Cooler Exchange ???

[Johnd651]

Would people be willing to do a cooler box exchange?

List them with a picture/size, and if someone needs a cooler, the person that needs it just pays shipping. Using PirateShip, you can ship them anywhere in the country for under $10, which is cheaper then buying them and shipping.

Along the same lines, would vendors be willing to take back and/or credit buyers for returning coolers with a prepaid label? That's how it is now done in the medical industry with pharmaceutics coolers.

Would buyers be ok receiving a second hand cooler?

In part, also part of the hobby is conservation and I always feel like styrofoam waste from shipping is something that we might be able to mitigate easily.

This is just about 1/4 of what I have saved.

 

[Fish Fan]

You know, this is a great idea from the point of view of recycling the shipping material that often gets tossed in a landfill

 

[Johnd651]

You know, this is a great idea from the point of view of recycling the shipping material that often gets tossed in a landfill

 

[BrianneG]

I think this is an awesome idea, especially if vendors are willing to take back containers and offer a shipping credit. This would reduce waste in landfills, allow people to receive discounts on their next purchase or shipping, and enable containers to be reused until they can no longer serve their purpose.

Personally, I have two sizes of styrofoam boxes that I take with me to the local fish store, just in case I want to buy livestock. The styrofoam keeps the fish more contained than a plastic bag and helps keep the bags upright.

 

[JTP424]

I think this is an awesome idea, especially if vendors are willing to take back containers and offer a shipping credit. This would reduce waste in landfills, allow people to receive discounts on their next purchase or shipping, and enable containers to be reused until they can no longer serve their purpose.

Personally, I have two sizes of styrofoam boxes that I take with me to the local fish store, just in case I want to buy livestock. The styrofoam keeps the fish more contained than a plastic bag and helps keep the bags upright.

Or even offering to get your items shipped in a "used" container. Give you a percentage off the packaging charge....

 

[BriDroid]

This is a great idea!

 

[Johnd651]

I think this is an awesome idea, especially if vendors are willing to take back containers and offer a shipping credit. This would reduce waste in landfills, allow people to receive discounts on their next purchase or shipping, and enable containers to be reused until they can no longer serve their purpose.

Personally, I have two sizes of styrofoam boxes that I take with me to the local fish store, just in case I want to buy livestock. The styrofoam keeps the fish more contained than a plastic bag and helps keep the bags upright.

I did exactly that Sunday when I went to my LFS 1.5 hours away. Fish went into bags in the cooler.

 

[D'sreef]

Working in the medical courier field, reusable coolers and reusable ice packs is exactly what most of your medicine that has to be refrigerated is shipped in. I literally have to unpack and pick up the boxes on delivery.

 

[Johnd651]

Working in the medical courier field, reusable coolers and reusable ice packs is exactly what most of your medicine that has to be refrigerated is shipped in. I literally have to unpack and pick up the boxes on delivery.

We get a lot through ups or FedEx, and it has a return label in it. Not even boxed, just cooler and some straps and tape.

 

[D'sreef]

Working in the medical courier field, reusable coolers and reusable ice packs is exactly what most of your medicine that has to be refrigerated is shipped in. I literally have to unpack and pick up the boxes on delivery.

We get a lot through ups or FedEx, and it has a return label in it. Not even boxed, just cooler and some straps and tape.

Really just kinda depends most of the time I am delivering to pharmacys or pharmacy rep.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

This is a good idea!

 

[Johnd651]

This is a good idea!

Make a Cooler Sub-section under Buy, Sell, Trade Coral, Fish, and Equipment?

Simple rules:

Free Cooler Exchange Thread

Let’s keep coolers moving through the community instead of the landfill!


This thread is for hobbyists who want to give away or reuse coolers used for shipping or transporting fish, coral, or live rock.
No selling, no trading — just passing it forward.

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When You’re Offering a Cooler​

Please include the following in your post:

• Location / ZIP Code
• Cooler type & size (e.g. 1-gallon Styrofoam, dimensions)
• Condition (clean, used for livestock, needs rinse, etc.)
• Photo (optional but appreciated)
• Pickup or shipping info

Example Post:

Free: Medium Styrofoam fish box – 14623
Used twice, clean and dry. Porch pickup or you pay shipping.

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When You’re Claiming a Cooler​

• Post “I’ll take it” in the thread — no PMs first.
• Then move to PMs to arrange pickup or shipping.
• Please respond promptly and follow through once you claim.
• If you change your mind, just let the giver know — no hard feelings!

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Shipping Rules​

• Shipping is allowed if both parties agree.
• Recipient covers postage unless stated otherwise.
• Please pack securely and rinse coolers before reuse. Use the box it came in, if possible.

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Etiquette​

• This is about helping fellow reefers and reusing gear — not stockpiling.
• Claim only what you need.
• All items are as-is; no complaints or disputes.
• Keep communication polite and transparent.

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Moderator Notes​

• Posts involving sales, trades, or payments beyond shipping will be removed.
• Repeat offenders may lose thread privileges.
• Please report issues or questionable posts to a mod.

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Keep It Going​

If someone helped you out — post a thank you and pay it forward when you can.
Every reused cooler helps another reefer and keeps the hobby sustainable!

 

[Johnd651]

I am surprised this really got no traction... considering how wasteful these coolers are.