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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. Your comment is awaiting moderation.

    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. Text 937-776-2822 Dayton, Ohio

  2. Thanks for sharing knowledge about Commercial Pallet Collection. I have gain a lots of information from this article.

  3. I would love to have 6-8 hardwood pallets to use for recycled compost. IWe are in the are of Huntsville, Alabama.

  4. I am in Lauren’s South Carolina , I would love to collect ten to fifteen pallets. For community project.

  6. I would to have 5-10 hardwood pallets to use for my backyard. We are in the area of Naperville, IL.

  10. I would like 9-10 4 foot by 4 foot hardwood pallets for backyard project. I live in Torrington Ct

  11. Wood Crate
    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.
    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.

    Let me know the prices on this and I will get you the quantity needed. However if you don’t have these types, I would appreciate you contacting me back with some prices and the other types you have or which are much similar.

    Thank you

  12. I have 45 x 45 x45 shipping crates in Gladespring Va. also looking for pallet to recycle call me at 276-608-5379

  13. I have 45 x 45 x45 shipping crates in Gladespring Va. also looking for pallet to recycle call me at 276-608-5379

  17. You have any pallets you would love to get off your hands , places I pick up pallets greenville sc area Spartanburg sc Gaffney sc

  18. Need 100 large pallets to build fence that will keep wild pack of dogs away from my disabled child. Hot springs Arkansas

  19. Would love to pick up any unwanted pallets you may have in the metro Atlanta area and surrounding areas such as McDonough, Morrow, Decatur, Lawrenceville, Jackson, Locus Grove and Macon.
    Call Shawn 678-751-3210

  22. We have used pallets of different sizes that we collect, maybe you’re looking for some for a specific project or you’re a company who buys refurbished pallets, let’s talk! We’re in Augusta ga.

  23. Will take wood pallets off your hands. Located in Marengo, IL or near. Chicago land area as well.

  25. A helpful post for anyone looking to purchase pallets. I appreciate you sharing this list of locations to buy pallets.

  26. Hi,
    Decora Tile 3205 Quadra Street Victoria BC. ( Quadra & Tolmie) 250-475-2033
    We have FREE PALLETS off our back parking lot.

  27. I would like to recycle wood 48 x 40 pallets ..ALl proceeds go towards cancer research society. to help finding a cure. I’ll pick up. Balance free of charge. I’m located in the Bay Area of California.

  28. I need about 30 total will take what you need gone I’m near Fredericksburg Virginia will pick up within 30 miles of Fredericksburg

  29. In need of pallets to cover ceilings and wall in attic to complete bedroom to accommodate beds and play area for 4 boys.Please let me know if you know where I can get them.
    Thank you in advance and God Bless

  30. Do you have pallets you need to be removed? I’m in Michigan and will remove all pallets weekly or daily DONT have the means nor Resources For disposal of the pallets Please contact me as soon as possible 9472241377
    In the Midwest area and is willing to travel if you have Enough pallets and are a reoccurring pallet disperser

  31. Hello I am interested in free plastic palates trying to make a little shed in back of my yard. My residing address is Sanford Florida zip code is 32773 I gladly appreciate it if somebody reach out to me and you like 20 plus plastic recyclable palates thank you

  32. Good day
    We are in Statesville, NC and we can use hundreds of used / Recycled skids. We can take them off your hands.
    Good Business All !

  33. I am looking for pallets in Lancaster, Ohio. I feel this is probably the cheapest way to help our landlords save money on a home previous renters destroyed. We are going to cover the holey drywall with pallet wood. If anyone has anything, please let me know. Thanks, God bless, & be safe!

  35. I would REALLY appreciate any wood palates you are getting rid of, I have several animals and a few acres to build them shelter from the sun/ rain,,, I live in San Juan Capistrano/ Fallbrook area in California, , I would be so greatful to be able to do this for the animals,,wood is too expensive and using free palates is my only option,,, thank you,, you can call me anytime,
    CHERI
    657-291-5844

  36. Hola mí nombre es zenon Hernández ¿Una pregunta tienen pallets de madera que ya no usen yo puedo recogerla y que que de limpia su área

  37. Does anyone in the louisville ky area have pallets that need to be pick up? If so let me know amd we can see what i can do for u and let u know when i csn come get them

  41. I’m a scrapper, handyman, carpenter, maintenance worker, lawn care in Tacoma/Seattle area.
    I pick up pallets, and refurbish. You want them gotten rid of, I’m your guy!
    A1 Absolute handyman services and lawn care.
    David Merrill owner/operator.
    albert.dmerrill405@gmail.com
    (253)339-7412
    Sunday -Saturday 8am-8pm.
    If I don’t p/u, leave a mess and your #….. I’ll get back to you by the end of that days working.
    I’m a one man show, be patient. thx.

  42. In need of 40×48 palletts to floor our native american sweat lodge so our elders wont fall or slip in muddy ground please contact me asap we are making one for men and a separate one for woman so in need of a lot cant ever have to much. Can pick up we are from the Yakama reservation in washington.

  43. My email is mizzunderstood247@gmail .com my phone number is 5093188534 in need for sweat lodges….

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