Recycling & Sustainability
Reusing a pallet avoids building a new one. Here is how pallet reuse and recycling work.
Why Pallet Reuse Matters
Keeping usable wood in service and out of the landfill
Reuse Comes First
A pallet that goes back into service is one that doesn't have to be built new. Sound used pallets can be resold as they are or after light repair.
Repair Extends Pallet Life
Replacing a broken board or stringer uses far less wood than making a whole new pallet, and it keeps a usable pallet in circulation for more trips.
Recycling What Can't Be Reused
Pallets beyond repair can be ground into mulch, animal bedding, or biomass fuel, and nails can be recovered as scrap metal, depending on the recycler.
How Pallet Recycling Works
What typically happens to used pallets handled by partner suppliers in our network
Collection & Pickup
Request a quote and tell us how many pallets you have and where they are in New Jersey. Pickup is arranged through partner suppliers; availability, minimums, and any charges depend on the supplier, the quantity, and the pallets' condition.
Inspection & Sorting
Partner suppliers sort pallets by condition, typically into Grade A (excellent condition, little or no repair needed), Grade B (moderate wear, repairable), Grade C (heavy wear, limited life remaining), and beyond repair (sent for grinding and recycling).
Repair & Refurbishment
Repairable pallets typically get broken boards replaced, weak spots reinforced, and protruding nails removed. Repair extends a pallet's life and reduces the need for new lumber.
Resale or Recycling
Repaired pallets are graded and sold again as Grade A, B, or C pallets. Pallets beyond economical repair can be ground into mulch, animal bedding, or biomass fuel, and metal fasteners can be separated for scrap recycling.
Records for Your Reporting
If you track waste for your own sustainability reporting, ask the partner supplier what records they can provide, such as pallet counts or pickup receipts. What is available varies by supplier.
Benefits of Pallet Recycling
Less New Lumber
Every pallet that is reused or repaired is one fewer that has to be built from new wood. Recycling unusable pallets also keeps that wood out of the landfill.
Lower Pallet Costs
Used pallets generally cost less than new ones, and usable pallets you no longer need can often be sold to partner suppliers instead of thrown away. Pricing is by quote.
Support for Your Goals
Sending pallets for reuse and recycling can support your own waste-reduction goals. Ask partner suppliers what records they can provide if you need them for reporting.
Check Local Rules
Disposal and recycling rules for businesses vary by location. Check current regulations in your municipality and county, as well as any customer requirements, when you plan how to handle used pallets.
Corporate Responsibility
Reusing and recycling pallets is a practical, visible step customers and stakeholders can understand, and it is easy to build into routine operations.
Circular Economy
Pallet reuse keeps materials in use longer: a pallet can be used, repaired, resold, and finally recycled, rather than used once and discarded.
Good to Know
Practical facts about reusing wooden pallets
ISPM 15 Heat Treatment
ISPM 15 is the international standard for wood packaging in trade. Heat-treated pallets are heated to a 56 °C core temperature for at least 30 minutes and carry the IPPC mark with the HT code.
Check the Marks Before Reuse
If you plan to reuse pallet wood, look for the HT mark. Avoid pallets marked MB, which were fumigated with methyl bromide, and pallets with stains or spills of unknown origin.
Local Sourcing
We take requests from across New Jersey and pass them to partner suppliers in our network. Availability depends on partner suppliers near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to pallets sent for recycling?
Repairable pallets are typically refurbished and sold again as Grade A, B, or C. Pallets beyond repair can be ground into mulch, animal bedding, or biomass fuel, and metal fasteners can be recycled as scrap.
Can I get records of recycled pallets?
Ask the partner supplier what they can provide, such as pallet counts or pickup receipts. What is available varies by supplier.
Is there a minimum quantity for recycling pickup?
Minimums and any pickup charges are set by partner suppliers and depend on quantity, condition, and location. Include your quantity in the quote request.
Can I set up recurring pickups?
You can ask for recurring pickups in your request. Whether a partner supplier can offer them depends on your location and pallet volume.
Are heat-treated pallets recyclable?
Yes. Heat-treated pallets (HT mark) are common and can be reused or recycled. Pallets marked MB, or with chemical spills or contamination, need to be discussed with the partner supplier first.
What happens after I request a recycling quote?
We pass your request to partner suppliers in our network, and a partner supplier follows up about pickup, timing, and pricing.
Can I sell my used pallets instead of recycling them?
Often, yes. Partner suppliers buy usable pallets, especially standard sizes such as 48x40. Offers depend on condition, size, quantity, and demand.
Do I need to check any regulations?
Business recycling and disposal rules vary by location. Check current regulations with your municipality or county, and any requirements your customers set.
Have Pallets to Recycle?
Whether you have a few pallets or a full trailer load, request a quote and we'll pass it to partner suppliers in our network. A partner supplier follows up.
Learn About RecyclingRequest a Quote