Many buckets that are safe to use for food storage will have a marking that says “Food Grade” or “Food Safe” on the plastic. Check the bucket for a marking that says it’s safe for food. Look near the recycling and plastic symbol on the bottom of the bucket.

In general, plastics with the recycling numbers 2, 4, and 5 are considered safe for food contact, while plastics with the numbers 3, 6, and 7 should be avoided. As for number 1 plastic type, although it is considered food safe for single use, I would avoid it anyway.

Under many of my food storage containers of plastic, there are circles with numbers and an arrow in the middle pointing at one of the numbers. What does these symbols mean? Could it be recycling information?

In general, recycling numbers 2, 4, and 5 are the safest. #1 PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) Commonly used to make soda bottles, peanut butter jars, and salad dressing containers, Polyethylene Terephthalate is more rigid and impact-resistant than other food-grade plastics in the lineup.

Food grade plastic is the only type which should come in contact with food or drink for human consumption. Here’s how to tell if it’s safe: Look for the Recycle symbol. Usually stamped on the bottom of the container. Read the number located inside the symbol. Here’s a cross-reference list.