Cheap ways to store bulk?

[gabbyraja]

I don't love plastic, but I'll use it if I must. I do have to have it air-tight, as I do contend with pantry moths and fruit flies. I know that farmers keep 50# bags in stainless steel garbage cans. Those keep out rodents at least, but not sure about bugs.

I'd also be open to food-grade 5 gal buckets, but can not figure out where to find them at all, much less for cheap. I'm going to try a search, as I'm positive this has to have been discussed before, but I didn't see it in the first few pages and I'm pressed for time today.

[mattemma04]

I get 5 gallon pickle buckets from my mom's restaurant.1 gallon ones too.Ask around. Another option is to buy bulk food items from the store and warehouse stores.I get huge glass pickle jars and pepperoncini(sp) containers.

[diana_of_the_dunes]

I have a friend who gets me 3 gallon icing buckets from a bakery at a local grocery chain.  You can then buy Gamma lids to reseal them.  The lids run about $7 each.  If you don't want the plastic touching your food, maybe get mylar bags to line the buckets with.  Then you could just use the lids the buckets came with to keep out bugs, rodents, etc.