Storage Containers

Dry foods may be stored in several types of storage containers:

PLASTIC

• Plastic should be food grade plastic.  Buckets should be HDPE.  Bottles should be PETE or PET.
• Opaque containers are preferable to translucent or transparent containers.
• The containers must be airtight.  Buckets should have a rubber gasket in the lid.  PETE bottles should have a soft rubbery surface in the lid, not paper.
• Containers should not be in direct contact with the floor and should be stored away from sun light.
• Used containers may be utilized for storage if they previously stored food, no odor persists from the previous contents, and if lids still have an airtight seal (gaskets should be intact).
• Plastic containers should not be stored in areas with gasoline, paint thinner, paint rags, etc., as fumes from these may penetrate the containers and contaminate the food.
• Plastic should be used with caution in areas infested with large rodents that might chew through the containers.

METAL

• Metal lids and containers should be airtight.  Side seams should have a continuous weld.  Cans with “paint lip” lids are best except for commercially sealed #10 cans.  Containers or lids that are not airtight should be taped with duct tape to make them airtight.
• Containers should be stored so that air circulates under them.
• In high humidity areas, the cans should be painted with a rust inhibiting paint.
• Large metal garbage cans and drums are generally too large to be convenient storage containers.

OTHER

• Plastic bags are not effective for long term storage of dry goods.  They are also not necessary as liners in other storage containers.
• Cardboard boxes, barrels, or paper bags are not effective for long term storage.  They are neither air nor moisture tight nor pest resistant.
• Glass jars may be used if stored away from light, lids are airtight, and jars can be kept from breaking.
• Foil laminated (mylar) pouches are effective if the pouch is heat sealed.  Pouches should be 7 mil thick to avoid puncturing from minor abrasion unless they are stored inside plastic buckets.

CONTAINER SIZE AND CAPACITY

Group 1: Wheat, beans, rice, sugar, grains
Group 2: Non-instant powdered milk, flour
Group 3: Oatmeal, macaroni, spaghetti
Group 4: Instant powdered milk, potato flakes