Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Sometime in the last 12 months, Sterilite changed the material they used to produce these bins. They used to be extremely durable and sturdy with a very respectable weight limit for their size -- very true to its "industrial" moniker, as many other reviews point out. But with no change whatsoever in the marketing, Sterilite began using a thinner, weaker, and entirely different type of plastic with drastically reduced stability and durability. The old material was polypropylene (evident from the #5 PP recycling logo on the bottom), the same type of plastic used in coolers, trash bins, pitchers, car batteries, various types of fittings, and model aircraft. Things that need the strength. This material is naturally pretty stiff and resistant. The new material is low-density polyethylene (#4 LDPE), which is naturally very flexible. This is the same plastic used in tubing, flexible snap-on lids, squeezable food containers, etc., but its biggest use is in all sorts of bags -- produce bags, bread bags, trash bags, etc. Mostly things that are meant to be flexible. (Google for "plasticology 101" for a site explaining the varying durability characteristics between plastics. The content is not mine in any way, but it is helpful and thorough.) As an example of the stunning weakness of this newer version, one of the totes I just purchased was bowed out on all 4 sides to the point that I could press against either side of each of its walls to bow/pop it out in the opposite direction. The sides are literally curved, except around the corners. Bottom line: DO NOT PURCHASE these if you need a durable bin/tote. This is by no means an industrial strength container anymore, and calling them industrial should be considered false advertising.