What do I do with the metal crates from purchases?

[S-Array 03]

When I purchase equipment from a merchant at a station, it is delivered in a metal crate. What do I do with it once I've stashed away its contents? Throw it overboard? Can I keep it on a shelf as an additional storage unit?

(I bought the game today and there doesn't seem to be a fabricator or deconstructor on the dugong so that's not really an option, unless I do it at the next dock I suppose)

[FourGreenFields]

As you said, deconstructing into one steel bar is a use. All stations have a deconstructor, dabricator, and a research table.

You can use it for additional storage. No need to place it in a shelf for that, though it will be thrown around during collisions if it's lying on the ground.

Or just throw it overboard. Not very valuable anyway.

[nimue]

Originally posted by S-Array 03:

there doesn't seem to be a fabricator or deconstructor on the dugong

therefore, it is better to take a Humpback, there is a deconstructor and a fabricator on it.

[DuckieMcduck]

It's a bad idea to keep it in the shelf because if you take a cargo mission then the game will deduce you don't have space and discount your reward.

If you enjoy the extra space, deconstruct it into a steel bar as others suggested. You may then fabricate a Storage Container suitcase. This can then be placed inside of any normal Cabinet/Locker and carried with one hand, making it easier to move around and virtually expanding your storage.

[Buggy Boy]

Wear it as an attractive and functional hat.