Many such crates have clear statements of ownership, and state possession outside that ownership is theft.
So if I find a drink bottle along the side of the road, and it says Coke on the side on it, it’s theft if I pick it up and take it with me?
Depending on your state, bring it back to the store for a 5/10 cent deposit.
IIRC, I bought my first tennis racket by collecting and redeeming soda bottles. Took me 2 summers. ;)
Yes, if the label also says “THIS BOTTLE IS THE PROPERTY OF THE COCA COLA CORPORATION. USE BY OTHER THAN REGISTERED OWNER PUNISHABLE BY LAW.”
Remember the guy who found a prototype iPhone in a bar and sold it? Remember he got in a sh!tload of legal trouble for it? That’s what we’re talking about: clearly “not yours” and you can literally be arrested if you act like it’s yours. Daries need those crates, don’t sell them, and have a big problem with people stealing them.