Don't Be Enticed By These "Trends" Concerning Where To Get Pallets
Where to Get Pallets For DIY Projects
Many people are unsure where to find pallets to use for DIY projects. Look for small businesses that receive frequent deliveries of pallets.
Avoid pallets that have stains or MB markings which indicate that they have been sprayed with Methyl Bromide. This treatment leaves behind toxic chemicals, rendering pallets unsuitable for use by DIYers.
Grocery Stores
Grocery stores are another place to search for pallets for free, as they often receive shipments of dry items on pallets. While larger businesses may have a system in place to recycle or reuse these pallets, smaller independent grocery stores are likely to be happy to offer a few for your project. Just be sure to check them for spills and stains that could cause mold and bacterial growth.
Furniture stores are also a good location to search for wood pallets, as they usually receive shipments of large furniture on pallets. This means that they'll likely to have a few they don't need and are willing to let go of, according to Packaging Revolution. Be wary of purchasing pallets marked MB, or HT from these places, since they may have been treated with pesticides or chemicals that pose a risk to use.
Finally, you can also look for pallets for sale on marketplaces for social media like Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp. These marketplaces allow users to search for items near them and might have listings for wood pallets. Make sure you wear sturdy gloves when picking up these pallets, since they may have nails or splinters sticking out and are often quite dirty.
Retail Stores
Local retail stores are the best way to find pallets of wood. They usually ship in bulk and have plenty of pallets they need to get rid of. pallet prices will usually offer pallets for free or for a very low rate, especially when they know that you'll be using them regularly.
Furniture and hardware stores are also great places to check for pallets. Because these stores handle dry goods, they'll most likely have nice, clean pallets you can use. Just make sure to ask the store's owner first if you can take their pallets. You'll notice that they're less busy in the early morning hours or late afternoon, and more willing to give you their pallets.
Avoid pallets that have blue paint or any other odd stains. These pallets could have been fumigated using chemicals like Methyl Bromide, which is toxic for humans and animals. Avoid wooden pallets that were fumigated with MB and select those that have been treated with SF.
Furniture Stores
Pallets are usually delivered to shopping malls, department stores, and even smaller shops that sell products like home entertainment systems, powered office or home shadings, and other items. These are great locations to locate clean, dry pallets. Visit them in the early morning or late afternoon when their shipments arrive and are being taken away. The owners will be less busy and more open to you. Pallets are also available in bars, which receive large shipments of cans and bottles. Beware of pallets that have been soaked in alcohol or other liquids however, as moisture can harm the wood.
Old World Garden Farms suggests although large companies can be a good source for pallets, it's not always the best option since they have already established procedures to reuse or recycle pallets. Instead, look for small businesses that have a many pallets of shipments and are willing to lend you pallets they don't use, Old World Garden Farms suggests. High-Quality Factory-Made Pallets can also find free pallets at distribution centers. They usually have pallets that don't work or don't meet their standards.
Construction Sites
You've probably seen pallets propped against a structure or in dumpsters, but even though they appear to be trash, they might be free for the taking. Small-scale businesses might not have the funds to hire a hauling service and instead throw away pallets that are not needed. But, if you are polite, you might be able to obtain some.
If you're in the vicinity of a hardware store, make sure to go there, as they're another good source for wooden pallets. They may have extra pallets that they don't use.
Pallets are also available in furniture stores. They receive massive loads of furniture delivered on pallets, and they're likely to have spares that they're willing give away for no cost or at a bargain cost, according to Packaging Revolution.
Online marketplaces such as Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are also a excellent resource for finding pallets that are cheap or free. However, be aware that if a pallet is marked with an ownership stamp like CHEP, PECO, iGPS, Coca-Cola or the U.S. Postal Service, you should not consider it a sign of ownership because they enforce their property rights and you could face legal problems when you do this without permission.
Pet Stores
Pet stores have evolved to become more than mere retail establishments, providing a complete shopping experience and expert advice for pet lovers. With a dedication to animal well-being, ethical considerations and active engagement with the community, they create a sense of belonging among pet owners and nurture the connection between pets and their owners.
In addition to a wide range of pet-related products, many pet stores offer specialized services such as pet adoption programs, training workshops and seminars on pet health. They also work with local animal shelters to encourage responsible pet ownership.
Although the majority of chain pet stores do not sell pallets that are used, smaller independent pet stores may be willing to give away their pallets to customers. It is best to inquire first, as they may have a stamp of ownership from a business like CHEP, PECO or iGPS.
The variety of brands included in wholesale pet food pallets makes them a great choice for retailers or those looking for the best nutrition for their furry family members. For example, Blue Buffalo offers high-quality recipes that eliminate artificial preservatives and fillers, while the kibble of Orijen mimics the natural diet of wild animals to help support digestive health.
Newspapers
Many newspapers receive large deliveries of paper rolls on pallets. Because of this, they're an excellent source of wood pallets for free. They can also be found in local recycling centres. You can also ask local hardware stores whether they have pallets that were used. Some locations might not want to sell their pallets since they have agreements with their suppliers that require them to return them.
Large chain stores that purchase many items are a great location to search for pallets. Some of these stores put out their pallets in dumpsters for garbage pickup however, before you go to take them, you must inquire about their availability in the area you live in, as certain areas have laws against taking trash from someone else's without permission.
Check out the free section of Craigslist, as some people post pallets there when they're ready to be picked up. Be quick, as these are usually taken up fast. You can also look at construction sites for pallets. They are usually burned because builders burn everything that's cluttering their workspaces, but you might be able to strike an arrangement with some builders to purchase pallets for you.
Manufacturing
A manufacturing facility requires durable reliable pallets that don't fail under the pressure of heavy loads. These pallets are usually made of plastic, wood or even metal and can be specifically designed for shipping or storage reasons. Manufacturers also require pallets that are clean to ensure product protection. Most often, they prefer pallets made of plastic, which are easy to clean, sanitize, and sterilize.
Some manufacturers, such as feed and tack shops may be able to offer free pallets to individuals or groups who require to use them for their homes. These smaller-volume stores are more likely to have spare pallets lying around than larger stores with a higher sales volume.
In the United States there are between 1 and 2 million wood pallet and container producers. They make new wooden pallets, as well as shipping barrels, wooden boxes, and shipping crates. They also repair and sell used pallets. Those that cannot be repaired are crushed and are sold as mulch, animal bedding, or wood shavings.
First Alliance Logistics Management helps businesses of all sizes cut their supply chain costs with an extensive selection of high-quality plastic pallets made from our network of US factories. These sturdy, reliable pallets are an ideal option for any business seeking to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and increase the resiliency of their operations.