Large Plastic Boxes

Go into any supermarket or DIY store these days and you will see a selection of large plastic boxes for sale everywhere. They come in different shapes and sizes, with wheels or without, with lids or without, and in different colors. To start off with, what are they made of? Are they dangerous to our environment? Let’s also look at what we can use them for.

Most plastic boxes are made of strong plastics such as polyethylene or polypropylene. These both come in different forms, but basically the density of the material used will decide the strength and rigidity of the end product, or box. As they are made from synthetic polymers they will not biodegrade fully, but they can be recycled.

The most common use of large plastic boxes is for storage. A lot of people do not have enough storage space in their homes and clutter tends to accumulate, making the house look untidy. A good way of keeping a room looking tidy is to just throw things into a storage box out of sight. A large plastic box in the same color as your room décor will do the trick as it looks good as well as being functional. Plastic boxes with lids are even better as the clutter is even more hidden away. Boxes with lids are also good for storing things in a shed or garage, as they protect the contents from damp. People also use them for storing bedding or clothes in the top of a wardrobe or closet or under the bed. Families with small children find these boxes a treasure when used to tidy away and store the children’s toys and playthings. Some boxes are also made to stack, so you can easily pile one on top of the other without the risk of them falling. And don’t forget, the ones with wheels on are much easier to move around.

Anyone moving house or office will also know the value of a plastic box. Just pack all the contents of your desk into one big box and carry it along the corridor, instead of making all those little trips back and forth. Cardboard boxes are alright for lighter items as heavier ones could make them tear or break. However, plastic boxes often come with handles on the side, making them much easier to pick up and carry, especially if they are heavy. When not in use most boxes will sit inside one another, so saving space.

Finally, here a few off-the-wall or unusual ideas for using large plastic boxes: a bath for the household pet; transporting the pet tortoise; keeping the aquarium fish safe whilst cleaning out the fish tank; turned upside down and used as spare seating; turn upside down, cover with a pretty cloth and use as a side table or bedside table; keeping his smelly trainers in (must be one with a lid!); use as a large plant trough; plant your Christmas tree in it; turn it on its side, cover the opening with mesh and use it as a rabbit hutch; or come up with your own ingenious ideas.