Keeping your eyes open is fundamental to securing free pallets. A word of caution, the pallets in the photo have “Property of…” wording which means you should pass on these ones.
Wondering where to find free or low-cost pallets? I often receive inquiries about where to find such pallets to start a home craft project, or more steady sources of used pallets to generate work as a pallet street vendor or a pallet recycling business. Pallets available at no cost typically include unusual sizes, small qualities, or ones that are otherwise undesirable due to poor condition or appearance.
Ten Places to Find Free Pallets for Hobbyists/Crafters
Free pallets can be found in a great variety of places where pallets are emptied, or where they are disposed. Once you become mindful of pallets, whether you see them being unloaded at a location or being set outside to rest against a wall, the possibility of securing a supply begins to emerge. The best pallets are in new condition, with clean, dry wood. Pallets which have been used several times can be soiled and stained. They are more likely to harbor bacteria, and thus are less attractive to the pallet hobbyist.
Here are ten sources for free, clean pallets:
- Pet food stores
- Feed & Tack stores
- Stationary shops
- Furniture stores
- Liquor stores
- Schools
- Flooring stores
- Other small retail
- Stores undergoing remodeling
- Construction sites
- Schools
Ask Before Taking Pallets
Where only small quantities are available, or where the pallets are not one of the popular sizes such as 48×40”, then pallets are more likely to be happily released at no charge to the collector. It should be cautioned that pallets stored outside of a small business are not necessarily “free for the taking.” The pallet collector should receive permission from the business owner before removing pallets. Once you have established a relationship with the proprietor, however, often pallet enthusiasts are given blanket permission to come by and pick up empty pallets.
One cautionary note is the issue of pallet markings. If the pallet has an ownership stamp on it, such as CHEP, PECO, iGPS, Coca-Cola, U.S. Postal Service or others, then these pallets should not be removed. Such companies claim to vigorously enforce the property rights to their pallets, and you may find yourself charged with unlawful possession of them.
Also of concern are issues of contamination and safe handling. Please refer to the links immediately below to explore further.
Further Reading:
Standard Pallet Sizes in Inches and Centimeters
Are Wood Pallets Safe for Crafting?
Commercial Pallet Collection
Larger quantities of standard sized 48×40″ pallets or other popular sizes often command a price. Small quantities of empty pallets are often picked up by pallet street vendors, commonly referred to as pallet pickers, who in turn, typically sell them to pallet recycling companies. Larger pallet recycling companies provide regular pickup or dock sweep services to businesses which regularly generate large quantities of empty pallets.
Larger generators of surplus pallet cores often have an expectation of being paid for them and may have an exclusive arrangement in place with a recycling company. You will soon get an idea of what prevailing market prices are for cores in your area, and these vary from region to region, depending upon supply and demand. The Recycle Record is a market report that provides regional information about recycled pallet pricing. In addition to price, pallet recyclers may also compete for cores with respect to service. The pallet recycler may be required to drop empty trailers for the business to load as it generates empty pallets, or to provide smaller quantity pickup if the business does not have room or a dock door to facilitate storage of empty pallets inside or on a drop trailer.
For picking up smaller pallet quantities, pallet street vendors may use flatbed or pickup trucks, and sometimes utility trailers. Be sure to practice pallet handling safety. Use gloves to protect hands from slivers, use proper lifting technique, including keeping the pallet close to the torso and back straight. Because pallets can often weigh 60 pounds or more, proper lifting technique should be employed, utilizing the help of other individuals or lift equipment such as forklifts where available.
Larger recyclers often purchase pallets from pallet street vendors who accumulate pallets from small businesses. Typically they drop these off at the recycler’s yard, sorting them into appropriate stacks after arrival. Many recycling businesses now take safeguards to prevent any concern about dealing in stolen pallets. As such, they may require a photocopy of the street vendor’s driver’s license, and pay by check.
Comments below: Newest comments appear at the bottom.
I’m interested in getting free or low cost pallets. I live in Bayonne NJ. Please advise. My name is Millie Rodriguez 2012046475
I’m interested in getting free
I am interested in getting free pallets. I live in Bronx, NY (Throggs Neck Area)
Thank you
I’m looking for free pallets in the Cullman, Alabama area.
carltonesmith@gmail.com.
Needing… free.. pallets in ludowici or hinesville area
I’d like to upcycle free pallets for my ceiling. If anyone has some I’m greatly appreciative. Chautauqua county new york. Thank you
I pick up free pallets and cardboard
We got pallets all the time. If you can make it to Queens, NY, then you got free pallets to pick up. Reply on my email below if u seriously interested for further details.
If you can make it to Queens, we, most likely all the time got pallets to give out at no cost. Reply on my email below if you are seriously interested and further details.
Make it to Queens, NY, and very oftenly we have pallets to give away at no cost. If you interesred, email me for further details.
I am on SSI Disability and hsve just started collecting pallets to supplement my SSI check, wich if you seen one you would no why Imhunting pallets, where in Pierce County and or King County would be my best chances for finding pallets, 40 ×48
I am looking for free pallets in the Somerset nj area
Looking for free pallets for kids craft projects
I am looking for free pallets to upcycle for home decor. I am near clarksville TN.
Thanks
I have been desperately searching for pallets. I had a large collection that was stolen when I went through a nasty separation. I’m in the Huntsville, AL area. Any ideas where I might be able to find some free?
Looking for free pallets in my area, and would like to be listed as the one who regular comes for them. I live in Hampton S.C.
I am looking for free pallets, Tampa FL
If you want free wood, skids, pallets etc…. please contact me at 717.295.6767. About every 2 months, we would have about 100 skids. You can pick them up for free. We are located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
I’m looking for just a few free palettes for a home decor project. I’m in SW Florida near Fort Myers. If you know of any places, PLEASE let me know. Thank you!
We’re can I find free pallets in Ireland, Galway?
I asked a couple of companies about them buying my new pallets they wanted to give me 2.50. It costs over 20 to build. They insulted my intelligence but they didn’t get my pallets. Where can I sell and still make profit.
I called to places I’m Montana to sell new 48×40 pallets and they offered me 5.00 and in Idaho 2.50. They both insulted my intelligence but othey didn’t get my goods. If you spent a dollar on 8-1×8, 8$, 1-12′-2×4,5$ nails cutting the wood up an building them and then getting them to market. It’s insanity. They are thieves.whete can I sell them and still make a buck.
I’m in need of 5 -6 Pallets. Any one with free Pallets in the Punta Gorda, FL33950 area?
Looking for free pallets in Boston Massachusetts area
How many pallets at a time?
I’m looking for free pallets in the Melbourne, FL or Space Coast area. My intended purpose is to build my own pallet furniture & coffee bar area as well as a few craft items. Thanks!
I have 30 plus free pallets in Scott,La. Need them gone asap. Kept inside our warehouse.
Im collecting free pallets in the atlanta GA area. If anyone hasany to offer contact me. Please & Thank you.
Looking for 48×40 for shipping
IAM looking 4 free pallets 2 upgrade my bathroom &hallway!!
Need low cost & good quality pallet wood near Delhi, India
I’m looking for free pallets. I live in Walterboro SC
I looking for free Palet in the Rochester area
I looking for free pallets in Rochester area
I’m looking for big/small amounts of free pallets in the Union,Snyder,Northumberland country regions of Pennsylvania, thanx,. Todd
I am looking for free pallets in the Capitol District/Upstate NY area. Please contact at hf482418@gmail.com.
Thanks for the tips! I’m looking forward to finding/upcycling free pallets in or around Dallas, TX.
Free pallets in farmingdale long island
I have free pallets in farmingdale ny
Friendlyferals@msn.com
I’m in need of about 8 free pallets (48 x 40) for a make shift stage for a play. I live in Dallas, Tx
I’m needing free pallets and Gaylord boxes. I’m in Greenville sc
I need free 40×48 pallets and Gaylord boxes
Looking for free 40×48 pallets and Gaylord boxes I’m in Greenville sc
Looking for free 40x4and Gaylord boxes I’m in Greenville sc