What plastic totes must not hold
Gasoline and other Class I flammable liquids go in metal IBCs designed and listed for them. A metal IBC fitted with a pressure-venting device can withstand fire for at least 30 minutes, and is suitable for onsite storage of Class I flammables and of Class II and III combustibles. A listed rigid nonmetallic IBC is suitable for Class II and III combustible liquids only.
That leaves diesel in a grey area for many people. Diesel is a Class II combustible, which means a listed rigid plastic tote may be an option and a plain used one is not. Whether you may keep fuel on your site at all is a fire-code and permit question.
| Liquid | Metal IBC (listed, vented) | Listed rigid plastic IBC | Used plastic tote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class I flammables (gasoline) | Suitable for onsite storage | No | Never |
| Class II and III combustibles (diesel) | Suitable | Suitable if listed | Not unless listed for it |
| Non-hazardous liquids | Yes | Yes | Yes, with history known |
| Drinking water | Not a tote use | Food-grade, documented | No |
Water, food and animals
The CDC advises against storing emergency water in containers that held toxic chemicals, and says FDA-approved food-grade containers are best. A used tote of unknown history fails both tests. The grader never clears a hazardous or unknown tote for food, water or animal use.
See food-grade history for what makes a food-history tote, and water totes for which totes can hold water at all.
Other things not to put in
- Anything that attacks polyethylene: some solvents and strong oxidizers. Check the SDS.
- Hot liquids beyond the tote's rating.
- Pressurized contents.
- Anything incompatible with what is already in the tote.
A quick decision flow
Ask three questions in order. First, is the liquid flammable or combustible? If yes, a used plastic tote is out, and only a listed container will do. Second, is it for drinking or food? If yes, only food-only history or a new bottle qualifies. Third, does it attack polyethylene? Check the safety data sheet; if the sheet says to avoid it, avoid it.
If every answer is no, you probably have an ordinary use, such as water for a garden. Even then, put a label on the tote and keep the answer to question one in writing.
When in doubt, ask the fire authority
Your local fire authority decides what may be kept at your address. A phone call before you fill a tote is cheaper than an inspection after.
Heat, cold and expansion
Liquids expand when heated, and a tote filled to the brim in a cool morning can bulge by afternoon. Leave headspace, especially in the desert.
Questions people ask
Can I store gasoline or diesel in an IBC tote?
Not gasoline in a plastic one. Diesel may be stored only in a tote listed for it. Ask your fire authority.
Can I put drinking water in a used tote?
Not unless it has documented food-only history or a new bottle, and your own water authority accepts it.
Sources. Last reviewed 2026-11-11.