Managing reusable containers12 / 12

The water bill is not the full cost. Track energy, labour, chemicals, drying, space and downtime per clean, ready-to-use container.

Match the product temperature, route duration, crate dimensions and wash method before choosing plates. This checklist narrows down the container type.

Choose a swab method for the result you need. Record site, timing, kit, and result, using the site's procedure for acceptance criteria.

Do not compare purchase price alone. Total costs for the same period, route and acceptance criteria, then divide by accepted deliveries.

Container count alone is not capacity. Track use, return, excursions, loss, washing and maintenance with explicit numerators and denominators.

Routine observation can reveal closure or panel damage early. Set repairs and intervals by model and authorised service advice.

One chemical recipe does not fit every surface. Identify the soil, follow product and equipment instructions, then check and record the cleaning.

Verify model and serial, inspect the closure surfaces, then test with a representative load on route. Record defects before judging cosmetic marks.

Use your own route, maintenance and idle-time records instead of guessed utilisation. A mixed model can also cover seasonal peaks.