Can I use a regular bucket for brewing beer?

Answer 1

That's not adviseable.  You really want to use a food-grade plastic bucket of sufficient capacity.  Buckets are made of varying grade of plastics and food grade plastic does not contain dyes or recycled plastic deemed harmful. However, this does not mean that food grade plastic cannot contain recycled plastic. The FDA has detailed regulations concerning recycled plastics in food packaging.

Another aspect of food grade plastic is matching the appropriate type of plastic to the food in question. Foods that are highly acidic or that contain alcohol or fats can leach plastic additives from the packaging or container into the food. As a result, you should only use plastic containers that are FDA approved for the particular type of food the plastic will come into contact with.

Also, if you have used your brewing bucket to store non-food items (i.e. cleaners, chemicals or detergent) you should get a new bucket.