
Old pallets can be a treasure trove of creative possibilities. With a little imagination and some basic DIY skills, you can breathe new life into these discarded wooden platforms.
Transforming old pallets into planters is a great way to add some greenery to your outdoor space. According to our article, pallet planters can support up to 20 pounds of soil and plants, making them perfect for small gardens or patios.
You can also use old pallets as a base for a unique coffee table. Simply disassemble the pallet, add some legs and a glass top, and you've got a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture that's sure to be the talk of the town.
Old pallets can also be repurposed as pet beds or houses. Our article suggests that pallet pet houses can be made for as little as $10, making them a budget-friendly option for pet owners.
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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 a valuable resource, and it's essential to dispose of them in an environmentally friendly manner to conserve the planet.
Disposing of wooden pallets safely and responsibly can be done through reusing and repurposing them, recycling, or hiring a collection service.
Industrial or commercial recycling services are often required to dispose of plastic pallets, which can be handled by large, nationwide plastics recyclers.
You can also consider hiring a collection service that provides pallet repair and refurbishment services, which can help you make use of damaged or worn out pallets and reduce costs.
Sell Them
If you don't feel like getting creative with your old wood pallets, you can always sell them instead. There are plenty of people out there who would love to buy a few secondhand pallets at a discounted price.
You can post the pallets for sale online and find someone eager to take them off your hands quickly. Companies like R&R Pallets, Wiley Pallets, and Kamps Pallets might be interested in buying them from you.

The average price for wood pallets in like-new or good condition is $0.50 - $4 per pallet, depending on the size and condition. Smaller pallets will still make you money, but they're not valued the same as larger pallets.
Consider the condition of your pallets when pricing them. Companies will pay more for newer ones, but there's still a market for broken pallets that can be easily repaired. The number of pallets you sell also affects the price - generally, the more you sell, the more you make.
You can list your pallets for sale on online marketplaces like Craigslist or Recycle.net. You can also contact local pallet recycling companies like Associated Pallets to see if they're interested in purchasing your pallets.
Here's a list of national and regional pallet producers and distributors that might be interested in buying your pallets:
Recycle
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.
The National Wood Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA) provides a database of wood pallet recyclers across the United States. Use their site to find out where to get rid of pallets sustainably in your state.
Recycling metal pallets is also a great option, as they are made of recyclable materials like aluminum or steel. Certain states even offer rebates and exemptions for recycling used metal.
Here's a list of common materials that can be recycled along with pallets:
Recycling your pallets is a great way to reduce waste and help the environment.
Upcycling Ideas
Upcycling your pallet can be a fun and creative way to give old pallets new life. You can transform them into something useful for your home or garden.
Garden planters are a great way to upcycle pallets, as they can be easily constructed and provide a unique way to display your plants. You can use them to add some greenery to your patio or balcony.
Insect hotels are another creative way to upcycle pallets, providing a habitat for beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.
Check this out: Pallets Vertical Garden Ideas
Create a Wall Garden
You can turn your wooden pallets into a beautiful wall garden, perfect for small spaces or indoor areas.
Stand your pallets on their side and measure the spaces in between the planks, this will give you an idea of where to place your plants.
Find pots or use the plastic ones your plants came in, then arrange groups of small plants for a lush and vibrant display.
Prop the pallet up against an existing wall or use additional pallets to secure it in place, making sure it's sturdy and won't topple over.
With a bit of creativity, you can create a stunning wall garden that will add some greenery to your home.
On a similar theme: Build Raised Beds from Pallets
Craft Your Light Installation
Crafting a light installation is a great way to add some personality to your outdoor space. You can create a whimsical feature without needing tons of building experience.
Start by buying a few strings of battery-operated holiday lights rated for the outdoors. Choose warmer-toned lights over ultra-bright ones for a softer glow.

Cut your pallet to the desired size and weave lights in and out of it, attaching the battery pack against the inner wall of a plank. This will keep your lights secure and make them easier to install.
You can also use single-bulb battery-operated lanterns placed inside cut sections of pallets for a more polished look.
Add a Swing to Your Porch
Building a porch swing is a great upcycling idea. You can save time shopping for the right one by making your own.
Pallets can be arranged into two long bench-size pieces for the bottom and back of your seat. This will give your swing a sturdy base.
Measure carefully and purchase sturdy rope for the swing. The right rope will ensure a smooth and safe ride.
Add armrests with drink holders for a more complicated and functional swing. Cup-size punched holes will come in handy for your favorite beverage.
Or, keep it simple and paint your porch swing in your favorite color. Add comfy cushions for a cozy touch.
Reuse and Repurpose
You can reuse or repurpose old pallets in many creative ways. One of the most eco-friendly options is to donate them to local community groups or non-profit organizations that can use them for their own projects.
You can also transform your pallet into something new through upcycling, a fun way of recycling that gives you something useful to have around the house or in the garden. Whether you're a seasoned DIY professional or just starting out, there are plenty of innovative ways to upcycle your pallet.
Consider building a low-cost deck or an outdoor picnic area using your old pallets. You can assemble a few of them into low tables and use the rest to make wrap-around benches for a complete picnic setup.
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Pallet Buyback Program
If you're looking to reuse and repurpose pallets, you might be wondering where to start. Pallet Buyback Programs are a great resource for finding a place to return your used pallets.
You can find national pallet distributors on websites like Craigslist, Recycle.net, R&R Pallets, Wiley Pallets, Kamps Pallets, General Pallet, First Alliance Logistics Management, and the North American Pallet Recycling Network.
If you're in the Southern states, you can check out Pallet One, Atlantic Pallet Exchange, and South Carolina Wood Waste Management for pallet buyback programs.
In the Midwest, you can find pallet distributors like Tri County Pallet, Martin Pallet Inc., and Iron City Wood Products.
Here are some notable pallet distributors in the Midwest and West Coast regions:
These programs can help you find a place to recycle your pallets and get some cash back in the process.
Reuse the
Reuse the pallets you have lying around to create a unique and eco-friendly outdoor shower. You can use pallets to build a structure that's perfect for a relaxing shower experience.
Wooden pallets can be used for a variety of DIY projects, such as building furniture, garden beds, or even a compost bin. You can also donate your unwanted pallets to local community groups or non-profit organizations that can use them for their own projects.
Building a deck using pallets is a super easy way for even novice builders to assemble a simple ground-level deck. Whether you want more lounging space near the garden, or the perfect platform for your grill, pallets are a great option.
You can use pallets to create a set of stairs for a steep path that gets too muddy and slippery after rain. A simple set of stairs can make these places more safe and accessible for your friends and guests.
Taking your pallet and transforming it into something new can be a fun way of recycling, as well as giving you something useful to have around the house or in the garden.
Broaden your view: Garden Uses for Pallets
Frequently Asked Questions
Are old pallets worth anything?
Yes, old pallets can be worth something, especially if they're in good condition and can be repaired for reuse. Recycling companies may be interested in purchasing them, potentially generating extra income.
Does Lowes take back wood pallets?
Yes, Lowe's reuses, repairs, and recycles wood pallets as part of its sustainability efforts. They have a Reverse Logistics team that centralizes the return of core pallets and recyclable wood.
Sources
- https://www.jdogjunkremoval.com/2023/03/what-to-do-with-wood-pallets-you-dont-need/
- https://www.dumpsters.com/disposal-guides/how-to-get-rid-of-pallets
- https://www.hipcamp.com/journal/hosting/9-fresh-ideas-to-repurpose-your-old-wooden-pallets/
- https://associated-pallets.co.uk/blog/how-do-i-get-rid-of-unwanted-wooden-pallets/
- https://www.pallex.co.uk/post/what-to-do-with-your-wooden-pallets-after-delivery
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