Plastic Trolleys – Lightweight, Durable Transport Solutions for Everyday Use

When it comes to versatile, easy-to-handle transport equipment, plastic trolleys offer a reliable and practical solution across a wide range of workplaces. Whether you're moving supplies in a hospital, shifting stock in a retail store, or organising tools in a workshop, plastic trolleys combine durability, light weight, and ergonomic design to make everyday handling tasks easier and more efficient.

Their resistance to moisture, corrosion, and many chemicals make plastic trolleys especially useful in environments where hygiene, cleanliness, or exposure to liquids is a concern. From healthcare to hospitality, offices to education, plastic trolleys are helping businesses streamline operations without compromising on safety or convenience.

 

Why Choose Plastic Trolleys

While stainless steel trolleys and aluminium trolleys are preferred in heavy-duty or industrial settings, plastic trolleys shine in workplaces that require manoeuvrability, hygiene, and ease of maintenance. The equipment we supply at Verdex are made from tough, injection-moulded plastic or high-density polyethylene (HDPE), offering an ideal balance between strength and lightness.

Plastic trolleys are a smart choice for tasks like:

  • Transporting files, folders, and stationery in office or education settings

  • Moving light to medium loads of stock in retail and grocery environments

  • Carrying cleaning supplies and bins in janitorial services

  • Handling food trays, utensils, and service gear in hospitality venues

  • Organising and transporting medical supplies in healthcare facilities

They’re quiet in use, non-marking on floors, and easy to clean—perfect for environments where appearance and hygiene matter.

 

Key Benefits of Plastic Trolleys

Lightweight and Easy to Manoeuvre

Plastic trolleys are significantly lighter than metal models, making them easy to push, lift, or carry—especially important in workplaces with frequent use by staff of varying strength or ability.

Corrosion and Rust Resistant

Unlike metal trolleys, plastic versions won’t corrode or rust when exposed to water, cleaning chemicals, or spills. This makes them ideal for wet areas or places where cleanliness is crucial.

Quiet Operation

Plastic wheels and frames generate less noise, reducing disruptions in environments such as hospitals, schools, libraries, or hotels where noise control is important.

Hygienic and Easy to Clean

Smooth plastic surfaces are non-porous and simple to wipe down, helping maintain high hygiene standards in food service, aged care, healthcare, and laboratories.

Affordable and Low Maintenance

Plastic trolleys are generally more affordable than metal ones, offering excellent value. With fewer moving parts and less vulnerability to damage, they also require minimal maintenance.

Versatile Designs

Available in a wide variety of shapes and configurations—from tiered utility carts to storage bins with lids—plastic trolleys are designed for all kinds of tasks and environments.

 

Popular Types of Plastic Trolleys

Plastic trolleys come in multiple styles, each tailored for a specific purpose or industry:

1. Utility Trolleys

The classic two or three-tier plastic trolley, perfect for general transport of office supplies, catering items, or cleaning gear. Common in schools, hotels, and medical settings.

2. Food Service Trolleys

Designed to carry trays, plates, and cutlery, these are used in commercial kitchens, aged care, or cafeterias. Smooth surfaces and raised edges help contain spills.3. Janitorial and

3. Cleaning Trolleys

Purpose-built with compartments, bins, and mop holders to support cleaning teams in maintaining large facilities. Many include integrated waste bins and lockable storage.

4. Storage and Distribution Carts

Larger trolleys with deep tubs or stackable bins ideal for stockrooms, hospitals, or retail use. These trolleys can include secure lids for sensitive materials.

5. Folding or Collapsible Plastic Trolleys

Ideal for mobile professionals or locations with limited storage space. These space-saving options fold flat when not in use.

 

How to Choose the Right Plastic Trolley

Choosing the most suitable trolley depends on your workplace needs and the type of tasks you'll be completing. Here’s what to consider:

Load Capacity

Most plastic trolleys handle light to medium-duty tasks, with load capacities ranging from 25kg to over 150kg. Always choose a model that supports your maximum expected load with room to spare.

Shelf Design and Size

  • Tiered Shelves: Great for organising multiple items across departments

  • Deep Tub Shelves: Useful for containing loose items or liquids

  • Flat Shelves: Ideal for food trays or equipment transport

Make sure shelves are wide and deep enough to suit your items without overhang or imbalance.

Wheel Type and Movement

  • Rubber Castors: Quiet, floor-friendly, and smooth on most indoor surfaces

  • Swivel Wheels: Offer excellent manoeuvrability in tight spaces

  • Lockable Wheels: Add stability during loading or when parked on slopes

Larger wheels are best for moving across carpet, tiles, or thresholds with less effort.

Material Quality

Look for trolleys made from HDPE or other high-impact, commercial-grade plastics. These are more resistant to cracking, staining, or UV degradation. Industrial trolleys may feature reinforced steel underneath for extra support.

Extra Features

  • Raised edges or lip guards to prevent items slipping off

  • Textured or non-slip surfaces for added grip

  • Ergonomic handles for improved control

  • Built-in drawers or containers for additional storage

  • Colour coding options for hygiene separation (e.g. food vs waste)

 

Workplace Safety Tips for Plastic Trolleys

While plastic trolleys are light-duty in nature, safe use is still important to protect staff and maintain equipment longevity:

  • Never exceed the trolley’s recommended weight limit

  • Distribute weight evenly across shelves to prevent tipping

  • Always push the trolley using both hands for better control

  • Avoid using damaged or cracked plastic trolleys—replace as needed

  • Use lockable castors when loading or when parked on slopes

  • Clean trolleys regularly to remove dust, spills, or contaminants

  • Train staff on proper handling and loading techniques

 

Industries Where Plastic Trolleys Are Used

Plastic trolleys are used across countless sectors thanks to their lightweight, hygienic, and adaptable design:

Healthcare and Aged Care

Used for distributing medication, transporting patient files, or delivering meals. Quiet wheels and easy-to-clean materials are essential in sensitive environments.

Schools and Universities

Support admin staff with transporting files, stationery, and books, or assist catering teams during events and lunch services.

Retail and Supermarkets

Useful in restocking shelves, handling online orders, or transporting small inventory items between departments.

Cleaning and Facility Services

Janitorial trolleys streamline cleaning across large venues like shopping centres, hotels, or commercial buildings.

Hospitality and Food Service

Assist waitstaff and kitchen teams in transporting food, utensils, and tableware while maintaining hygiene and reducing trips.

Office and Admin Settings

Plastic trolleys support general logistics in mailrooms, record-keeping departments, or shared supply areas.

 

Shop Our Range of Plastic Trolleys

Looking for a reliable and hygienic trolley to streamline your operations? Our range of plastic trolleys includes models designed for all industries—from janitorial carts and food service trolleys to multi-tier utility carts for general office or educational use.

All models are selected for quality, safety, and everyday functionality—helping your team stay organised, mobile, and efficient.