Where To Get Pallets: 11 Thing You're Forgetting To Do
Where to Get Pallets For DIY Projects
Many people are not sure where to locate pallets for DIY projects. Find small businesses that receive regular deliveries of pallets.
Avoid pallets that have staining or are marked with MB that means they were fumigated with Methyl Bromide. This process releases chemical residues and makes pallets unsuitable to use in DIY projects.
Grocery Stores
You can also check grocery stores, as they receive a lot of palletized shipments. While larger businesses might have a plan in place to recycle or reuse these pallets, smaller independent grocery stores will likely be more than happy to provide a few for your project. Make sure you check for stains and spills that could cause mold and bacterial growth.
Furniture stores can also be a good source of wooden pallets since they receive shipments with large furniture on them. Packaging Revolution says that they are more likely to have pallets that they don't use and are willing sell. However, be cautious when purchasing pallets from these stores that are marked MB or H, because this could mean they've been treated with chemicals for pest control or chemical processing that could be harmful to use.
You can also search for pallets that are free on marketplaces for social media such as Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp. These marketplaces let users search for items in their area, and can include listings for wood pallets. Wear heavy-duty gloves to handle these pallets. They may have splinters or nails sticking out and are often extremely filthy.
Retail Stores
You'll likely have the easiest time sourcing wood pallets from local retail stores. These companies typically ship in bulk and have an abundance of pallets that they need to get rid of. These companies will typically offer you pallets at no cost or at a affordable price, particularly in the event that they know you'll need them often.
Furniture and hardware stores are also excellent places to look for pallets. These stores are likely to have clean pallets because they deal with dry goods. Just make sure to ask the owner of the store first if you can take their pallets. You'll find that they are less busy in the early morning hours or late afternoon, and are more willing to lend you their pallets.
Be sure to look for pallets marked with the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) stamp, and stay clear of blue-painted pallets or ones that have any strange staining. These pallets may have been sprayed with chemical compounds, such as Methyl Bromide (MB), which is poisonous to humans and animals. If you're in search of wood pallets, try to avoid those that have been treated with MB, and opt for those that have been treated with SF instead.
Furniture Stores
Shopping malls, department stores and even smaller stores which sell items such as home entertainment systems, or powered office or home shades often get shipments on pallets. These are excellent locations to locate dry, clean pallets. Just make sure to visit them early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when their shipments are arriving and being taken away. That way business owners will be less occupied and more likely to be willing to talk to you. Bars are another great source of pallets as they frequently receive large quantities of heavy cans and bottles that are placed on pallets. Beware of pallets that have been soaked with beer or other liquids, however, as moisture can harm the wood.
Old World Garden Farms suggests although large companies can be a good source of pallets, it's not the best option since they have already established methods to recycle or reuse pallets. Instead, try looking for small-scale businesses that have a many pallets of shipments and are willing to give pallets that are not being used, Old World Garden Farms suggests. Agrony Trading llc can also find free pallets at distribution centers. They usually have pallets that aren't functioning or do not meet their standards.
Construction Sites
Pallets that look like trash could be yours for free. Small businesses often do not have the funds to hire a hauling service and then throw away their unwanted pallets, but if they are polite to give them a hand, they may offer some.
If you have a local hardware store, be sure to visit them for a second source for wooden pallets. They may have extra pallets that they don't need.
Furniture stores are also a great place to check for pallets. They get massive deliveries of furniture that are delivered on pallets, and they're likely to have some spares that they're willing give away for no cost or at a bargain cost, as per Packaging Revolution.
You can also find cheap or free pallets on online marketplaces like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. However, be aware that if a pallet is marked with an ownership stamp on it like CHEP, PECO, iGPS, Coca-Cola or the U.S. Postal Service, you should not be able to take it as they enforce their property rights, and you could be in legal trouble when you do this without permission.
Pet Stores
Pet stores are not just retail stores. They provide comprehensive shopping and expert advice for pet owners. With a commitment to animal well-being, ethical considerations and active engagement with the community, they help create a sense of belonging among pet owners and help strengthen the connection between pets and their owners.
Many pet stores offer more than the widest selection of merchandise. They also provide special services, including pet adoption as well as training workshops and health seminars. They also work with local animal shelters to promote responsible pet ownership.
Smaller pet shops that are independent might be willing to offer their pallets for sharing. However, be aware that the pallets could have an ownership mark on them from a business like CHEP, PECO, or iGPS, so it is recommended to inquire first.
Wholesale pet food pallets offer a wide range of brands that are ideal for both retailers and those who want to provide best nutrition for their pets. For instance, Blue Buffalo offers high-quality recipes that do not contain artificial preservatives and fillers, while kibble from Orijen mimics the natural diet of wild animals to help support digestive health.
Newspapers
Many newspapers receive huge deliveries of paper rolls on pallets. Because of this, they're an excellent source for free pallets made of wood. They can also be found at local recycling centres. You can ask small local hardware stores for pallets that are no longer in use. Some locations may not want to donate their pallets because they have agreements with their suppliers that require them to return them.
Pallets can also be found in large chain stores where you can purchase a large amount of. Some of these stores will put out their pallets into dumpsters for trash pickup, but before you take them, be sure to inquire about their availability in the area you live in, as certain areas have laws against disposing of trash that belongs to someone else without permission.
Check out the free section on Craigslist. Some people list pallets there when they are ready to be picked up. Be quick, as these are usually taken up fast. Pallets are often found on construction sites. These are often burned because builders burn everything that is clogging their work space, but you might be able to strike an arrangement with some builders to acquire pallets for you.
Manufacturing
A manufacturing facility requires durable and reliable pallets that will not falter under heavy workloads. They are typically made of made of plastic, wood or even metal and can be made for storage or transport for shipping. Pallets that are hygienic are also demanded by manufacturers to protect their products. Most often, they prefer pallets made of plastic that are easy to clean, sanitize, and sterilize.
Some manufacturers, like feed and tack stores, may be willing to provide pallets at no cost to groups who require to use them for their homes. These low-volume stores tend to have additional pallets than larger stores, which sell more.
There are between one and two million pallet and wood container manufacturers in the United States, producing new wooden pallets, as well as shipping crates, barrels and wood boxes. They also repair and resell used pallets. Those that can't be repaired are ground down and used as animal bedding, wood shavings or mulch.
First Alliance Logistics Management helps businesses of all sizes cut their costs for supply chain management by offering an extensive range of high-quality plastic pallets from our network of US factories. These durable, sturdy plastic pallets are a great solution for any business looking to boost productivity, reduce costs, and improve the durability to their operations.