Save Money and Help the Environment: Your Guide to Buying Used Plastic Crates in Kansas City
What you'll get from this guide: Learn how to save up to 70% on storage costs while reducing plastic waste. Find the best local suppliers and avoid common buying mistakes.
Why Buy Used Plastic Crates?
You get three big wins when you buy used plastic crates:
- Save serious money - Used crates cost 50-70% less than new ones
- Help the environment - Keep plastic out of landfills and reduce manufacturing waste
- Get proven quality - These crates already proved they can handle real work
For example, a new plastic crate might cost $25, but the same crate used costs only $8-12. If you need 100 crates, that's $1,300 in savings.
What Types of Used Plastic Crates You'll Find
Most used crates are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). This plastic is tough, chemical-resistant, and recyclable.
Common sizes:
- Small stackable boxes: 10-50 liters (great for parts or small items)
- Medium storage crates: 50-200 liters (perfect for retail or office use)
- Large bulk containers: 200+ liters (ideal for manufacturing or farming)
Key features to look for:
- Interlocking walls for safe stacking
- Drainage holes if you need them for produce
- Reinforced corners and ribs for strength
- Standard dimensions that fit on pallets
Food-grade vs. industrial crates:
- Food-grade crates have FDA approval - safe for anything that touches food
- Industrial crates are thicker and stronger but not food-safe
Where to Buy Used Plastic Crates in Kansas City
RePackify
RePackify specializes in used plastic crates in the Kansas City area. They offer:
- 50-70% savings compared to new crates
- Bulk discounts for large orders
- On-site inspection before you buy
- Reliable supply and good customer service
How Much You'll Save
New crate costs:
- Small crates: $15-25 each
- Medium crates: $25-40 each
- Large crates: $40-75 each
Used crate costs:
- Small crates: $5-10 each
- Medium crates: $8-20 each
- Large crates: $15-35 each
Real example: A restaurant needed 50 medium crates for storage. New crates would cost $1,500. Used crates cost $600 - saving $900.
Environmental Benefits
When you buy used crates, you:
- Keep plastic out of landfills
- Reduce energy needed to make new plastic
- Lower carbon emissions from manufacturing
- Support the circular economy
One used crate keeps about 3-5 pounds of plastic from becoming waste.
Common Uses for Used Plastic Crates
Food service:
- Restaurant storage and transport
- Farmers market displays
- Catering equipment transport
Retail:
- Inventory organization
- Display fixtures
- Stockroom storage
Manufacturing:
- Parts storage
- Work-in-progress containers
- Finished goods transport
Home use:
- Garage organization
- Garden harvesting
- Moving and storage
How to Buy Smart
Before you buy:
- Check for cracks, especially in corners
- Make sure the crate sits flat and stable
- Verify dimensions match your needs
- Ask about food-grade certification if needed
Questions to ask sellers:
- What condition grade is this crate?
- Has it been cleaned and sanitized?
- What was it used for previously?
- Do you offer delivery?
- What's your return policy?
Red flags to avoid:
- Cracks or deep scratches
- Strong chemical odors
- Warped or bent walls
- Missing or broken handles
Delivery and Pickup Options
Most suppliers offer:
- Local delivery within Kansas City metro
- Scheduled pickup appointments
- Loading assistance for large orders
- Reasonable delivery fees
RePackify delivers within the metro area and can arrange freight shipping for large orders.
Getting the Best Deal
Tips for maximum savings:
- Buy in bulk when possible
- Check multiple suppliers
- Ask about bulk discounts
- Consider slightly imperfect crates for non-critical uses
- Time your purchase with supplier inventory cycles
Negotiate on:
- Delivery fees for large orders
- Bulk pricing breaks
- Payment terms
- Mixed-size orders
Start Your Search
Ready to buy used plastic crates? Here's your action plan:
Calculate your needs - How many crates and what sizes?
Set your budget - Remember you'll save 50-70% vs. new
Contact RePackify first - They specialize in used crates
Visit other suppliers - Compare prices and selection
Inspect before buying - Check condition and dimensions
Arrange delivery - Factor this into your total cost
Used plastic crates offer real value for businesses and individuals. You'll save money, help the environment, and get quality storage solutions that work.