Milk crates can be used for storage, DIY projects, and organization.
However, if money is a little tight right now, you may be wondering where to get free milk crates.
In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about getting free milk crates and why you need to be cautious about where and how you get them.
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Places to Get Free Milk Crates
Asking local stores, businesses, and organizations is the most effective way to get milk crates for free.
The key word here is “asking.” Asking is so important. Just taking crates is considered theft.
Before you take crates from any of the places below, make sure that you first ask.
Secondly, make sure that the person who’s giving you the milk crates actually has the legal right to do so.
A third-party company could own the crates, and they may not have given you the right to take them. Double-check with whoever you are getting the crates from that everything is above board because milk crate theft can result in fines or jail time.
Now that’s out of the way, let’s get to the list.
1. Grocery Stores
Many grocery stores receive milk deliveries, which means they may have some surplus crates they’d be willing to give to you for free. All you have to do is ask at local grocery stores.
2. Factories and Warehouses
Some factories and warehouses use milk crates to store and move goods. These places may have milk crates they no longer need. Just ask, and you may be able to get your hands on some free milk crates.
3. Convenience Stores
Convenience stores can be a good place to find free plastic milk crates, as these stores often end up with extra crates after milk deliveries. Call your local convenience stores to ask if they have any crates they’d be willing to give to you.
4. Recycling Centers
Some recycling centers may have extra milk crates they’re willing to give to you for free or at a low cost. Just call local recycling centers to ask.
5. Restaurants and Cafes
Since most restaurants and cafes receive milk deliveries, they’re likely to have a pile of crates leftover. Contact any restaurants and cafes in your area and ask if they have any crates that you can take off their hands for free.
6. Local Dairies or Dairy Farms
Get in touch with nearby dairies or dairy farms to see if they have any extra milk crates. They may be willing to give them to you at no cost.
7. Catering Companies
Catering companies sometimes use milk crates to transport items for events. They may have extra milk crates available. Get in touch with local catering companies to ask.
8. Educational Institutions
Educational institutions, such as universities, colleges, and schools, often receive deliveries in milk crates. This makes them a good resource. Call local schools, colleges, and universities to ask if they have any free milk crates that you can take.
9. Community Bulletin Boards
Check community bulletin boards in places like local stores and libraries. These may feature listings for free or cheap milk crates.
Other Ways to Find Free Milk Crates (Warning!)
I’ve included a few more options for getting free milk crates.
- Garage Sales
- Craigslist
- Thrift Stores
- Yard Sales
- Freecycle
- Friends
- OfferUp
- Family
- Local Community Groups
- Facebook Marketplace
However, I would be cautious about using these options because you don’t know if the crates from these places were stolen originally, particularly on sites like Craigslist and Freecycle.
You could find crates on sites like Craigslist or some of the other options above that people have bought and simply want to get rid of. Or you could end up getting crates that were originally stolen. Just because you weren’t the one who stole them doesn’t make them any less stolen.
That’s why it’s good to be cautious when getting milk crates from the places in this section.
Why You Should Buy Milk Crates Instead!
There are laws in place that prohibit people from simply taking milk crates. If you violate these laws, it can result in fines or jail time.
This is because milk crate losses cost the dairy industry millions of dollars.
In 2009, dairy companies surveyed stated that they’d lost an estimated $80 million on milk crates annually.
Overall, the dairy industry loses around 20 to 25 million crates valued at $80 to $100 million each year.
That’s why milk crate theft is taken pretty seriously.
The penalties for milk crate theft vary by state, but typically include fines and sometimes jail time. Fines range from $10 to $1,000.
Obviously, you don’t want to break the law and face fines or maybe even jail time. Like I said earlier, always ask before taking crates and be sure that the person who’s giving you the crates has the legal right to do so.
Aside from that, if you want to be safe, I’d honestly recommend just buying milk crates. They’re not that expensive if you shop at the right places.
I get that spending money when you’re on a budget isn’t ideal. Getting a fine though, or even facing jail time, is definitely not worth it – particularly when you can pick up crates for $5 to $20.
Like I said, you just have to shop at the right places.
Where to Buy Cheap Milk Crates
Here’s where you can buy milk crates at cheap prices.
20. The Home Depot
Pick up some cheap milk crates at The Home Depot. You can get black milk crates there for just $11.98.
21. Target
Target has a wide selection of milk crates and storage crates available. As you’d expect from Target, the range is affordable. Get crates for as cheap as 5 bucks!
22. Farmplast (MilkCratesDirect.com)
Farmplast sells a range of different milk crates. You can pick up a 3-pack of 24QT rectangular milk crates for just $29.99. That works out to around just $10 per crate.
23. Walmart
Walmart has a bunch of super cheap milk crates available. Get a 16QT heavy-duty square black milk crate for just $7.48. You can get mini crates for just $1.64!
24. Lowe’s
For cheap milk crates, Lowe’s is a worthwhile option. The store has milk crates available for as cheap as $10.98.
25. Amazon
Get plastic milk crates on Amazon. They’re not as cheap on Amazon as they are elsewhere – setting you back about $20 apiece. Still, though, that’s a pretty reasonable price, and there’s a good selection available. Just do a search for “milk crates” on there, and you’ll get plenty of results.
Wrapping Up: Easy Ways to Score Free Milk Crates for Your Projects & Storage Needs
There are so many options you can try if you’re looking to get your hands on some free milk crates.
Whether you want to get milk crates to use for DIY projects, organization, or storage, it’s good to know that you can source them for free and keep your budget intact.
