Buy Used Plastic Crates in Columbia

How to Buy Used Plastic Crates in Columbia, South Carolina

What you'll learn: Where to find quality used plastic crates in Columbia, how much to pay, and what to check before buying. This guide will save you money and help you make smart purchases.

Why Choose Used Plastic Crates?

Used plastic crates offer three main benefits:

• Save money - Cost 50-70% less than new crates
• Help the environment - Keep plastic out of landfills
• Get proven durability - These crates already proved they last

Types of Used Plastic Crates You'll Find

Standard Milk Crates

Most common type available in Columbia:

• Size: 13" x 13" x 11" or 18" x 12" x 10"
• Open sides for airflow
• Stack easily
• Perfect for storage, moving, organizing

Heavy-Duty Industrial Crates

Less common but available:

• Solid walls for secure storage
• Handles for easy carrying
• Some have lids
• Hold 20-200 liters

Where to Buy Used Plastic Crates in Columbia

Recycling Centers (Best for bulk purchases)

• Columbia Recycling Department
• CMC Recycling
• Pratt Recycling
• Richland County Recycling Center
• Clemson Road Recycling Site

What to expect: Prices by weight or per piece. Call ahead to check inventory.

Packaging Supply Stores (Best for quality)

• Carolina Retail Packaging Inc
• Sigma Supply of North America
• Polymershapes - Columbia
• Piedmont Plastics - Columbia

What to expect: Cleaned and inspected crates. Higher prices but better quality guarantee.

Retail Stores (Best for small quantities)

• Sam's Club (clearance events)
• CostLess Outlet (Lexington)
• Tractor Supply Co.
• Office Depot (occasional sales)

What to expect: Limited selection but good prices during clearance sales.

Online Option RePackify

RePackify (specialty marketplace for used packaging)

Example: RePackify lists 600 used plastic milk crates in Columbia SC 29229 with delivery available.

How Much You'll Pay

Price ranges per crate:

• Standard condition: $1-2 each
• Premium condition: $2-3 each
• Bulk orders (100+ crates): Lower per-piece cost
• Delivery fees: $25-75 depending on quantity

Money-saving tips:

• Buy in bulk for better prices
• Shop in early spring for best selection
• Compare prices at 3+ suppliers
• Ask about return policies

What to Check Before Buying

Physical inspection checklist:

• Corners and rims - Look for cracks
• Color - Faded plastic may be brittle
• Smell - Avoid chemical odors
• Stacking - Test if they stack properly
• Handles - Make sure they're not broken

Questions to ask sellers:

• Where did these crates come from?
• Have they been cleaned?
• What's your return policy?
• Can I see them before buying?
• Do you deliver?

How to Buy Smart

Step 1: Plan your purchase

• Count exactly how many you need
• Measure your storage space
• Set your budget

Step 2: Contact suppliers

• Call 3-5 places for prices
• Ask to see crates in person
• Get delivery quotes

Step 3: Inspect before buying

• Check 10-20% of bulk orders
• Look for the problems listed above
• Test stacking ability

Step 4: Arrange logistics

• Confirm delivery date and time
• Prepare space for unloading
• Have payment ready

Environmental Benefits

When you buy used crates, you:

• Prevent plastic from entering landfills
• Reduce demand for new plastic production
• Support local recycling businesses
• Lower your carbon footprint

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying without inspecting first
• Not comparing prices at multiple sources
• Forgetting about delivery costs
• Choosing cheap over quality for heavy-duty use
• Not planning storage space

Final Tips

Best times to buy:

• Early spring (March-April) for best selection
• End of summer for agricultural surplus
• After holidays for retail clearance

Red flags to avoid:

• Sellers who won't let you inspect
• Prices that seem too good to be true
• Crates with strong chemical smells
• Heavily cracked or brittle plastic

Questions to ask yourself:

• Do I really need this many crates?
• Will these work for my specific use?
• Can I transport/store them properly?
• Is this the best price I can find?

Used plastic crates in Columbia offer excellent value when you know where to look and what to check. Start with recycling centers for bulk purchases or packaging suppliers for guaranteed quality. Always inspect before buying, and don't forget to factor in delivery costs.