Plastic Storage Boxes & Plastic Packaging

Plastic packaging cases

Where in the world would we be without plastic storage boxes to store all our worldly possessions (and other things besides)? I often receive presents of playing cards, which I collect, and it seems nowadays that the cards are always packaged in a plastic storage box (as pictured below).

Plastic storage for cards

Years ago, the playing cards arrived in a cardboard box and frequently an extra card would be stuck to the outside of the box. This card could be used as a spare card should you lose one. Apart from the box, even the playing cards are becoming part plastic.Plastic is so versatile a material and it is used in many products including some unusual applications like plastic windows and plastic shoe boxes.

Plastic applications

Safety shoes once had steel toe caps but a lighter weight shoe of the same strength now has plastic toe caps so I no longer trigger the metal detector at airport security. The applications for plastic, plastic parts and plastic packaging are limitless. Long storage boxes with lids can be slid underneath the bed for items that are not in everyday use. These boxes are often fitted with small inbuilt wheels (pictured below) to facilitate easy movement. Small, reasonable quality, plastic storage boxes can be bought for less than $2 each at local outlets.

Plastic Stacking Vs Racking in the garage

Many manufacturers provide a range of plastic storage bins (with or without plastic drawers) that are stackable and are ideal for garage storage, especially against a blank wall without the need for expensive racking.

Clear plastic slide packing box for visability

If you use the clear plastic boxes in the garage you will be able to see all your stored items immediately without having to search needlessly. Storage space used in the garage frees up your home and helps you to organize your main living space by keeping it free of non essential items.

Large plastic storage boxes

Large plastic tote containers (another name for storages boxes) can be used for storing waste plastic prior to recycling. The boxes come in various sizes ranging from quite small to 20 / 30 / 40 gallon versions and all have a latched cover to keep vermin at bay (if used outdoors). Try to get different sizes and colors to readily identify the containers use. Use your own system of identification depending upon what containers you buy. Prices are generally around the $8 to $12 mark but are cheaper if you buy multiple items. These totes are available from Walmart, Clickstop, Space Savers, Stacks and Stacks and many other distributors.

Colored plastic

What I like about large plastic boxes is that I can get them in different colors and I use my own color code for glass, plastic and waste paper recycling boxes. My plastic storage boxes are outside in the yard and even though they are not fully airtight the lids are good and tight and latched shut and I find that they are good at keeping rain out. I never use these for waste food (as this attracts vermin). Plastic waste now contributes the most to landfill and where possible we should be looking at ways to reduce this mountain. Recycle as much as you can of plastic products even though they tend to be cumbersome and bulky to store in the periods between visits to local recycling areas.

Plastic receptacles for food and drink use

The use of polycarbonate in plastic used on, or in contact with, food is one of the concerns being much debated in the public domain. The FDA has reported on Bisphenol-A and its effects on plastic food containers. Plastic used for food must, firstly, be safe as well as ‘Eco’ friendly, non-toxic and colorfast. Long after plastic has fulfilled its useful life it needs to be made safe for the environment and should be bio degradable.

Dangers associated with plastic goods

As a general rule you should not use plastic in the microwave or freezer if you want to be sure to remain BPA free as heat and cold will assist leeching especially if the plastic containers are old. Plastic containers should be inspected before use as they may be stained, pitted or scratched and if this is the case I would dispose of them and buy new containers.

Transporting liquids in plastic containers

If plastic is used for transporting dangerous chemicals do ensure that you have the correct container for the job at hand. A storage box designed for chemicals use should be a clear storage container with volume marks clearly displayed and including a maximum fill level. This container should have a hazardous warning label attached. This is a very minimum requirement and you should be fully trained before you carry any harardous material in any container including plastic containers.

Plastic storage boxes and bottles from reputable plastic manufacturers will contain a 100% ‘BPA-Free’ guarantee which means that they are safe for food and drink usage.