HDPE 5 Gallon Pails for Sale: Complete Buyer's Guide [2026]

HDPE 5 Gallon Pails for Sale: Complete Buyer's Guide [2026]

HDPE (high-density polyethylene) is the material of choice for industrial 5 gallon pails — but not all HDPE pails are created equal. The difference between a $4.98 hardware store bucket and a $9.99 UN-certified industrial HDPE pail is not just price. It is resin grade, wall thickness, impact resistance, certification status, and suitability for regulated applications.

This guide covers everything buyers need to know about HDPE 5 gallon pails: what the material specifications mean, how to read the technical markings, which certifications matter for your application, and where to buy certified HDPE pails in bulk.

What you'll learn:

  • What HDPE means and why it is preferred for industrial pails
  • How to read technical markings and certifications on HDPE pails
  • Price comparison for HDPE pails across different suppliers
  • Which HDPE pail specifications you need for chemical, food, or DOT applications
  • Where to buy certified HDPE 5 gallon pails for sale at wholesale pricing

Get current pricing on certified HDPE pails →

Table of Contents

  1. What Is HDPE and Why Does It Matter?
  2. HDPE Pail Specifications Explained
  3. Reading Technical Certifications
  4. HDPE vs. Other Plastic Pail Materials
  5. HDPE 5 Gallon Pails for Sale: Pricing in 2026
  6. Applications by Certification Level
  7. How to Buy HDPE Pails for Sale Direct
  8. Key Takeaways
  9. FAQ

What Is HDPE and Why Does It Matter? {#what-is-hdpe}

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a thermoplastic resin with a density of 0.93–0.97 g/cm³, manufactured through ethylene polymerization. The #2 HDPE recycling code identifies it on consumer products.

For industrial pail applications, HDPE's properties make it the dominant material:

Chemical resistance — HDPE resists a broad range of acids, bases, and solvents. According to chemical compatibility data, HDPE is compatible with over 90% of common industrial chemicals including bleach, acids, caustics, and many organic solvents. (See our full HDPE chemical compatibility guide.)

Impact resistance — HDPE pails maintain structural integrity through drop tests specified by UN performance standards. A UN 1H2-certified pail must survive a 1.8-meter drop test without failure.

Temperature range — HDPE pails are rated for use from -40°F to 120°F (-40°C to 49°C), making them suitable for cold storage and outdoor use in most US climates.

FDA food safety — Virgin HDPE manufactured under FDA 21 CFR 177.1520 is safe for food contact. This is the basis for food grade pail certification.

UV stability — HDPE can be formulated with UV stabilizers for outdoor storage applications without degradation.

HDPE Pail Specifications Explained {#specifications}

Industrial HDPE pails carry technical markings that specify their performance characteristics. Here is what each element means:

Wall thickness — Measured in mils or mm. UN-certified pails require minimum wall thickness to pass performance tests. Standard industrial HDPE pails run 0.090–0.120 inches wall thickness. Thinner-walled pails at hardware stores may be 0.060–0.075 inches.

Bottom thickness — Critical for stacking. Industrial pails typically have reinforced bottom ribs that distribute stack loads. At 120 pails per standard pallet stacked 4 high, bottom integrity matters.

Rim and bail design — The rolled rim and metal bail assembly must withstand 50–60 lbs of fully loaded pail weight repeatedly without fatigue failure. Industrial-grade bail attachments are thicker and more robust than consumer-grade pails.

Capacity — Actual capacity is often slightly above nominal. A "5 gallon" pail typically holds 5.25–5.5 gallons to the brim, with the working fill line at 5 gallons.

UN 1H2/Y27/S marking explained:

  • 1 = Rigid plastic container
  • H2 = Open-head (removable lid)
  • Y = Packing Group II and III hazardous materials
  • 27 = Maximum gross mass in kg (approximately 60 lbs)
  • S = Solid contents (for liquid contents, the marking differs)

Reading Technical Certifications {#certifications}

Three certifications matter for HDPE 5 gallon pails:

UN 1H2/Y27/S (DOT Hazmat Certification)

Required for transporting hazardous materials in solid form under DOT 49 CFR and international IMDG/IATA regulations. Testing includes: 1.8m drop test, stacking test (200 kg for 28 days), vibration test, and closure integrity test. A certified pail has passed all four.

FDA 21 CFR 177.1520 (Food Grade)

Confirms the HDPE resin formulation is approved for direct food contact. Requires virgin resin, FDA-approved colorants only, and manufacturing process controls. Without this certification, the pail should not be used in food processing applications.

HDPE #2 (Resin Identification)

The resin code confirms the base polymer but does not by itself certify food safety or hazmat performance. It is necessary but not sufficient — you need the additional certifications above for regulated applications.

How to verify — Ask your supplier for the UN certification number and testing laboratory. Legitimate UN certifications are traceable to an accredited testing body. Domestic manufacturers must have their containers tested and certified by an approved laboratory before marking them as UN-certified.

HDPE vs. Other Plastic Pail Materials {#hdpe-vs-others}

Buyers sometimes encounter pails made from polypropylene (PP), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or other materials. Here is how HDPE compares:

| Property | HDPE #2 | PP | LDPE | LDPE |

|----------|---------|----|----|-----|

| Chemical resistance | Excellent | Very good | Good | — |

| Impact resistance | Excellent | Fair (brittle cold) | Good | — |

| Food grade available | Yes | Yes | Yes | — |

| UN certification | Yes | Yes (limited) | No | — |

| Cost | Medium | Medium-high | Lower | — |

| UV resistance | Good with additives | Fair | Poor | — |

| Temperature range | -40°F to 120°F | 32°F to 212°F | -40°F to 90°F | — |

For industrial applications requiring UN certification and broad chemical compatibility, HDPE is the clear choice. Polypropylene has a higher temperature ceiling but is brittle below freezing and is not as widely UN-certified.

HDPE 5 Gallon Pails for Sale: Pricing in 2026 {#pricing}

Current market pricing for certified HDPE 5 gallon pails:

| Supplier | Unit Price | UN Certified | Food Grade | Min Order |

|---------|-----------|-------------|-----------|----------|

| Home Depot | $4.98 | No | No | 1 |

| Amazon (varies widely) | $7–$18 | Verify carefully | Some | 1 |

| Uline | $13–$16 | Yes (selected) | Yes (selected) | 1 |

| Industrial distributor | $14–$18 | Usually yes | Varies | Often 10+ |

| PailHQ (25+ units) | $9.99 | Yes | Yes | No min |

Note: Pricing for UN-certified HDPE pails specifically (not general utility buckets):

  • 1–5 units from PailHQ: $12.49
  • 6–24 units: $11.49
  • 25+ units: $9.99 (free shipping at 36+)

The pricing gap between Uline/distributors ($13–$16) and direct manufacturer ($9.99) at 25+ units is $3–$6 per unit — $375–$750 savings per 125-unit order.

Applications by Certification Level {#applications}

UN certified + food grade (PailHQ standard):

  • Food manufacturing ingredient storage
  • DOT-regulated hazardous material transport
  • Agricultural chemical mixing and storage
  • Pharmaceutical ingredient handling
  • Export shipments (IMDG/IATA compliance)

Food grade only (without UN):

  • Restaurant and food service bulk storage
  • Household food storage (emergency preparedness)
  • Agricultural produce storage (non-chemical)

Standard industrial HDPE (no certification):

  • Paint and construction materials
  • Non-hazardous manufacturing waste
  • Landscaping and pool chemical storage (verify compatibility)
  • General storage and transport of non-regulated materials

How to Buy HDPE Pails for Sale Direct {#how-to-buy}

The most cost-effective way to purchase certified HDPE 5 gallon pails is direct from the manufacturer:

Step 1: Determine your required certification level (UN only, food grade only, or both).

Step 2: Calculate your annual volume to identify your pricing tier.

Step 3: Request a quote at pailhq.com/quote or call 954-594-2108 with your quantity, configuration (open-head, lid type), and shipping zip code.

Step 4: Receive a firm quote within 2–4 hours with pricing, lead time, and Certificate of Compliance documentation details.

Step 5: Order ships within 2–5 business days. Tracking and documentation provided at shipment.

Key Takeaways {#takeaways}

  • ✓ HDPE #2 is the standard resin for industrial 5 gallon pails — preferred for chemical resistance, impact performance, and food safety eligibility
  • ✓ UN 1H2/Y27/S certification means the pail has passed DOT drop, stacking, and vibration tests — required for hazmat transport
  • ✓ FDA food grade certification is separate from UN — both can exist on the same pail (and do on PailHQ pails)
  • ✓ Don't buy uncertified — hardware store HDPE buckets cost $4.98 but carry no certifications and are not suitable for food, chemical, or DOT applications
  • ✓ At 25+ units, certified HDPE pails cost $9.99/unit direct from manufacturer — comparable to uncertified pails from big-box retail
  • ✓ Verify the marking — "UN 1H2/Y27/S" and "Food Grade" must appear on the physical pail, not just the product listing
  • ✓ Lead time: 2–5 business days from PailHQ with full documentation

Get HDPE Pail Pricing

Call 954-594-2108 or submit a quote request online. We respond within 2–4 hours on business days with pricing, certification details, and lead times.

Related Resources

FAQ {#faq}

What does HDPE stand for in 5 gallon pails?

HDPE stands for high-density polyethylene. It is a thermoplastic resin with excellent chemical resistance, impact strength, and temperature performance. HDPE #2 is the base material for virtually all certified industrial 5 gallon pails and is the only plastic resin type approved for UN hazmat transport certification in open-head pail configurations.

Are HDPE pails safe for food storage?

Yes, when manufactured from FDA-compliant HDPE resin per 21 CFR 177.1520. Look for the "Food Grade" stamp on the base of the pail. Standard industrial HDPE pails made with non-food-grade additives or recycled content are not safe for food contact. PailHQ pails carry FDA food grade certification on the same unit as the UN hazmat certification.

How long do HDPE pails last in outdoor storage?

UV-stabilized HDPE pails can last 5–10 years in outdoor UV exposure before significant degradation. Non-UV-stabilized HDPE begins to show surface crazing after 2–3 years of direct sun exposure. For long-term outdoor storage, specify UV-stabilized HDPE and keep pails covered when not in use.

Can HDPE pails hold gasoline or petroleum products?

HDPE has good resistance to aliphatic hydrocarbons (gasoline, diesel, kerosene) but limited resistance to aromatic hydrocarbons at elevated concentrations. For petroleum product storage, consult our HDPE chemical compatibility guide and verify with your supplier. For regulated petroleum product transport, UN certification is required.

What is the difference between open-head and closed-head HDPE pails?

Open-head pails have a removable lid (the most common 5 gallon bucket style). Closed-head pails have a fixed top with a bung opening. Open-head configurations are more versatile for filling and emptying solid and semi-solid contents. Closed-head is used primarily for liquid contents and is designated differently in UN certification markings.

Where can I buy HDPE 5 gallon pails in bulk?

For certified HDPE pails in bulk quantities, PailHQ offers direct manufacturer pricing at $9.99/unit for 25+ units, with free shipping on 36+ units. Order at pailhq.com/quote or call 954-594-2108. For small quantities (1–5 units), Uline or Amazon are secondary options — verify UN and food grade certifications on the specific product, not just the listing.

About the Author

PailHQ Editorial Team — PailHQ is a US manufacturer of UN 1H2/Y27/S certified, FDA food-grade HDPE 5-gallon pails. Our technical team includes material scientists and packaging engineers with expertise in HDPE resin specification, UN performance testing, and FDA food contact compliance.

Technical questions about HDPE specifications or certifications? Call 954-594-2108 or email sales@pailhq.com.

Sources: DOT 49 CFR 178.504 (UN 1H2 performance specification), FDA 21 CFR 177.1520 (Olefin Polymers), ASTM D4976 (HDPE resin specification). Pricing data collected February 2026.