
Empty pallets can be repurposed into unique planters for your garden or indoor plants.
You can also use pallets to create a vertical garden, which can be a great space-saving solution for small spaces. According to the article, pallets can support up to 50 pounds of weight per square foot.
Consider using pallets as a base for a DIY coffee table or headboard, adding a rustic touch to your home decor.
With a little creativity, you can turn an old pallet into a functional and stylish piece of furniture.
For your interest: Pallets Vertical Garden Ideas
Disposal Options
Over 90% of pallets used in the United States are made of wood and are used by homeowners and contractors alike. Wood pallets are the way people ship goods.
Large projects at places like distribution centers and solar installation jobsites use dozens, sometimes hundreds, of pallets per project, making disposal a significant challenge.
5 Ways to Dispose Wood
Wood pallets are a common sight in many industries, with over 90% of pallets used in the United States being made of wood.
Large projects like distribution centers and solar installation jobsites use dozens or even hundreds of pallets per project.
You can dispose of wood pallets by recycling them. Many companies offer contractor services for large or ongoing projects.
Some pallets can be reused, especially if they're in good condition and have been properly maintained.
Pallets can also be donated to local charities or thrift stores, giving them a new life.
Contractors and homeowners can use contractor services for large or ongoing projects that involve lots of pallets to toss.
How to Dismantle
To dismantle a pallet, you can do it manually by taking it apart plank by plank with a crowbar, prising the nailed planks safely apart one at a time.
Using a Sawzall tool or special hand-held reciprocating saw can take the pallet apart in less than half the time, but always take necessary safety precautions.
You can then knock out supporting blocks with a hammer, before carefully removing the bent nails.
The remaining wood can be left to be disposed of in an eco-friendly way or used to make other handy items.
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Recycling and Reuse
You can recycle pallets through national distributors and producers that offer recycling services, such as the National Wood Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA) database.
The most common metal pallets are made of aluminum or steel, which are very recyclable materials. Certain states even offer rebates and exemptions for recycling used metal.
Recycling centers and waste management companies like Associated Pallets offer pallet recycling services.
You can also reuse or repurpose pallets for DIY projects, such as building furniture, garden beds, or even a compost bin.
Local community groups or non-profit organizations can use your unwanted pallets for their own projects.
If your pallets are no longer usable, you can recycle them to make other products like mulch, animal bedding, or even new pallets.
Many pallet recycling companies will take away your pallet cores for refurbishment and resale, which can benefit your company's bottom line.
Some pallet recyclers may even pay you for supplying pallets of a certain size, so it's worth doing some research to find the right one.
Giving Away and Removing
You can give away your leftover pallets for free by putting them up for free and showcasing it on social media or other digital platforms, many people will have a hard time saying no to free wood pallets.
Plastic pallets, on the other hand, often require industrial or commercial recycling services for disposal, and large, nationwide plastics recyclers can handle high volumes of pallets.
Manufacturers make pallets from a variety of materials, including plastic, metal, and corrugated paper, but disposal options vary for each material, so it's essential to consider the type of pallet you have before deciding on a disposal method.
Hire a Collection Service
If you have a large quantity of unwanted pallets, hiring a pallet collection service can be a convenient option. This way, you can save time and effort, and ensure that your pallets are disposed of in a responsible way.
Large, nationwide plastics recyclers can handle high volumes of pallets, so you can find a service that suits your needs.

You can hire a pallet collection service like the one mentioned in our example, which will pick up your pallets from your business or location and take them away for recycling.
Our professional team can collect your unwanted pallets from your business or location and take them away for recycling, just like Associated Pallets does.
Free Removal
Giving away leftover pallets for free can be a great way to declutter and get rid of excess supply.
A lot of people will have a hard time saying no to free wood pallets, and this could do just the trick when you want to quickly get rid of your excess supply.
However, consider the liability exposure, especially for businesses, as putting pallets outside the fence without proper precautions can lead to claims or charges.
Designing your pallet system with pallet retrieval and reuse in mind is a better approach to get rid of pallets for free.
Work with Recycler

You can recycle your pallets, and it's a great way to give back to the environment. Many pallet companies that specialize in used pallets will even pay businesses to pick up excess pallets if everything is in good enough condition for re-purposing or re-selling.
The National Wood Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA) provides a database of wood pallet recyclers across the United States. You can use their site to find out where to get rid of pallets sustainably in your state.
Wooden pallets are recyclable, and the wood can be used to make other products such as mulch, animal bedding, or even new pallets. Many recycling centres and waste management companies offer pallet recycling services.
Some pallet recyclers may actually pay you for supplying pallets of a certain size, which could become a regular association. Ensure you get the right details from them, as some may charge you for taking them away.
It's essential to do lots of research before working with a pallet recycler, as some may charge you for taking them away.
Preparation and Considerations
Before you start reusing empty pallets, it's essential to inspect them carefully for any damage or weakness.
Make sure to check the pallet's structure, looking for signs of rot, cracks, or broken boards.
A pallet with a damaged frame or loose boards can be unstable and may collapse under weight, making it unsuitable for reuse.
You should also consider the type of pallet you're dealing with: wooden pallets are generally more durable than plastic ones, but may require more maintenance.
Is My Investment Worth It?
When investing in a pallet, it's essential to consider its potential value. Between £5 and £15 per pallet is a reasonable expectation for pocket money.
You can earn this amount by selling your pallet, which can be a useful addition to your firewood stock budget.
It's also worth noting that a pallet can be a valuable asset, and its worth can add up over time.
Identifying Treated Wood
You can sometimes see coloured paint or other substances on the wood, which probably means it's been thoroughly treated.
Sometimes there will be initials on the wood pallet, like MB, which also means the wood has been treated.
The best advice is to take time to check the wood carefully.
Using bags of kiln dried hardwood logs is always a safer bet for keeping warm.
Avoiding and Alternatives
If you're not ready to upcycle or repurpose your empty pallets, consider donating them to a local charity or thrift store. This way, they can be reused by someone who needs them.
You can also use pallets as a natural firewood alternative. According to Section 2, pallets are made from softwoods, which burn more efficiently and produce less smoke than hardwoods.
Removing Wood Alternatives
Removing Wood Alternatives can be a bit tricky, but it's doable. If you're using alternatives to traditional wood pallets, disposal options are still available.
You can dispose of plastic pallets through industrial or commercial recycling services, which can handle high volumes of pallets. Large, nationwide plastics recyclers can also take care of this task.
Manufacturers make pallets from a variety of materials, including plastic, metal, and corrugated paper, but disposal options vary for each material.
6 Avoid Wooden
Requesting standard-sized pallets can make them more valuable to pallet pickers and recyclers, reducing the likelihood of disposal issues.

If you're expecting a large shipment, requesting suppliers to retrieve their empty pallets can also help minimize accumulations.
Standard pallets are predominantly 48×40” in size, making them easier to reuse and recycle.
This approach can save you time and resources in the long run, as you won't have to worry about storing or disposing of unwanted pallets.
By being proactive and communicating with your suppliers, you can avoid the hassle of dealing with unwanted wooden pallets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money is a pallet worth?
Pallet prices vary from $4.25 to $25.00 or more, depending on the type and material. Prices range from recycled standard to heavy-duty block pallets.
Does Lowes take back wood pallets?
Yes, Lowe's reuses, repairs, and recycles pallets, reducing waste and the need for new wood. They have a dedicated Reverse Logistics team that centralizes the return of core pallets and recyclable wood.
Are you allowed to take pallets from stores?
Before taking pallets from a store, always ask the business owner for permission first, as they may be responsible for pallet return. Check the store's policy on pallet removal to avoid any issues.
Sources
- https://www.dumpsters.com/disposal-guides/how-to-get-rid-of-pallets
- https://thepalletguys.com/what-you-can-do-with-your-leftover-pallets/
- https://associated-pallets.co.uk/blog/how-do-i-get-rid-of-unwanted-wooden-pallets/
- https://firewoodfund.co.uk/how-to-get-rid-of-pallets/
- https://packagingrevolution.net/how-to-get-rid-of-wooden-pallets-for-free/
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