The 5 gallon buckets are intended for long term storage. The lid and bucket body create a snug fit once closed. You may need a rubber mallet to close the bucket initially and you may need a plastic bucket opener to reopen easily (we sell the opener if you need it, see link below). Once the bucket is opened several times, the fit will become more forgiving, yet still keeping that tight seal for long-term.
https://www.trueleafmarket.com/products/bucket-lid-wrench?_pos=1&_psq=lid%20open&_ss=e&_v=1.0
There are small pull tabs on the side of the Lid. When you are ready to open the bucket after it being initially sealed, you can remove this tab. We hope this information is helpful, let us know if you have questions😀🌿
Dec 21, 2023