You may have seen them before, stacked in a corner of the warehouse or behind the store. Wooden pallets are used to transport and store goods, but what happens when they’re no longer needed?
If you’re like most people, you probably just toss them in the trash. But did you know that there are better ways to dispose of wood pallets? Read on to learn more about how to properly dispose of wood pallets.
Breaking Down the Wood Pallet
The first step in disposing of a wood pallet is breaking it down into smaller pieces. You can do this by using a hammer or saw.
If you’re using a hammer, hit the pallet boards evenly on all sides until they break. If you’re using a saw, cut the boards diagonally so that they break into smaller pieces.
Once the pallet is broken down, you can discard the pieces in your trash can or recycling bin.
Make sure to remove all of the nails from the wood before doing so, as they can be dangerous if left in the trash.
Identifying Wood Pallet Reuse Options
Once you’ve identified whether or not a wood pallet is reusable, the next step is to determine how to reuse it.
Wood pallets can be repurposed into all kinds of things, such as
A bench:
Cut the pallet in half lengthwise, then stain or paint it and attach legs for a simple bench that can be used indoors or outdoors
A garden bed:
Fasten four pallets together to create a raised garden bed that can be filled with soil and plants
A roof rack:
If you have a truck or SUV, you can install a pallet roof rack to increase your storage capacity
A wall clock:
Remove the slats from a pallet and mount them on a piece of plywood to create a rustic wall clock
Utilizing a Professional for Pallet Disposal
Although you may be tempted to just burn the pallets, or even recycle them by yourself, it’s best to leave the job to the professionals.
Not only will they dispose of the pallets properly, but they may also be able to give you some money for them.
That’s right—some recycling centers will actually pay you for used pallets. So, if you have a few extra hundred pounds of wood lying around, it may be worth your time to call in a professional.
They’ll take care of everything from transport to disposal, and you’ll walk away with some extra cash in your pocket.
Recycling Old Wooden Pallets
If you don’t want to burn or donate your wood pallets, you can always recycle them. Most pallet manufacturers accept old pallets back and will repurpose them for reuse.
This is a great way to keep the materials out of landfills and in circulation for longer.
Before you recycle, however, make sure the pallets are in good condition with no signs of rot or pest infestations. If the pallets are in usable condition, you should be able to get a small refund for returning them as well.
If your local area does not have a recycling program for wood pallets, look up private recycling companies that specialize in this service.
They will generally take used wooden pallets and turn them into mulch or sawdust for sawmills and furniture manufacturers to use.
Finally, always check with your local municipality before attempting to dispose of wood pallets on your own.
Some areas may require special permits before disposing of wood waste, so it’s important to read up on any special regulations first before taking action.
Composting as an Alternative to Disposal
Composting is a great alternative to throwing out your wood pallets. It not only helps reduce landfill waste, but it can give your plants the nutrients they need to thrive.
To get started, you’ll need to break down the pallets into smaller pieces. This might involve using a hammer or saw.
Once you’ve broken them into smaller pieces, add them to your compost pile or bin, and mix it in with other organic materials.
It’s important to note, though, that composting takes time—it might take several weeks for the pieces of wood to fully break down.
You might also want to consider adding soil microbes or nitrogen-rich materials such as grass clippings or manure to help speed up the process.
Once the wood has completely decomposed, you’ll be left with nutrient-rich compost that you can use in your garden or landscaping project. You can also make a composting bin using the pallets.
Dispose Of at Landfill:
Sending used pallets to a landfill is a standard solution, but the majority of people seeking solutions to the problem of how to get rid of pallets are actively exploring different options.
They seek to avoid the waste, hassles, and costs associated with landfills, all of which are frequent in large-volume areas.
Sadly, this is frequently the only choice for pallets that are seriously damaged, cannot be recycled (such as those that have mold or pest problems), or are in non-standard sizes.
Understanding the Legalities of Wood Pallet Disposal
It is important that you also understand the legalities of wood pallet disposal. Different states, counties, and cities have their own laws and regulations for the proper disposal of wood pallets.
Depending on the size and weight of your pallet, you may be required to hire a professional hazardous waste hauler to dispose of it safely.
Make sure to contact your local authorities for details on the requirements in your area.
In addition, some states may require companies to obtain permits before disposing of wood pallets or other potentially hazardous materials. Not having these permits can subject companies to hefty fines or even legal action.
For this reason, make sure you are aware of all relevant regulations before disposing of wood pallets or any other hazardous material. Having a permit will ensure that the disposal is done properly and safely.
Conclusion
Just remember, when it comes time to finally say goodbye to your old friend the wood pallet, don’t just chuck it in the trash. Recycle it instead!
