BCTEA Repurpose Program for Industrial Plastic Materials.
Free Assorted Plastic Sheet “Milk Crates” for BCTEA Member Schools Across BC
The BCTEA Repurpose Program for Industrial Plastic Materials connects British Columbia technology education and shop classrooms with high-quality surplus plastic sheet offcuts.
BCTEA member schools can sign up to receive afree “Milk Crate” of assorted industrial plastic sheets– ideal for prototyping, machining, CNC projects, fabrication, and hands-on STEM learning.
What Your School Receives
- Free crate of assorted plastic sheet materials for eligible BCTEA member schools in BC
- Mixed thicknesses from 1/8" to 1" and up to 12" wide
- Variety of materials: clear and coloured acrylic, clear polycarbonate, HDPE, Arenaboard, ABS, HIPS, UHMW, Nylon and Acetal
- Refills available once per semester – simply scan the QR code on our website
- Just pay for shipping, or pick up at your nearest Industrial Plastics & Paints location
- Diverts usable industrial plastics from landfill while supporting BC tech-ed and shop programs
How the BCTEA Repurpose Program Works
- Confirm eligibility: Your school must be a BCTEA member in British Columbia.
- Sign up online: Register your shop or classroom for the BCTEA Repurpose Program.
- Receive your Milk Crate: Get a curated mix of industrial plastic sheet materials for student projects.
- Request refills: Once per semester, scan the QR code on our site to order a refill crate.
- Choose delivery: Pay only for shipping or pick up your crate from a local Industrial Plastics & Paints store.
Enroll to receive a milk crate full of assorted industrial plastic off-cuts once per school season at no charge!
Also get access to our educator discount program automatically with enrollment.
Types of Plastics Available:
Assorted in each industrial plastics crate
Acrylic (PMMA)
Short Description: A clear, rigid plastic often used as a glass substitute.
Common Name: Acrylic or Plexiglas
Visual ID: Crystal-clear, glossy surface; can be colored but often transparent.
Top Properties:
- Excellent optical clarity
- Good weather resistance
- Easy to cut and shape
Top Uses:
- Signage and displays
- Safety barriers and sneeze guards
- Windows and skylights
Polycarbonate (PC)
Short Description: Tough, impact-resistant plastic used where strength matters.
Common Name: Lexan
Visual ID: Clear like acrylic but slightly tinted; feels heavier and more flexible.
Top Properties:
- High impact resistance
- Heat resistance
- Optical clarity
Top Uses:
- Machine guards
- Safety glasses and visors
- Bullet-resistant panels
HDPE Arenaboard
Short Description: Durable, textured HDPE sheet used in high-wear environments.
Common Name: Arenaboard
Visual ID: Matte finish, often black or grey; feels waxy and tough.
Top Properties:
- Abrasion resistance
- Water and chemical resistance
- UV stability
Top Uses:
- Horse stalls and arenas
- Agricultural panels
- Outdoor signage
HDPE Chopping Board
Short Description: Food-safe HDPE used for cutting surfaces.
Common Name: Cutting Board, Butcher Block
Visual ID: Usually white or green; smooth, dense surface.
Top Properties:
- Food-safe and non-porous
- Resistant to knife marks
- Easy to clean
Top Uses:
- Commercial kitchen cutting boards
- Food processing surfaces
- Butcher block tables
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
Short Description: Tough, impact-resistant plastic used in molded parts.
Common Name: ABS
Visual ID: Opaque, smooth surface; often black or beige.
Top Properties:
- Good impact strength
- Easy to machine and thermoform
- Lightweight
Top Uses:
- Dashboard inserts
- Tool housings
- Prototype Modelling
Polypropylene (PP)
Short Description: Flexible, chemical-resistant plastic used in packaging and labware.
Common Name: PP
Visual ID: Semi-translucent, waxy feel; bends without breaking or fatiguing.
Top Properties:
- Chemical resistance
- Flexibility
- Lightweight
Top Uses:
- Hinged containers
- Lab equipment
- Automotive battery cases
Komacell (Foamed PVC)
Short Description: Lightweight, rigid foam PVC used for signs and displays.
Common Name: Komacell, Foamed PVC, Sintra
Visual ID: Matte finish, lightweight, often white or colored.
Top Properties:
- Lightweight and rigid
- Easy to print and paint
- Weather-resistant
Top Uses:
- Indoor/outdoor signage
- Display boards
- Model making
UHMW (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene)
Short Description: Extremely tough plastic with low friction.
Common Name: UHMW
Visual ID: Waxy, slippery surface; usually white or black.
Top Properties:
- High impact resistance
- Low friction surface
- Excellent wear resistance
Top Uses:
- Conveyor guides
- Wear strips
- bearings
Nylon (PA66, PA6 - Polyamide)
Short Description: Strong engineering plastic with good wear resistance.
Common Name: Nylon
Visual ID: Smooth, slightly glossy; often off-white or black.
Top Properties:
- High strength and toughness
- Good wear resistance
- Low friction
Top Uses:
- Gears and bushings
- Mechanical parts
- Structural Parts
Acetal (POM - Polyoxymethylene)
Short Description: Precision plastic with excellent dimensional stability.
Common Name: Delrin or Acetal
Visual ID: Smooth, hard surface; typically white or black. Very heavy.
Top Properties:
- High stiffness and strength
- Low friction
- Excellent machinability
Top Uses:
- Precision gears
- Bearings and rollers
- Electrical insulators
Contact Us
Send us an email with your unique requirements and we will work to provide a solution.