Alexei Volkov
Plastic crates can be recycled, but it's not as simple as putting them in your household recycling bin. Plastic recycling involves collecting, sorting, and processing plastic waste to create new products or raw materials. When it comes to recycling plastic crates, the process typically involves shredding or melting the crates to form plastic pellets or flakes. These pellets can then be used to create new products such as crates, containers, and packaging. Some companies offer crate recycling services, where they collect crates from your site and transport them to a recycling plant. Alternatively, you can find your nearest recycling centre that accepts plastic crates by searching online or contacting your local waste management agency. It's important to ensure that the crates are clean and dry before recycling, as waste and moisture can prevent them from being properly sorted and recycled.
Where to Recycle Plastic Crates
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Companies that recycle plastic crates | Advanced Crates, Scrap Management Inc., Milk Crates Direct, FARM PLAST |
| Companies that buy plastic crates for recycling | Scrap Management Inc. |
| Companies that sell recycled plastic crates | Advanced Crates, Milk Crates Direct, FARM PLAST |
| Companies that sell recycled plastic crates with customisation options | Milk Crates Direct |
| Companies that sell new plastic crates made from recycled materials | Advanced Crates, Really Useful Boxes |
| Companies that accept plastic crate returns | Local beverage distributors, local bottlers or distributors, local stores that carry the type of bottle that came in the crate |
| Plastic crate recycling process | Collecting, sorting, and processing plastic waste to create new products or raw materials; typically involves shredding or melting crates to form plastic pellets or flakes |
| Plastic crate reuse ideas | Storage in the garage or shed, storage for pet supplies, storage for muddy shoes, storage in the boot of a car for supplies, storage for recyclable materials that don't fit in kerbside bins |
| Plastic crate recycling preparation | Plastic crates must be clean and dry before recycling |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic crate recycling services
Plastic crates are a versatile product, but they can be recycled and given a second life. Many companies are now offering recycled crates made from reground plastic, and some companies are also offering a service to recycle your old plastic crates.
Advanced Crates
Advanced Crates offers a recycling service for plastic crates. They will collect crates from your site and transport them to a recycling plant. They also sell recycled crates made from 100% reground plastic. They offer a range of sizes and can personalise the crates with a logo or company name.
Aylesbury Granulation Services
Aylesbury Granulation Services provides plastic crate recycling. They granulate the crates and sell the resultant regrind to be made into new plastic products. They can arrange transport for your waste plastic crates and will weigh and invoice the regrind.
Scrap Management Inc.
Scrap Management Inc. buys plastic crates for recycling in the US. They recycle plastic crates by shredding or melting them to form plastic pellets or flakes, which are then used to make new products.
Milk Crates Direct
Milk Crates Direct sells recycled milk crates made from 15-20% re-processed resins and 80-85% Virgin resin. They also offer a range of innovative ideas for reusing plastic milk crates, such as using them for storage or as a handy recycling bin.
FARM PLAST
FARM PLAST manufactures industrial-quality milk crates in the USA, and most of their products are made from 100% recycled materials. They are committed to sustainability and social responsibility.
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Recycling plastic crates at home
Plastic crates are versatile and can be used for various purposes, such as storage, seating, or even as set designs at events. However, if you have plastic crates at home that you no longer need, there are several ways to recycle them responsibly. Here are some detailed, direct, and instructive tips for recycling plastic crates at home:
- Contact local recycling programs: Reach out to your local recycling program or waste management agency to inquire about their capabilities and guidelines for recycling plastic crates. They will be able to advise you on whether they accept plastic crates and, if so, how to prepare them for recycling. Ensure that the crates are clean and dry before recycling, as waste and moisture can hinder the recycling process.
- Return to the source: If your plastic crates were previously used for beverages or other products, consider returning them to the local distributor or bottler. They may be happy to retrieve these crates and reuse them for future deliveries.
- Reuse and repurpose: Before recycling, consider whether you can reuse or repurpose the plastic crates around your home. For example, you can use them for storage in your garage, shed, or under the stairs. Alternatively, they can be utilised for pet supplies, muddy shoes, or even as a container for supplies in your car during day trips.
- Find alternative recycling centres: If your local council or waste management agency does not accept plastic crates, search for nearby recycling centres or skips that accept larger or challenging items. These facilities typically handle items that are difficult for kerbside recycling services to collect.
- Buy recycled crates: When purchasing new crates, opt for those made from recycled materials. This reduces your carbon footprint and encourages a circular economy. Some companies offer crates made from 100% recycled plastic, ensuring an eco-friendly choice.
- Sell or donate: If your plastic crates are still in good condition, consider selling them online or at local marketplaces. Alternatively, donate them to a local charity shop, where they can either sell or use them.
Remember, recycling plastic crates can vary depending on your location and the type of crate. Always ensure that the crates are clean and dry before recycling, and when in doubt, contact your local waste management agency for specific instructions.
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Buying recycled plastic crates
If you're looking to buy recycled plastic crates, there are several companies that offer them. Advanced Crates, for example, sells recycled crates made from 100% reground plastic. These crates are black and can be personalised with your logo or company name. They also offer a crate recycling service, where they collect crates from your site and transport them to a recycling plant.
Another option is Milk Crates Direct, which offers ethical, high-quality recycled milk crates. Their black milk crates are made with 80-85% Virgin resin and 15%-20% re-processed resins, ensuring that used plastics are reintroduced into the manufacturing process. FARM PLAST, the manufacturer of these milk crates, is committed to sustainability, with most of their products made from 100% recycled materials.
You can also find recycled plastic crates from Repackify, which offers a large supply of new, used, and recycled plastic crates from local suppliers. Additionally, Scrap Management Inc. buys and sells plastic crates for recycling in the US. They recycle HDPE crates and Dunnage Trays, grinding them up to create new products.
When buying recycled plastic crates, you can also consider the balance between virgin resin and reprocessed resins. While a higher percentage of virgin resin may result in a stronger crate, the addition of recycled materials makes the product more eco-friendly and can drive down the cost. Some companies, like Milk Crates Direct, are open to discussions about increasing the amount of recycled product in their crates to meet specific customer requirements.
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Reusing plastic crates
Plastic crates are versatile and can be reused in several ways. Here are some ideas for reusing plastic crates:
Storage
You can use plastic crates as storage solutions in various settings. In your home, they can be used to store garden and woodwork supplies in the garage or shed. They are also handy for keeping pet supplies, such as leads and toys, organised and accessible. Under the stairs or in the boot of your car, a plastic crate can hold muddy shoes or supplies for day trips. Additionally, they can be used to manage your recycling by holding other recyclable materials that don't fit in your kerbside bins.
Furniture
Plastic crates can be repurposed into furniture in creative ways. For instance, they can be used as seating options, as seen in venues worldwide. You can also explore using them in set designs for trade shows, art exhibits, or fashion shows to create unique displays.
Recycling
If your plastic crates are clean and dry, you can reuse them for recycling purposes. They can be useful for collecting and sorting your recyclable materials before taking them to a recycling centre. This is especially helpful if you find your recycling bins overloading during the week.
Returning to the Source
If you have reusable shipping containers or plastic crates from beverages, you can return them to the source. Contact your local beverage distributor or the bottler/distributor, and they may arrange a pickup or direct you to a willing recipient.
Donating
If your plastic crates are still in good condition but you no longer need them, consider donating them to a local charity shop or thrift store. They may find them useful for storage or choose to sell them to someone who can reuse them.
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Selling plastic crates for recycling
Plastic crates are a versatile item, but when they reach the end of their life, it is important to dispose of them in an environmentally conscious way. While some plastic crates are made with recycled materials, they can still be recycled again once they are no longer usable.
There are several options for selling plastic crates for recycling. Firstly, you could contact your local waste management agency to find out the best way to recycle your plastic crates. They will be able to advise you on the nearest recycling centre and whether they accept plastic crates. Some centres may have size restrictions, so it is worth checking this before you go. You can also search online for your nearest recycling centre or skip.
If you have a large number of plastic crates, you could contact a company such as Scrap Management Inc., which buys plastic crates for recycling. They will be able to advise you on how to prepare, clean, and package the crates for recycling, as well as the price they will pay. Advanced Crates is another company that offers a similar service, collecting crates from your site and transporting them to a recycling plant. They also sell recycled crates made from 100% reground plastic, so you could purchase new crates from them at the same time.
If your plastic crates are still in good condition, you could try selling them to others for storage or transportation. You could advertise them online or take them to a local charity shop, which may be able to sell them on or use them for storage.
Finally, you could get creative and find a new use for your plastic crates. They could be used for storage in your home, garage, or car, or even as furniture or set designs at events.
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Frequently asked questions
You can recycle plastic crates at your local recycling centre. Some companies, such as Advanced Crates, also offer crate recycling services where they collect crates from your site and transport them to a recycling plant.
You can find your nearest recycling centre by searching "recycling centre" or "recycling skip" with your location on Google. You can also find your local recycling coordinator through the council or in the yellow pages.
The recycling process for plastic crates involves shredding or melting the crates to form plastic pellets or flakes, which can then be used to create new products.
Plastic crates cannot be recycled in your household recycling bin. You will need to take them to a recycling centre or arrange for them to be collected by a specialist recycling company.
Yes, plastic crates can be reused in a variety of ways. For example, you could use them for storage or organisation in your home, garage, or shed. You could also get creative and use them for set designs at trade shows, art exhibits, or fashion shows.
