The order of attack
| If the pallets are | Do this | Page |
|---|---|---|
| Sound and dry | Offer them for sale | Surplus |
| A weekly flow | Set up a standing arrangement | Recurring |
| Repairable | Treat as cores | Cores |
| Broken | Recycle or dispose | Broken |
| Mixed | Describe the mix | Mixed loads |
Why not a junk hauler
A junk hauler treats the pile as rubbish and may send it to a landfill. A recycler treats it as raw material. Wood beyond repair can be chipped for mulch, composite products or biomass, which is a better end than burial.
What not to do
- Do not burn pallets: treated or painted wood can give off harmful smoke.
- Do not leave piles against buildings; they are a fire risk.
- Do not give them away without checking the pile is not wet or moldy.
- Do not let them sit through winter if you can avoid it.
In Utah
Docks along the Wasatch Front from the Northwest Quadrant to the Freeport Center produce piles continuously. A shop or restaurant has the same question at a smaller scale. Pallet removal covers the small case.
Who picks up pallets for free?
Some recyclers do for sound stock; wet or broken pallets cost more to move.
Can I put pallets in the dumpster?
Many haulers refuse bulky wood. Check with yours.
Describe your pile on the quote form.
Choosing a route
Four routes exist and the right one depends on the pile. Sound pallets can be sold or traded; mixed piles can be cleared by someone who sorts them; broken ones go to recycling or grinding; and a small number can be returned to the carrier or supplier that brought them.
| Pile | Route | Page |
|---|---|---|
| Sound, sorted | Sell | Surplus pallets |
| Mixed and unsorted | Clear | Mixed loads |
| Mostly broken | Recycle | Broken pallets |
| A few dozen | Remove | Pallet removal |
What to avoid is the slow path of leaving a pile to weather. Wet, mouldy wood is worth less every month, and a stack against a fence can also become a hazard.
Can I just put them out for the dump?
Check local rules; pallets are bulky, and landfill is the poorest option when recycling or reuse is available.
What if some are contaminated?
Say so. Oil, chemicals and paint limit what can be done with the wood.
How soon should I act?
Soon. Snow and rain reduce the value of a pile each month it sits.
Sources