How safe are Brute cans?

[Whiterabbitrage]

I saw people building mixing stations using Brute trash cans. I brough mine home, rinsed them very well, and set them up. But my boyfriend asked me how safe it was, he asked about mold releasing agents and other toxic chemicals that could conceivably leach out of non-potable containers. Now I'm freaked out. Guys, please tell me exactly what you did to your Brute cans to make them safe.

 

[jason2459]

If you got the standard gray 32 gallon brute and last I checked says commercial on it as well you'll be safe.

 

[Phildirt]

These have been used for years, you'll be good. If concerned wash the can out by rubbing with baking soda(doing a good rub) an then rinse out.

 

[jason2459]

Also FYI

Not all brute cans are safe. Typically the 32 gallon gray commercial ones you find at most hardware stores are safe. You can refer to their site for the NSF approved

http://www.rubbermaidcommercial.com/rcp/products/detail.jsp?rcpNum=2632

Also for higher standards these colors seem safer

" Gray, White and Yellow trash containers are USDA Meat and Poultry Equipment Group listed and assist with complying HACCP guidelines."

 

[jason2459]

Also for any other plastic container looking at the bottom look for the numbers 4 (ldpe), 2 (hdpe), or 5 (PP)

Those are generally safe enough for our usage. If there is no number I would not use it personally.

 

[jason2459]

These have been used for years, you'll be good. If concerned wash the can out by rubbing with baking soda(doing a good rub) an then rinse out.

Yep. I would always rinse out any container first. I use vinegar myself.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Been using them for years with no problems! Just clean with some vinegar and water, rinse and use. My new set up in the basement: View attachment 306878

 

[Whiterabbitrage]

Great! Thank you for the info. The big gray one is the one I got. I just rinsed it with water tho. Is it still ok? I hate to waste the RO water in it, but maybe better to be safe, than sorry.

 

[biomek]

i wouldn't necessarily worry about rinsing it with RO. if you have any concerns, spray it down with a little bit of vinegar first. personally, i've never rinsed any of mine with RO

 

[Big Dog]

All I've used for years, have 4 ............... 2 are used for ATO.

 

[kmbyrnes]

Vinegar wipe whenever it begins to 'smell' dirty. About every 6 months or so. Rinse well with a hose and let it air dry. No worries.

 

[gone fishin]

I rinsed mine with the garden hose and started using it about 4 years ago no issues.

 

[snorvich]

What Jason said above so eloquently. I just rinse with a hose and go but if you wish to "feel better" do the vinegar water thing instead of a garden hose.

:thumbsup:

 

[MidwesternTexan]

I pretty much use any and all plastic containers form Menards, big box stores since day 1.
I give themn a quick rinse, that's it.

I've use large platic containers for sumps for years.

My sump, now a 125g glass aquarium- currently has a total of at least 5 different plastic containers, some as spacers, some as containers for skimmer levels, etc.

Don't overthink it

 

[mfaso24]

Been using them for years with no problems! Just clean with some vinegar and water, rinse and use. My new set up in the basement: View attachment 306878

Hey just curious, where does all the plumbing in and out of the cans go to?

 

[Flippers4pups]

Mes sumpper roomtacular!

View attachment 306941

 

[Whiterabbitrage]

Don't overthink it

Oh gosh, you discovered my character flaw pretty quickly. Me not overthinking something? Impossible. I drive people nuts.

Thank you all for your continued input. I will try to chill.

 

[tmz]

I've used them for years. I wipe them down with vinegar and rinse with fresh water to remove manufacturing ,storage or shipping residue that might be sticking around.