Why Sustainability Matters
Most pallets in the United States are made of wood. What happens to those pallets when a shipment is done makes a real difference to how much wood ends up as waste.
Wood pallets are well suited to a circular approach. A pallet can often be reused several times, repaired when it's damaged, and recycled into other products when it can no longer be fixed. Reusing a pallet avoids building a new one.
The Benefits of Pallet Reuse
Keeping pallets in use for longer has practical environmental benefits.
Less New Lumber
Every used pallet that goes back into service is one fewer pallet that has to be built from fresh lumber.
Lower Manufacturing Impact
Repairing a pallet with a few replacement boards generally takes less material, energy, and transport than manufacturing a new one.
Landfill Diversion
Pallets that are reused or recycled stay out of the landfill, where bulky wood waste takes up space and breaks down slowly.
Useful End Products
Wood that can't be repaired can be ground into mulch, animal bedding, or biomass fuel instead of being thrown away.
Reuse, Repair, Recycle
The three main ways used pallets are kept out of the landfill.
Reuse
Many pallets can make several trips before they need any work. Buying used pallets keeps them in circulation and usually costs less than buying new.
- Grade A / #1 pallets for demanding uses
- Grade B / #2 pallets for one-way shipping
- Standard sizes such as 48 x 40
- Available through partner suppliers
Repair & Reconditioning
Broken deck boards and cracked stringers can often be replaced, sometimes with wood salvaged from other pallets. Repair extends a pallet's working life.
- Board replacement
- Stringer plugging and reinforcement
- Inspection after repair
- Re-grading for reuse
Recycling
When a pallet is beyond repair, recyclers dismantle it, remove the nails, and grind the wood into products with a second use.
- Mulch for landscaping
- Biomass fuel
- Animal bedding
- Raw material for engineered wood products
The Circular Economy of Pallets
A typical path a used pallet takes through the reuse and recycling process.
Collection
Used pallets are picked up from businesses or dropped off with a recycler
Sorting
Pallets are sorted by size, condition, and potential for reuse
Assessment
Each pallet is checked to see if it can be reused, repaired, or recycled
Repair
Repairable pallets get replacement boards or reinforcement
Recycling
Pallets beyond repair are broken down so the wood can be recovered
Reuse
Repaired pallets go back into circulation and recovered wood finds new uses
A Repeating Cycle
A single pallet can go through this cycle more than once, extending its useful life. When a pallet finally can't be repaired, its wood can be ground into mulch, fuel, or other products.
Where Recycled Wood Goes
Pallets that can't be repaired still have value. Recyclers grind the wood and sell it for a range of uses.
If you have broken or unwanted pallets, a recycling partner in our network may be able to collect them, or drop-off can be arranged with a partner where available.
Learn About Pallet RecyclingCommon Uses for Recycled Pallet Wood
- Mulch & Compost
Landscaping and agricultural uses
- Biomass Fuel
Fuel for boilers and energy generation
- Animal Bedding
Farm, stable, and equestrian uses
- Engineered Wood
Raw material for particle board and similar products
What Pallet Reuse Means for Your Business
Sustainable pallet choices often make practical sense too.
Reduce Waste
Choosing used pallets or sending surplus pallets for reuse or recycling keeps wood out of the waste stream.
Support Sustainability Goals
Reusing and recycling pallets can be part of a broader plan to cut packaging waste in your operation.
Clear Out Surplus Pallets
Selling or recycling pallets you no longer need frees up space at your loading dock.
Save Money
Used pallets typically cost less than new ones, and some pallets you sell may bring in a little cash.
Make Reuse Part of Your Supply Chain
Looking for used pallets, or have pallets to sell or recycle? Send us a request and we'll pass it to partner suppliers in Nashville and Middle Tennessee.