I like those things, too.

My cats like to hide in them (lay the bucket on its side.)

They're good for carrying tools, cleaning supplies, plants, for mixing up compost teas & the like, & for soaking the roots of new bare-root plants prior to planting.

When they get too gross, cut out the bottom & put them around tender plants or plants that need to be protected from pets, lawnmowers, or weed whackers.

They make great laying nests for hens when put on their sides and filled with straw. Easily washed.

I KNOW! I love them, too. I got four last time i was there. I use them for fertilizer - I like to get it out of the big bags and into these buckets with lids, and I used them for reclaimed potting soil. When something kicks the bucket, out goes the dead stem/roots, and potting soil goes into the ice cream bucket! LOVE those things! Think I will go by there tomorrow to see if I can get some more. After a busy weekend, I bet there are! (I always wash these things with warm soapy water because there is always plenty of ice cream residue left inside.)

Carol

Man and I'm looking for buckets too. Thanks for the tip. I know will be hitting the ice cream shops.
Mike

I would make sure to check other restaurants as well. DH has a small mom & pop restaurant and we have 5 gallon green pickle buckets all over the place at home. They have tons of uses. He actually has quite a few people who come in and ask for them from time to time, which he happily gives away. :)

Another place to try for 5 gal plastic food grade buckets is movie theaters. Popcorn, seasoning, butter and pickles all come in these buckets. My brother used to work in a theater as a teenager. You'll know where they came from because they are all yellow with red tops from the "seasonall" brand.

Also check with local horse barns or stables if you need buckets. Horse supplements and medication usually come in buckets complete with lid. I always use 3 gallon buckets that used to hold my horse's arthritis medication. Also, the larger the stable, the larger the buckets; because if they have a lot of horses they buy in bulk and get big buckets.

I got some at Shipley's Doughnuts years ago and still use them. Doughnut icing and filling came in them.