Buckets - when too far gone?

[m2salmon]

I received about 40 buckets for free some marked lead free all probably less than 20 years old. Almost all have some amount of scaling, discoloration, and or rust inside. Galvanized steel. Spent an hour or so washing some, wondering if it’s worth the effort. Should galvanized buckets with rusk or scaling not be used? I don’t like the look of bags or plastic buckets. The old buckets look nice. Does anyone make a plastic bag liner? What’s the next best option with similar aesthetic aluminum buckets?

[Pdiamond]

Most of the maple suppliers now have liners for the galvanized buckets.

[Arctic Fox]

I have not used these myself, but I'm considering getting some for the trees that don't make sense to put tubing on due to location.

https://wendelsmaple.com/bucket-barriers/ (https://wendelsmaple.com/bucket-barriers/)

[DrTimPerkins]

Plastic liners are available that preserve the aesthetic of metal buckets while reducing the exposure to lead and preventing leaking.

[Michael Greer]

I have 500 buckets, and buy a few more every year to replace some that have outlived their usefulness. Rust probably isn't good, not because iron is toxic or anything, but I'd worry about imparting a flavor of any sort to the (very concentrated) syrup. I discard a few every year. The most important thing to look at when inspecting a new batch of old buckets is repairs. A re-soldered bucket is obvious, and should go straight into the recycle bin. Old timers were way too handy with the lead solder, and used it for everything. Apparently lead wasn't toxic in those days!!