IBC, or 300 gallon tote..safe to use?

joseph97297 · #1 03/05/08, 07:18 PM

Got a great deal on 3 of those 300 Gallon totes with the metal cages, or at least hope it is a great deal.

They used to contain Melamine Resin, the stuff that those plastic spoons or plates are made of. The Health codes are 1, 1, and 0. I looked it up online and figured (right or wrong) that if this stuff was used to make things we eat off of, I guess it would be ok. I washed it out really good and want to know if I could use them safely for rain water storage for garden use only (compost as well). Not using it for shower or wash water, trying to find some food service ones. Anybody know if there is something wrong with using these, should I trash them or will it be ok for garden use.

Thanks

Joseph

Common Tator · #2 03/05/08, 07:37 PM

I wouldn't use it for anything edible. The tainted pet food from China that killed so many dogs and cats last year contianed melamine. Intentionally added to the food to give it better appearence. It caused renal failure!

joseph97297 · #3 03/05/08, 07:47 PM

So would you consider it for garden water storage or would the plants assimilate the resin? I was hoping that after a good wash, and being diluted with 300 gallons of water it would be minimal at least.....wishful thinking?

Thanks

Joseph

Common Tator · #4 03/05/08, 09:13 PM

Boy, I am really not qualified to answer that.

Does anybody know?

rwinsouthla · #5 03/05/08, 10:33 PM

melamine resin is the pelleted form of the plastic. The resin has been completely reacted and is no longer toxic. It's essentially the same polycarbonate that the tote is made of. I'd use it in a heartbeat for water.

Other uses....

1. Raise catfish fingerlings. 25 to start off with but keep it in the shade (trust me on this) and change 15 gallons of water out per day.
2. Raise koi to sell at a flea market.
3. Turn it over and cut a hole in the side for goat houses.