Molly,

Lots of places have buckets that they would gladly give you, at least in my experience. Head over to your local backery and/or restaurant. Some places still get their shortening, cleaning supplies, and such in 5 gallon buckets. Let them know you just want a couple of them since some of these places recycle them by using for other things in their business or may already be giving them to someone else. Since you only want a couple, it should be no issue.

I second Tiffy. I just picked up two 5 gallon buckets from our local Lick's burger restaurant. I'm going to try upside down tomatoes this year, so these are perfect. (The Straub's dill pickles came in them..they are green, and not too offensive looking).

Try the deli section at your local grocery store..they get their potato salads and coleslaw in 2-3 gallon jugs, if that will do. If you are a regular customer, it never hurts to ask, and most will gladly pass them along.