Save Money on Storage: Your Guide to Used Plastic Crates in Delaware
What you'll get from this guide: Find reliable suppliers of used plastic crates in Delaware, understand fair pricing, and learn how to get the best deals for your storage needs.
Why Choose Used Plastic Crates?
Used plastic crates solve common business problems:
- Cost savings: Average $4.10 per crate vs. $15+ for new ones
- Immediate availability: No waiting for manufacturing
- Environmental benefit: Keeps plastic out of landfills
- Proven durability: Most used crates last years longer
Where to Find Used Plastic Crates in Delaware
Primary Supplier: RePackify
RePackify operates in these Delaware locations:
- Dover (19904)
- Wilmington (19802)
- Newark (19713)
- Bear (19701)
What they offer:
- Food-grade crates: 13″ × 13″ × 11″ (200-600 units available)
- General-purpose stackable crates (200+ units available)
- Location-specific quotes through their website
Local Industrial Recyclers
These suppliers focus on bulk orders:
- Service area: Wilmington, Dover, Newark, Middletown, Bear, Glasgow
- What they offer: Mixed-quality pallets and crates (HDPE, PET)
- Special service: Free pickup on truckloads
- Best for: Large volume orders with flexible quality requirements
Understanding Prices
Current Market Rates
- Delaware average: $4.10 per used plastic crate (June 2023)
- Bulk discounts: Orders over 200 units often include freight
- Clearance options: Secondary-quality bins with minor defects at steep discounts
Example Pricing
- Standard 13″ × 13″ × 11″ food-grade crate: $4.10
- Large 48″ × 40″ × 31″ bin with minor defects: $92
- General-purpose stackable crates: Varies by size and condition
Types of Crates Available
Food-Grade Crates
- Size: 13″ × 13″ × 11″
- Material: HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
- Best for: Produce, dairy, food storage
- Special feature: Ventilated design for airflow
General-Purpose Crates
- Sizes: Various (common: 16″ × 10″ × 6″)
- Material: Polypropylene
- Best for: Parts storage, general warehouse use
- Special feature: Stackable design saves space
Industrial Bulk Bins
- Size: 48″ × 40″ × 31″
- Material: Recycled HDPE
- Best for: Pallet boxes, bulk transport
- Special feature: Maximum capacity for heavy items
How to Order
Getting Quotes
From RePackify:
- Use their website contact form
- Request location-specific quotes
- Ask about current inventory levels
From other suppliers:
- Call directly for availability
- Ask about bulk discounts
- Inquire about freight terms
Shipping and Logistics
Freight considerations:
- RePackify: Often lists "freight not included" but negotiates bulk rates
- Local recyclers: May offer free pickup for full truckloads
- Plan for 200+ crates to qualify for better freight rates
Quality Grades Explained
Grade A (Best Quality)
- Condition: Lightly used, all structural parts intact
- Best for: Food service, retail display
- Price: Higher but worth it for customer-facing uses
Secondary Quality (Good Value)
- Condition: Minor scratches, color variations, small defects
- Best for: Warehouse storage, internal use
- Price: Significantly lower
- Important: Usually final sale with no returns
Smart Buying Tips
Before You Order
Measure your space: Know exactly what size crates fit your shelving
Calculate your needs: Count how many items you need to store
Check food-grade requirements: Some businesses need FDA-compliant crates
Getting the Best Deal
Order in bulk: Aim for 200+ units to get freight discounts
Compare quotes: Get prices from multiple suppliers
Consider mixed orders: Combine different sizes for better pricing
Time your purchase: End of quarter often brings better deals
Quality Check
Request samples: Especially important for food-grade needs
Inspect on delivery: Check for cracks or damage
Test stacking: Make sure crates fit together properly
Real-World Example
A Delaware restaurant owner needed 300 crates for produce storage. Here's what they did:
- Step 1: Contacted RePackify for 13″ × 13″ × 11″ food-grade crates
- Step 2: Compared with local recycler for bulk pricing
- Step 3: Ordered 300 units at $4.10 each with freight included
- Result: Saved $3,000 compared to buying new crates
Final Recommendation
Start with RePackify if you need reliable, consistent quality. Their Delaware locations make pickup possible, saving freight costs. For larger orders or when quality is less critical, consider local recyclers who offer competitive bulk pricing.
Used plastic crates give you professional storage solutions without the new-product price tag. With proper planning, you'll get durable crates that serve your business for years.