In a message dated 96-11-14 13:27:13 EST, [log in to unmask] (Joel Govostes)
writes:
 
<< You mentioned the spackling/dry wall compound buckets.  I would wonder if
 the material is food-approved, or if the compounds might contaminate the
 honey, even if the buckets were scoured clean.  I wonder if you could even
 get them clean.
 
 Any BEE-Liners have information to offer on this?  Could this be a good
 source for bulk containers?  Many years ago I got 5-gal pickle buckets from
 a caterer.  I used them, and certainly they were safe, but could never get
 the dill-pickle smell out! >>
 
   I would also be afraid of spackling or other such compounds.  Pickle
buckets we've also tried and found wanting.
 
    We have standardized pretty much on the 4 1/4 gal pails in which donut
fillings are shipped. I can get these in quantity for a dollar or a dollar
and a half.  One advantage is that the lids do not require an opening tool
and are more reuseable than the 5 gallon lids, which often tear as you open
them.
 
    They are used for a food product, so are cleaner.  The only drawback I've
seen, is that they sometimes only rinse them at the shops. When nested the
oily filling can be trapped between pails and mold forms, staining and
possibly contaminating the plastic.  I wouldn't want ones that have been
stored a long time this way. They are too hard to clean.
 
    We've wrapped them with a lot of tape and shipped them with no problem,
too.
 
[log in to unmask]    Dave Green,  PO Box 1200,  Hemingway,  SC
29554        (Dave & Jan's Pollination Service,  Pot o'Gold Honey Co.)
 
Practical Pollination Home Page            Dave & Janice Green
http://users.aol.com/pollinator/polpage1.html