I assumed all buildings and containers not marked red were safe.
Partially true. Some containers
do reset when entering/re-entering a game cell.
Most containers inside buildings (interior cell) are safe, but stay clear of (some) suitcases and (most) filing cabinets.
Footlockers, safes, tool boxes, metal boxes, wardrobes... Those are mostly secure.
I've been (out of ingenuity) using dumpsters and thrash cans, but I was very lucky.
From experience, it's OK if you dump something and you retrieve it after a very short brief time (less than 1-2 in-game days).
As a paradox, it's better to dump things on the ground (inside a room) than to store them in an untrusted container...
Cheers!