(If this has been discussed earlier, would someone give me a link to the thread?)

We have talked about the plastic containers that are not appropriate or safe to store water, but would they do for dry goods?

As I empty the nice, big, sturdy plastic juice bottles that my recycling plant won't take (they are limited to 1, 3 & 4, I think), I wonder if I could clean and sanitize them well and store rice, beans, pasta, etc in them with relative safety?

DFW

that's what I do.

Should be fine if you can run them through the dishwasher. I might put a layer of teflon tape on the threads to improve the moisture/air tightness of the seal.

We store all kinds of stuff in old plastic juice bottles, no ill effects yet (my hair fell out long before we started using them)...

the Teflon tape on the threads is a good idea

I re-use any of the food rated containers and some that are not (such as bleach jugs) but most I do not find large enough for most of my uses. I had a hard time finding containers until I found this company. Since they will sell in any quantity I have found them handy. They also have some good information on their site concerning food storage etc. including a food storage calculator that I have found useful.
http://www.containerandpackaging.com/Itemtype.asp
I have no affiliations with this company.