Buy Used Plastic Crates in Minnesota

Save Money and Help the Environment: Your Guide to Used Plastic Crates in Minnesota

What you'll get from this guide: Learn how to find quality used plastic crates that cost 50-70% less than new ones, discover reliable suppliers in Minnesota, and make smart buying decisions that save you money while reducing waste.

Why Buy Used Plastic Crates?

You get three major benefits:

• Save money: Used crates cost $2-8 each versus $15-25 for new ones
• Help the environment: Keep plastic out of landfills and reduce manufacturing waste
• Get proven durability: These crates already proved they can handle real work

Where to Find Used Plastic Crates in Minnesota

RePackify Locations

• Minneapolis
• Saint Paul
• Rochester
• Offers: Different sizes like milk crates, produce crates, collapsible crates
• Features: Stackable, interlocking designs, secure business transactions
• Available: Both recycled and refurbished options

Other Sources

• Local packaging suppliers: Check Rochester area suppliers (especially around 55901 zip code)
• Online marketplaces: Individual sellers often offer small lots at below-wholesale prices
• Industrial suppliers: Statewide suppliers offering bulk containers and pallet crates

Common Types You'll Find

Start with these basic types:

Milk Crates

• Size: 13×13×11.5 inches
• Best for: Storing bottles, retail displays, office supplies
• Example: Perfect for organizing your garage or storing records

Produce Crates

• Size: 24×16×8 inches (typical)
• Best for: Fresh foods, farmers markets, general storage
• Example: Great for moving house or storing seasonal items

Collapsible Crates

• Fold flat when empty
• Best for: Saving storage space
• Example: Ideal for businesses that need temporary storage

Bulk Containers

• Size: 48×40×36 inches (large format)
• Best for: Industrial shipping, warehouse storage
• Example: Moving entire inventory or storing large quantities

What You'll Pay

Small quantities (1-50 crates):

• Standard crates: $8-15 each
• Specialty crates: $15-25 each

Bulk orders (100+ crates):

• Standard crates: $2-8 each
• Heavy-duty crates: $8-15 each

Money-saving tip: Buy full truck loads or pallet loads for the best prices. Many suppliers offer free delivery for large orders.

How to Buy Smart

Before You Buy

• Check the condition: Look for cracks, brittleness, or sun damage
• Ask about weight limits: How much weight can they hold?
• Verify the material: HDPE and polypropylene last longest
• Calculate total cost: Include delivery fees in your budget

Questions to Ask Sellers

• "What's the load capacity?"
• "Are these food-grade if I need that?"
• "Do you offer delivery or do I need to pick up?"
• "What's your return policy?"
• "How many do you have in stock?"

Red Flags to Avoid

• Crates with deep cracks or missing pieces
• Sellers who won't let you inspect before buying
• Prices that seem too good to be true (might be stolen goods)
• No clear return policy for defective items

Making Your Purchase

For small orders (under 50 crates):

Contact local suppliers for quotes

Ask to see samples

Compare prices including delivery

Start with a small test order

For large orders (100+ crates):

Get quotes from multiple suppliers

Ask about volume discounts

Negotiate delivery terms

Consider pickup to save money

Environmental Impact

When you buy used crates, you:

• Keep plastic out of landfills
• Reduce demand for new plastic production
• Lower greenhouse gas emissions from manufacturing
• Support local recycling networks

Real example: A 100-crate purchase saves approximately 500 pounds of plastic from being manufactured and reduces carbon emissions equivalent to driving 200 miles.

Getting Started

Your first step: Contact RePackify locations in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, or Rochester for current inventory and pricing.

What to ask: "I need [number] crates for [your purpose]. What sizes do you have available, and what's your best price including delivery to [your location]?"

Start small: If you're new to buying used crates, order 10-20 units first to test quality and supplier reliability.

This approach saves money, helps the environment, and gets you proven storage solutions that work.