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Free Pallets – Ten Places to Find Them

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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 that need to be removed? People looking for free 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.

The world went through a pallet shortage in 2021-2022, as I outlined in this article: As World Faces Pallet Shortage, Free Pallets For Hobbyists May Be Harder to Find. The good news, however, is that there is currently a much more bountiful supply of used pallets, and that availability should be considerably better than it was just a year ago.

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 scheduled consignment to a feed and tack store, so once you develop a pattern, you can keep returning to the same location on the day they typically are available.

Unlikea scheduled 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 that 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 is our list of sources for free, clean pallets:

  • Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist
  • Bars and craft beer locations
  • Pet food stores
  • Feed & Tack stores
  • Stationery 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 often 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, these pallets should not be removed. Such organizations 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, Facebook Marketplace 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 distribution centers or manufacturing 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 the building 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, and use proper lifting techniques, including keeping the pallet close to the torso and back straight. Because pallets can often weigh 60 pounds or more, utilize the help of other individuals or lift equipment such as forklifts where available.

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

  1. I pick up Free 48×40 pallets in the Tulsa area if you willing to get rid of them email me@whitehurst009@gmail.com
    Thanks James Hurst

  3. Anyone throwing pallets out. Could really use to start a back yard grill stand. Or something to that matter. In the San Antonio. TX area. Thanx

  4. Please contact me if you need pallet pick up for you home or business in the Little Rock and surrounding area.

  5. Unwanted pallets removed in Baton Rouge, La and surrounding areas.
    Seeking to achieve a Greener business, increase profits (reduce disposal fees)?

    Call (225) 395-nine zero zero eight

  6. I am in need of free pallets for making raffle crafts for an auction. This is for a kidney fund for families in need. Please help or let me know where we can pick up? Thank you!!

  7. Crate
    Outside Dimensions ( 48 L x 48 W x 48 H “)
    I.D. of 44.25 x 44.25 x 41.125
    Weight Capacity 3,000 lbs.
    Stacking Strength 9,000 lbs.
    WT. (LBS.) 118
    2×4 cleats and 3/8 plywood
    Heat Treated and Stamped for export shipment.
    3 runners that are 4 x 4 with a solid 2 x 6 deck for skid. The sides, ends and top are made from 3/8 plywood and 2 x 4 cleats.

  12. TKO. Pallet removal will p/u your unwanted 40 x 48 pallets in Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi….give us a call Matthew Bayer 504-715-6126. Or Karen Payne@. 985-630-6647

  14. On free removals request that partial load be standard pallets to eliminate removal cost,… Free wood pallet removal/disposal offered for wood, plastic, and metal shipping pallets…aka Located in Spencer, Indiana and offering pick up throughout southern & Central Indiana, + parts of Illinois. Will also buy standard pallets in good shape in small or large quantities 812♊♊585♊♊0935

  17. Looking for ” free ” or LOW COST plastic pallets in Highlands Texas and the surrounding Houston area.

  19. I am looking, for 40/48 size pallets, in Sacramento CA or around that location, for free , that’s how I support my family I lost my job from the corvit 19 ,so if any one know where I can get it for free , please call or text me at 916-495-4666, if I don’t pick up leave a message and text me to thank u

  24. Looking for free 40″ x 48″ pallets in Sioux Falls, SD
    It helps pay for medications while I’m uninsured. Greatly appreciated.
    Thank you
    Text 605-496-3794
    Tammy

  25. LOOKING FOR FREE 40/48 WOOD PALLETS IN CALIFORNIA (OAKLAND,,SAN FRANCISCO AND BAY AREA).MY NAME IS DAVE , PLEASE REACH ME @ 510 478 2969 TEXT OR CALL. .THANKS

  26. I will take Free or Reasonably Priced Wood Pallets. I’m located around the .-Dothan Alabama- and -Enterprise Alabama- Area and willing to travel depending on amount and location. Thanks so much for your time and Blessings to everyone that needs a prayer I pray for you and hope everything you ask come into existence. Cell number is 334-475-9292 my name is Richard. Call or text anytime. Thanks ttyl

  27. I appreciate your warning to take safety precautions when getting old pallets. My friend told me to get some old pallets. I thought I could just get them and be good but I want to make sure everything is safe.

  29. Me too. I provide Free pallet pick up in the Central Valley any where is reasonable. Just call me, Angel @ 5597213620 or speak with Jason Walker, and call 5599814715. Thanks Many Blessings.

  30. I’m looking for free pallets in the walker County or in Birmingham alabama area 2053885212 ask for aaron

  31. I offer free pallet pick up. I can help free up your space on a regular basis if needed. Call or text
    Derick 8174847148
    Thank you

  32. Thank you for the information. I’m located in Charlottte NC looking for 48”x40” pallets, cardboard, metal drums. We also provide haul off service for multiple items. Give me a call
    704-202-7799

  36. Like new ovesized pallets that were used to store commercial property solar energy panels prior to installation. They are free to anyone who can use them. I have about 100 left.

    I am located in Linden, New Jersey.

  38. I am in St Louis Mo I will pick up unwanted pallets removal You can call or text me Thank You

    314-276-0832

  39. I am interested in picking up free pallets in the Tampa area 40×48 please call (813)647-0486

  40. Have a pallets sitting there let us know we can pick it up Philadelphia south jersey and surrounding area. thank you 2675069578

  43. Pallet pickup northern Indiana southern Michigan text (574) 475-5558 just send location/quantity/and when is a good time and we’ll remove your unwanted pallets thank you

  48. We are looking for pallets in the Athens, GA area. Starting a nonprofit to provide a holistic place of immediate retreat for veterans in crisis. Want to build fences around property for privacy for veterans and around garden to feed them, out of pallets so need a lot and being we are starting a nonprofit, not much funds. Will also host military appreciation weddings here so if wanting to help please contact me. Lots of work on land and building to get this all ready! Thanks and God bless

  49. Looking for free pallets in the phoenix area/maricopa county area in arizona. any condition.any quantity.let me know where to go and ill swing by to pick them up.
    thanks!
    602.668.2705

  50. Will remove about 8 to 10 heat treated pallets, to build something special for missionary that are coming to visit. Need asap. Thank you so much for the article.

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