Save Money on Storage: Where to Find Used Plastic Crates in Lafayette, LA
You can cut your storage costs by 30-70% by buying used plastic crates instead of new ones. Plus, you'll help the environment by reusing materials that would otherwise end up in landfills.
Here's where to find quality used plastic crates in Lafayette and what to expect from each option.
Hardware and Farm Supply Stores: Best for Beginners
These stores are perfect if you're new to buying used crates. You can see what you're buying before you pay.
What you'll find: Small to medium plastic crates, storage bins, and organizational containers. Most come from customer returns or overstock.
Typical prices: $5-25 per crate depending on size and condition.
Why choose this option: You can inspect crates before buying. Staff can answer questions. Easy parking and pickup.
Best for: Home organization, small business storage, garage and workshop use.
Restaurant Supply Stores: Best for Food-Safe Crates
Restaurant suppliers sell crates designed for food handling. These are built tough and clean easily.
What you'll find: Commercial-grade plastic crates that handle temperature changes and frequent washing. Floor models and discontinued designs at lower prices.
Typical prices: $12-30 per crate.
Why choose this option: Food-safe materials. Built for heavy daily use. Often available in matching sets.
Best for: Restaurants, catering, food storage, farmers markets.
Recycling Centers: Best Prices
Recycling centers offer the lowest prices because they buy crates by weight as scrap material.
What you'll find: Mixed lots of plastic crates from businesses and industries. Condition varies widely.
Typical prices: $3-10 per crate, sometimes sold by the pound.
Why choose this option: Lowest prices available. Environmentally friendly. Large quantities often available.
Best for: Bulk buyers, industrial use, projects where appearance doesn't matter.
Example: A local landscaping company bought 50 used milk crates from a recycling center for $150 total. The same crates would have cost $750 new.
Industrial Surplus Outlets: Best for Bulk Buying
These warehouses specialize in selling excess inventory from businesses and factories.
What you'll find: Large lots of matching crates, often in good condition. Pallets and shipping containers too.
Typical prices: $3-15 per crate when buying in bulk.
Why choose this option: Large quantities of matching crates. Often better condition than recycling centers. Professional handling.
Best for: Warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing facilities.
Online Classifieds: Most Variety
Local online marketplaces connect you directly with people selling crates.
What you'll find: Everything from single crates to business liquidations. Milk crates, produce crates, storage bins.
Typical prices: Negotiable, usually $2-20 per crate.
Why choose this option: Widest variety. Negotiate prices. Find unique or specialized crates.
Best for: Specific needs, small quantities, unique projects.
Tip: Always ask for photos and dimensions before agreeing to buy.
How Much Can You Really Save?
Here's what the same storage solution costs through different sources:
New retail crates: $25 each Hardware store used: $15 each (40% savings) Restaurant supply used: $18 each (28% savings)
Recycling center: $8 each (68% savings) Industrial surplus: $10 each (60% savings) Online classified: $12 each (52% savings)
What to Check Before You Buy
Size and dimensions: Measure your space first. Standard milk crates are 13" x 13" x 11".
Weight capacity: Ask how much weight each crate can hold. Food crates typically hold 40-60 pounds.
Condition: Look for cracks, especially around handles and corners. Small scratches are normal and don't affect function.
Stackability: Make sure crates nest or stack properly if you need to save space.
Cleanliness: Food-grade crates should be clean and odor-free. Others can be washed with soap and water.
Environmental Benefits You Get
When you buy used plastic crates, you:
Real impact: One used milk crate prevents about 2 pounds of CO2 emissions compared to buying new.
Start simple: Begin with one or two sources before expanding your search.
Buy in person first: See the quality before trying online options.
Ask about bulk discounts: Most sellers offer better prices for larger quantities.
Time your shopping: End of fiscal quarters and after holidays often bring more surplus inventory.
Bring cash: Many sellers prefer cash and may offer additional discounts.
Your Next Steps
Measure your space and count how many crates you need
Start with hardware stores to see quality and pricing
Check recycling centers for bulk quantities at low prices
Browse online classifieds for unique finds
Consider restaurant suppliers if you need food-safe crates
Used plastic crates give you professional storage at fraction of the cost. Start with one source, learn what works for your needs, then expand from there.
The money you save on storage can go toward growing your business or improving your home organization system.
