Plastic-Lidded Bins for Long-Term Food Storage

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Susan Gast, Author and Food Preservation Enthusiast
Susan has been dehydrating and preserving foods for over a decade, sharing practical, tested methods that help readers make healthy, long-lasting meals at home.

Plastic-lidded bins are one of the simplest and most affordable ways to protect your dehydrated food supply. Whether you’re storing Mylar bags, jars, or vacuum-sealed packs, these bins keep everything neat, block out light, and stack easily in a closet or pantry.

✅ Quick Answer: What are plastic-lidded bins used for in food storage?
Plastic-lidded bins keep dehydrated food safe, organized, and protected from light. Choose opaque, stackable, airtight bins for best results, and pair them with oxygen absorbers and desiccant packets to maximize long-term food freshness.

With the right type of bin - ideally opaque, stackable, and airtight - you can extend shelf life while keeping your food storage system organized and stress-free.

Plastic Lidded storage bins. Good for storing dry goods.

Why Opaque, Stackable Bins Are the Secret to Food Storage Success

It's better if you can find stackable bins that you can't see through, as it helps to keep the light out. All you have to do is clear off some shelving in the garage.

Yeah, I know I said, "All you have to do," and yes, it's hard work sorting out stuff. But when it's done? It's done. You'll be so proud of yourself!

It's a great way to keep similar items grouped in an organized fashion. There's nothing worse than having to go rooting through piles of stuff, hoping the hunt will pay off. Keep yourself organized!

PLEASE NOTE: The white bin shown at the top of the page is NOT airtight, i.e. air can get in around the handles - so it's pointless adding a 2000cc oxygen absorber or desiccant packets in these types of bins. They must be AIRTIGHT when using the big oxygen absorbers and desiccant packets.

Again, the aim of these types of bins with handles is to keep you organized.

Smart Shelving Hacks to Fit Bins and Buckets Perfectly

The dehydrated Food Storage Wall is halfway through completion showing buckets, bins, and boxes of dehydrated foodDehydrated Food Storage Wall

If you're using buckets and plastic-lidded bins, here's a neat way to store 'em!

Stack boxes in an unused or barely used closet in the house - I prefer interior closets or a shelving unit assembled on a "spare" wall - READ ALL ABOUT IT HERE! Garages tend to get too hot and too cold. And bugs are out there...

Remember to write the contents of the bin on the bin's side and you should have already written the date on the bags and their contents well before they go in the bins!

Oxygen Absorbers vs. Desiccants: When to Use Them in Bins

NOTE: When using large AIRTIGHT containers, I add a 2000cc large oxygen absorber and a 200-300g desiccant packet loose inside the bin amongst the bags.

Don't forget we have also included a 100cc oxygen absorber and a 5g desiccant packet inside the vacuum-sealed dried food packages. 

Remember, these large bins will not be opened regularly, maybe two or three times a year or so, as we use up and rotate our stock.

There are plastic-lidded bins available that have snap-on lids that are truly airtight - like bucket lids - so please remember to use the 2000cc oxygen absorbers and 200-300g desiccant packets inside these types of storage bins.

Oxygen Absorbers at Amazon

When to Use 50cc Oxygen Absorbers

50cc are perfect for small jars and containers. Ideal for keeping spices and smaller dried foods fresh.

Best Uses for 100cc Oxygen Absorbers

100cc are great for quart-sized jars and vacuum-sealer bags. The most versatile size for everyday use.

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100cc Oxygen Absorbers

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Oxy-Sorb 2000cc Oxygen Absorbers

2000cc Oxygen Absorbers

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  • Pack of 10
  • I use these for airtight bins and buckets

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A NOTE HERE about DESICCANT PACKETS

Use them in conjunction with Oxygen Absorbers.
Here's How and Why...

Shelf Height Mistakes to Avoid Before Adding Storage Bins

When I built my food storage wall, I made sure that there was enough room between the shelves (height-wise) to fit the bins.

Take into account that some closet SHELVES have their front edges bent downwards at a 90-degree angle... Make sure the bin can get in... and out under that bent 'lip.'

Hey, you don't want to build the thing twice, right? So measure TWICE, and DRILL once. Make sure you're using a drill bit that's suitable for drilling metal, too. Drill bits for wood drilling won't do the job.

Give yourself a little bit of "breathing room" on top of the box, say about an inch and a half max.

The Hidden Advantage of Deep Shelving Units for Bins

Consider buying deep(er) shelving units so you can store your bins with the narrow side facing out, rather than the wide side facing out, like I did. You'll be able to store more bins that way.

You're always wiser after the event!

Best of Both Worlds: Using Buckets and Bins Together

Remember: You can also use buckets instead of bins! Yes, feed buckets - check out the Feed Bucket page. You'll see great screw-on lids that just about guarantee to keep your flour bug-free and your dehydrated food dry!

You can also stack the buckets. Put the heavy buckets on the bottom of the stack so you don't get a nasty knock to the head if one should tumble on you! (Yep, I messed up the first time around!) Be safety-conscious at all times.

Step-by-Step Food Storage Chart: My Exact Storage Method

The chart shows the exact order I use: bag → absorber → desiccant → wrap → Mylar → seal.

Layer Container What Goes Inside O₂ Absorber Desiccant Seal Method Notes
Primary Vacuum-sealer bag Dry food 100cc 5g Vacuum seal Wrap in cling film (abrasion guard)
Secondary Mylar bag 3–4 primary packs 300cc 20g Heat-seal (no vacuum) Barrier + light block; label contents & date. Text will now wrap properly instead of stretching wide.
Storage Pantry/Shelf Finished Mylar bundles — — — Cool, dark, dry; rotate oldest first

Primary

Container: Vacuum-sealer bag

What Goes Inside: Dry food

O₂ Absorber: 100cc

Desiccant: 5g

Seal Method: Vacuum seal

Notes: Wrap in cling film (abrasion guard)

Secondary

Container: Mylar bag

What Goes Inside: 3–4 primary packs

O₂ Absorber: 300cc

Desiccant: 20g

Seal Method: Heat-seal (no vacuum)

Notes: Barrier + light block; label contents & date

Storage

Container: Pantry/Shelf

What Goes Inside: Finished Mylar bundles

Notes: Cool, dark, dry; rotate oldest first

Plastic Bin Food Storage: Your Top Questions Answered

Are all plastic-lidded bins safe for food storage?

Not all bins are airtight or opaque. Look for bins specifically labeled airtight with strong snap-on or screw-top lids. Opaque bins also help block damaging light.

Can I store dehydrated food directly in plastic bins?

No. Always store dehydrated food first in vacuum-sealed bags and then in Mylar bags before placing inside bins. Bins are for organization and extra protection, not for direct contact with food.

Do I always need oxygen absorbers in plastic bins?

Only if the bin is airtight. Otherwise, oxygen will seep in, making absorbers ineffective. Use absorbers inside Mylar bags and add larger packets in airtight bins for long-term storage.

What’s the best place to keep my plastic-lidded bins?

A cool, dark, and dry area like an interior closet is ideal. Avoid garages or attics where temperature swings can shorten food shelf life.

What's the best shelving style for plastic bins?

Deep shelving units let you store more bins efficiently. Measure carefully to ensure bins slide in and out easily.

Plastic-lidded bins make it easy to keep your dehydrated pantry tidy, bug-free, and ready for anything. By choosing opaque, airtight containers and pairing them with oxygen absorbers, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing your food is safe.

And when you’re ready to enjoy it, grab your free 5 Dried Food Recipes You'll Actually Love PDF (below). It includes favorites like carrot soup, split pea soup, minestrone, spicy beef jerky, and banana cinnamon rolls - perfect dishes to make from your well-stored foods!

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