Recycling Barrels that contained 88% Lactic Acid

I’ve been on the lookout for food grade plastic barrels in my area and found some finally. They’re from a pickle factory and were full of 88% lactic acid.

I’m under the impression this is a concentrated vinegar and is safe to reuse for rainwater catchment to water garden and livestock, following plenty of barrel rinsing.

This is my first rainwater catching endeavor and I’m wondering if anyone with more experience can weigh in and tell me if these barrels are not good for what I’ll be doing with them. Should anything be done aside from rinse?

Welcome to the forums J.T!

I think they would be fine. I think a rinse would help. If you are concerned i would fill them up with water and than smell them to see if it is to strong to put onto plants.  But it all honesty i would use them right after rinsing them out.


Another thing you could do is rinse them out and than put them out into the sun so they can dry and get solarized by the sun. This most definitely would make them safe.


Goats create lactic acid in their rumens to help with ph buffering. Chickens do not mind lactic acid, pigs love fermented dairy. Plants would also like lactic acid in small amounts.

Good find. I agree -- I think the barrels are safe to use. Looking at the MSDS, the contents are water soluble and degrade when exposed to heat/moisture. The barrels were likely given an initial rinse at the factory. If in doubt, rinse them, fill them and let them stand for a few days.

Thanks everyone! I also looked at the MSDS and gave them a rinse. I did notice a few dead patches in grass where the rinse occurred, likely from not diluting with enough water before dumping the barrel out.

look at the link in my signature, it may help you