Buy Used Plastic Crates in Rhode Island

Save Money on Used Plastic Crates in Rhode Island

What you'll get from this guide: Learn how to save up to 70% on plastic crates by buying used ones locally in Rhode Island. You'll find the best suppliers, know what to look for, and avoid common mistakes.

Why Buy Used Plastic Crates?

You save real money. New plastic crates cost $15-30 each. Used ones cost $4-6 each. For example, if you need 50 crates for your business, you'll spend $200-300 instead of $750-1,500.

You also help the environment. Every used crate you buy keeps plastic out of landfills.

Best Place to Start: RePackify

RePackify connects you with local sellers across Rhode Island. They make it simple.

What they offer:

• Providence area: Large produce crates (50 x 34 x 28 inches) for $5 each
• Warwick area: Milk crates for $4 each
• Pawtucket area: Various crates available
• You can inspect before buying
• Local pickup saves shipping costs

How it works:

Visit their website

Search by your zip code

See what's available near you

Contact the seller directly

Types of Used Plastic Crates You'll Find

Milk Crates

• Size: 13 x 13 x 11 inches
• Best for: Small items, records, books
• Strong corners that rarely break

Produce Crates

• Have holes in the sides
• Best for: Fresh food, anything that needs air flow
• Usually larger than milk crates

Solid Storage Crates

• No holes
• Best for: Dry goods, small parts, warehouse storage
• Stack well when full

Folding Crates

• Collapse when empty
• Best for: When you need to store the crates themselves
• Save space in your truck or warehouse

What to Check Before You Buy

Look for cracks:

• Run your hands along all edges
• Check corners especially - they break first
• Small scratches are fine, deep cracks are not

Test the handles:

• Grab them hard
• Lift the crate up
• Wobbly handles will break when loaded

Check if they stack:

• Put one crate on top of another
• They should sit steady
• Warped crates won't stack right

Ask these questions:

• How many do you have?
• Can I get a discount for buying more?
• When can I pick them up?
• Do you have more coming in?

How Much You'll Pay

Single crates: $4-6 each

Small lots (10-25): Often same price

Large lots (50+): Ask for bulk pricing

Example: A restaurant owner bought 100 milk crates for $3.50 each instead of paying $4 each. He saved $50 just by buying more at once.

Best Times to Buy

Fall and winter: More available, lower prices After holidays: Retailers often sell off extra crates End of growing season: Farms sell produce crates

Where to Find Them

RePackify locations:

• Providence (ZIP 02909)
• Warwick (ZIP 02886)
• Pawtucket (ZIP 02860)

Other places to check:

• Restaurants (ask the manager)
• Grocery stores (check the back dock)
• Farms (especially in fall)
• Warehouses (they often have extras)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't buy sight unseen: Always inspect first. Photos can hide damage.

Don't ignore size: Measure your space first. A 50-inch crate won't fit in a 48-inch space.

Don't forget about pickup: Factor in gas and time. Sometimes paying a bit more for closer pickup saves money overall.

Don't buy the first ones you see: Check a few sources. Prices vary a lot.

Getting Started

Figure out what you need: How many crates? What size? Solid or ventilated?

Check RePackify first: See what's available in your area

Visit in person: Look at the crates before buying

Start small: Buy 5-10 crates first to test them out

Go back for more: Once you know they work, buy larger quantities

Contact RePackify: Visit their Rhode Island page at repackify.com to see current inventory in Providence, Warwick, and Pawtucket.

You'll save money, help the environment, and get exactly what you need for your business or home.