typically manufactured by Leaktite. These buckets are explicitly labeled as “food safe” and usually feature a sticker with a spoon, fork, and knife symbol and the words “Food Grade Container – Safe for Use With Food.” These buckets are produced on segregated machines using virgin HDPE, which minimizes the risk of contamination from non-food-safe substances. The white color is standard for food-grade buckets, as it contains no dyes or untested additives [1] [4] .

To ensure you are purchasing a food-safe bucket at Home Depot:

Look for buckets with explicit food-safe labeling and certification marks.
Choose white buckets, as these are most likely to be food grade.
Check the product description online or ask a store associate to confirm food-grade status.

Home Depot’s official site provides a listing for the Leaktite 5 gal. 70mil Food Safe Bucket (White) [4] .

Why the #2 HDPE Symbol Alone Is Not Enough

Many consumers believe that the #2 recycling symbol (for HDPE) indicates food safety. However, this symbol only identifies the type of plastic, not its certification or manufacturing conditions. The same resin can be used for food, paint, or industrial chemicals, depending on how it is handled during production. Only containers explicitly labeled as food grade and certified for such use can be safely used for food storage [1] .

Alternatives and Additional Options

For those seeking a broader selection of food-grade buckets, other suppliers such as Uline offer options in various sizes, thicknesses, and sometimes colors, all with appropriate certification. Home Depot also offers food-grade buckets from other brands, such as Argee. While Argee’s white and natural buckets are made from food-grade material, not all are production certified. Always check for explicit labeling and certification before purchase [5] .

Best Practices for Food Storage with Buckets

Even when using a certified food-grade bucket, there are best practices to ensure safety:

Use new buckets for food storage whenever possible to avoid contamination from previous contents.
Pair with a food-grade lid : Not all lids are food safe. Confirm the lid is also labeled as food grade.
Store in a clean, dry environment and avoid exposure to harsh chemicals or sunlight.
Do not use for fermentation or acidic foods unless the product specifically permits such use.

Home Depot currently offers a screw-top lid that is food-grade certified and compatible with their food-safe buckets [4] .

How to Find and Purchase Food-Grade Buckets at Home Depot

To purchase food-grade buckets at Home Depot, follow these steps:

Visit your local Home Depot store or go to the official website.
Search for “food safe bucket” or “Leaktite food safe bucket.” Confirm the product listing explicitly states “food safe.”
Check for the white color and food-grade labeling on the product or in the online description.
For further assurance, ask a store associate to help identify certified food-grade containers.

If you are unable to find the product in-store, Home Depot’s online platform allows for in-store pickup or delivery. Search for the Leaktite 5 gal. 70mil Food Safe Bucket White to view current availability and purchasing options.

Potential Challenges and Solutions

Some challenges when sourcing food-grade buckets include limited in-store availability, confusion over labeling, and distinguishing between buckets made from food-grade material and those production-certified. To address these concerns, always verify the product description, look for official food-grade labeling, and consult with store associates when in doubt. If local options are limited, consider reputable online suppliers that provide certification documents and detailed product information.

Summary and Key Takeaways

Most Home Depot buckets, especially the orange “Homer” buckets, are not food grade and should not be used for storing food or water. Home Depot does offer food-grade options, primarily in white, that are clearly labeled for food use and produced under certified conditions. Always verify labeling and certification before purchase, and follow best practices for safe food storage. For those needing additional options or sizes, explore other reputable suppliers that specialize in food-grade storage solutions.