Best 50 Gallon Plastic Barrels for Storage and Rainwater

The following 50 gallon plastic barrels are suitable for water storage, rain collection, or bulk liquid handling. Each option offers different features such as BPA-free construction, food-grade materials, and various head configurations. The selections emphasize durability, versatility, and compliance with storage needs. This guide helps you compare options for home preparedness, outdoor use, or small business storage.

Product Brand Capacity Type
HOANK 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel HOANK 55 gallons Closed Head, BPA-Free
RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon Rain Barrel RTS Home Accents 50 gallons Open/Closed Options, Flat Back
Eagle 55 Gallon Drum Eagle 55 gallons Open Head Lab Pack Drum
BayTec 55 Gallon Blue Water Barrel BayTec 55 gallons Blue, Food Grade
Augason Farms 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel Augason Farms 55 gallons Food-Grade, BPA-Free

HOANK 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel

HOANK 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel

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The HOANK 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel offers a BPA-free, heavy-duty plastic construction with a seamless tight head design. This configuration minimizes leakage risk while supporting storage of bulk liquids or dry goods, making it suitable for industrial, laboratory, or commercial use. It provides dual fittings—2-inch NPT and 2-inch Buttress—offering flexible pumping and transfer options. The design supports safe containment for sensitive materials and transport, aligning with storage regulations and practical handling needs.

U.S. Military Surplus 58 Gallon Barrel

U.S. Military Surplus Waterproof Food Grade 58 Gallon Barrel

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This surplus barrel is built from robust, food-grade HDPE plastic, originally used by the U.S. military for olives, delivering trusted durability. Its generous 58-gallon capacity supports emergency food prep, gear storage, or rainwater collection. The rugged construction resists environmental exposure and supports long-term storage in varied conditions, with an emphasis on reliability and proven performance in demanding settings.

RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon Rain Barrel

RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon Rain Barrel

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The RTS Home Accents rain barrel focuses on outdoor rainwater collection with a 50-gallon capacity and a durable, UV-resistant polyethylene body. Its design supports easy garden irrigation and drought-ready water storage. The built-in overflow valve helps manage excess water, and the option to connect multiple barrels increases total storage capacity, making it practical for larger landscape setups or rain harvesting systems.

Eagle 55 Gallon Drum with Lid

Eagle 55 Gallon Drum with Lid

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The Eagle drum emphasizes regulatory compliance for storage and transport of hazardous materials by offering lid options tailored to material handling requirements. Constructed from blow-molded high-density polyethylene, it delivers durability while maintaining lightweight handling. This barrel suits a range of storage tasks, including non-leaking hazardous materials, but is not intended for free liquids, ensuring safer use in controlled applications.

BayTec 55 Gallon Blue Water Barrel

BayTec 55 Gallon Blue Water Barrel

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The BayTec blue water barrel is a 55-gallon, food-grade container designed for long-term water storage. It is UN-DOT certified and suitable for fresh water or rainwater applications. The bright blue, closed-top design helps protect contents from light exposure, while the sturdy HDPE construction provides durability in outdoor and storage environments without compromising water quality.

Augason Farms 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel

Augason Farms 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel

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Augason Farms offers a BPA-free, food-grade 55-gallon water storage barrel designed for long-term emergency readiness. The heavy-duty polyethylene construction supports reliable water storage for everyday use and disaster preparedness. The barrel’s size accommodates family needs for drinking water, hygiene, and cooking over extended outages, making it a staple in home preparedness planning.

Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations

  • Material and Safety: Choose BPA-free, food-grade HDPE for drinking water storage; confirm food-grade certification for long-term contact with consumables.
  • Cap/Head Type: Closed-head drums minimize contamination and leakage; open-head designs are easier to access for certain liquids but require tighter handling or venting.
  • Capacity and Storage Needs: Consider 50–55 gallons as a standard size for household water or bulk storage; plan for future expansion by using stackable designs and interlinking options.
  • Durability and UV Exposure: For outdoor use, opt for UV-resistant plastic and weatherproof seals to extend barrel life and protect contents.
  • Fittings and Accessories: Look for drums with compatible fittings (NPT, Buttress) and the ability to add pumps, spigots, or taps for convenient transfer.
  • Regulatory Compliance: If storing hazardous materials, select drums designed for chemical containment and transport in accordance with applicable regulations.
  • Cleanliness and Maintenance: Choose barrels with smooth interiors and easy-to-clean surfaces to maintain water quality and reduce residue buildup.
  • Portability and Storage: Consider stackable designs and ergonomic handles; plan for secure storage to prevent tipping or moisture intrusion.
  • Source and Warranty: Verify the reliability of the manufacturer and review any warranty or return policies when purchasing barrels for critical storage.