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Free Pallets – Ten Places to Find Them

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free pallets
A scene outside of a craft beer location in Vancouver, Canada. 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.

Editor’s note: Do you have pallets you need to be removed? People looking for pallets have posted their contact information in the comment section below.

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.

But first things first. Before you think about collecting and working with old pallets, make sure you take the necessary safety precautions. A recent study reports on injuries associated with home pallet usage.

One other thing to keep in mind is that the world is currently facing a wood pallet shortage, as I explain in this article: As World Faces Pallet Shortage, Free Pallets For Hobbyists May Be Harder to Find. As a result, free pallet availability might be more challenging in the near term. The good news, however, is that free pallets will still be available in places where retrieval is more challenging or expensive, or where pallets are purely intended for one-time usage. (Article continues below.)

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 of. 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. Empty pallets might be the end result of a regular delivery cycle, such as the regular consignment to a feed and tack store, so once you develop a pattern, you can keep on going back to the same location on the day they typically are available.

Unlike the regular delivery cycle, however, there are also “one-off” palletized deliveries that result in unwanted empty pallets. For those ones, it may come down to being in the right place at the right time.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. For a pallet enthusiast looking for a weathered appearance, however, the latter just might be perfect.Here are ten sources for free, clean pallets:

  • Bars and craft beer locations
  • Pet food stores
  • Feed & Tack stores
  • Stationary shops
  • Furniture stores
  • Liquor stores
  • Schools
  • Flooring stores
  • Other small retail
  • Construction sites

Free Pallets: Ask Before Taking

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, the pallet enthusiast may be 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.

Purchasing Used Pallets

In addition to finding old pallets, they may also be purchased – typically online. The Home Depot offers recycled pallets and disassembled recycled pallet kits, while pallet wood is also available on sites such as Etsy and Craigslist.  Another business offers old pallet wood to customers in South Carolina. In 2020, I reported on two pallet companies that offer reclaimed pallet lumber in this article.

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 such as 3PL facilities that 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 the 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 techniques, including keeping the pallet close to the torso and back straight. Because pallets can often weigh 60 pounds or more, proper lifting techniques 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.

Pallet Enthusiast Essential Reading

Pallet safety study: after shipping, pallets pose big risk to public, cause many accidents, injuries

What Is a Pallet?

Are Wood Pallets Safe for Crafting?

 

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Have all sizes of pallets. Free to anyone that’s interested.
    Will deliver free of charge anywhere in the New York metro area.

  7. Dear,
    I’m Ryu Le from QT Company.
    We supply wood and special lumber products like plywood, finger-joint board,…
    Our business was founded on the principals of quality, pricing, and service and we pride ourselves on our commitment to these principles each day. We provide outstanding service at competitive prices, and are here to ensure that all of your needs are met. We appreciate the trusting cooperation with our business partners from trade as well as industry and constantly expand our global network.
    We’re looking forward to be one of your suppliers.
    Regards,
    Ryu Le

  9. I’ll haul away your old pallets if you’re in the Austin, Tx area. I prefer the pallets be in usable condition but older busted pallets will still be collected. Text me 737.444.1944

  10. I have over 100 used good and bad pallets to get rid of. In copaigue long island. Avail for pick up mon-fri 8-4pm,
    Message me at facebook Harlan Simonson or text me at 631-445-2324

  11. I need to get about 60 pallat so I can later open my bussiness while I am still in college ,I want to keep making pet home for dog ,bird and other animal. So I looking for someone to offer me a help delivery to my place cuz I cant drive due to my seizure plus I am hard of hearing so I am offer a best deal for that delivery, Please understand I 50 year old and want my life back on the track making more with woods Thank you.

  12. I have free commercial wood pellets need to be picked up weekly at 5910 ne 4th plain Blvd. Vancouver, WA 98661, by trash enclosure are on the west site of property. Can call Dana 360-998-9869

  13. I need Pallet and Old Plank so that I can reuse them and make many profitable Ideas such as Pre School parks, Table , Chairs for Restaurants ,Bar for coffee shop even Wall decoration. 🙏🤞

  14. I am in need of 8 free wooden pallets in the Duxbury, Ma area. If you know of anyone or a company that has any, please reach out to me. Thank you!

  15. I can pick up your pallet, anywhere in Atlanta area. Please get Intouch with me.
    Thanks
    James.

  16. I want free pallets, willing to pay small amount for it, contact me, I will pick them up at any area in Atlanta Georgia.
    Thanks.

  18. Anyone needing pallets for your diy projects? Let me know! I have it by the truck loads in Houston, Tx. Real good, almost new lumber on the pallets. Note: These aren’t the kind to make a profit on. They are odd sizes and aren’t standard sizes that you look for to sell on the market. (713)855-4569

  24. thank you for the response and for offering to help out im from eldorado park west of johannesburg

  25. Looking for pallets, or barrels, in the Lee, Charlotte , and Sarasota County, FL areas. If you have pallets in need of removable give me a call @ 754. 779.0057

  26. I need wood pallets for fee in Lawrenceville Georgia Gwinnett county text me 470-312-5981

  27. Hi There

    jim Crain is my name and I would like to know if you have 48″ X 40″ New GMA Wood Pallets in stock for sale? If so , I would like to know the types, models and also their price range. Thank you …

    67 South Main St. Suite 300 Layton,
    UT 84041
    . USA
    385-777-4601

    Thank You ..

  29. If any business is looking to get rid of Pallets on a Weekly to monthly basis In the Cherry Hill, NJ Area (Cinnaminson), just send me a text and Id be willing to pick up pallets that are in usable condition. Phone number: 856 577 3411
    Email: colinjhealey@gmail.com

  34. Hello , my name is Yasmeen Wallace. Me and my team will need pallets for a business project we’re doing in ATL. So if anyone have pallets that they do not need and are located in ATL please email me – contact@smartwomanway.com

  36. FLORIDA AREA, Southern GA Kingsland area Looking for any size pallets but preferably 48×40 good condition no color pallets.. preferably looking for a consistent weekly/daily pickup locations! Contact me text/call or email Brandon 2024898680

  37. In need of free pallets , I would love to have enough to build a kitchen table big enough for my blended family of 7 with a bench, my boyfriend said he can build it 🙂 located outside of Hattiesburg MS! 601-436-1240 text if your in my area with free wooden pallets. Thanks !

  38. Cumberland County Area, Raleigh/Durham area, in need of pallet pick up on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis.. If this is you email me or call/txt me. Thanks 8432451231

  41. Need pallets removed I serve the Bristol and Levittown pa area also the Philly and Warmister pa area

  42. “THE PALLET HUSTLE ISN’T EASY BUT ALWAYS REWARDING! (both U & Me)”

    Hello, I’m ROD-LS small minority Pallet Retriver owner/operator for all of your unwanted pallet needs In All of METRO ATLANTA GA. The key benefit in your favor is that as businesses increasingly seeking to achieve Zero Landfill and other sustainability aspirations, my pallet upcycling is a clear step up from landfilling or grinding. I’m offering a professional service, I can help serve this non-strategic but none the less urgent need of that you on occasion may have as a customers to remove unwanted pallets and skids.

    I look forward in the opportunity to service your pallet remover needs.

    rlsimmons247@gmail.com

  45. Anyone in the Richmond, Virginia and surrounding counties (Chesterfield, Chester, Henrico,

    Short Pump, etc…) in need of Pallet Pick Up Services or in need of Pallets for Purchase

    Please email me at <>

    Thanks,
    Jess

  47. Hello I’m looking to remove all your unwanted pallets for free pick up. La puente CA 6263299563. Helping the homeless with somewhere to sleep temporarily and out of the streets. Building temp rooms size to just fit a bed

  48. In search of free good condition pallets in the Hayward-Stockton CA I have a nice truck to haul away. Thank you 209-292-4997

  50. Pallet pick up services for FREE in the Piedmont Triad Area, Raleigh Durham Triangle, Orange and Alamance County, and more in NC. Responsible, Reliable & Always on time! Give us a call or text 9198066350

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