Safe to mix saltwater in garbage can?
 

I have an unused Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) garbage can that would be perfect for mixing saltwater, but I want to make sure it is safe first. I have seen LLDPE used as a pond liner for ornamental fish ponds, but that doesn't necessarily mean it won't kill my more finicky livestock. If it is safe, how do you all prep/clean something like this prior to first use to make sure there are no oils, soaps, chemicals, etc. to hurt the fishies?

Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't. I know lots of people are using the food grade ones from Brute. For that one brand I can say that there are enough people using it that if it were going to create a problem we'd have seen it by now. But I don't know that we can lump all of them together and say anything that applies to all brands.

To clean it up, I'd go with soap then lots and lots and lots of water. When you think you've rinsed with enough water, rinse again with three times that amount. A wipe down with vinegar wouldn't be a bad idea too.

Of course all of that is assuming that it doesn't have any type of antimicrobials in the plastic and that there are no mold release agents that could leach.

I use the gray brutes and I am happy with them...

I use the 20 gal white ones for water change and top off water . No problems yet .
The ones I have are made for storing feed grain for animals .

Funky

Brute here too. Bought it at lowes.

Grey brute