Safe Containers for Water Storage

Make an educated decision about which plastics are safe to come in contact with your food or water. Look for the Recycle symbol and read the number located inside the symbol. The following list indicates what is generally considered safe versus not safe.

Plastics that are generally considered safe for food and water

#2 HDPE (high density polyethylene)
#4 LDPE (low density polyethylene)
#5 PP (polypropylene)

Common single use water bottle or soft drink container

#1 PETE (polyethylene terephthalate) typical water or soda bottles, not designed for reuse or storage, but if properly cleaned they are OK. Varying reports regarding BPA leaching over time.

Unsafe plastics that may leach or have hazardous ingredients

#3 PVC (polyvinyl chloride) carcinogens during manufacture and incineration
#6 PS (polystyrene) possible carcinogen
#7 other (usually polycarbonate, sometimes labeled PC) may leach BPA (Bisphenol-A)

Typical 5 gallon food storage containers are made of #2 HDPE, and are opaque, not allowing light to penetrate. The typical ‘blue’ water storage containers or barrels are also made of high density polyethylene (#2 HDPE). Be sure to verify the material before you purchase. Be safe.