Can Pallets Be Recycled?

No matter the type of business you are running, the chances are you will use pallets from time to time. Thousands and thousands of wooden pallets are used every single year, for storing and transporting goods safely. With businesses across every industry using pallets on a regular basis, knowing how to dispose of them and whether they can go in your recycling equipment is crucial. In this mini guide, we are sharing everything you need to know about recycling wooden pallets, including if they can be recycled, what the different types of pallets are, and why you must dispose of them properly.

Can Wooden Pallets Be Recycled?

The simple answer to this question is yes, pallets can be recycled. Most pallets are manufactured from wood, which is a common recyclable material. There are various types of recycling machinery designed to handle wood, helping to keep pallets out of landfill. Generally, high quality pieces of wood from pallets will be saved and reused. The wood which is deemed as unusable can then be recycled. The only thing to take into consideration with recycling pallets is whether they have been treated. Some older pallets have been treated to protect against pests and biohazards, which makes them more challenging to recycle.

What Are The Different Pallet Types?

Before you can determine if pallets in your business can go in your recycling machine, you need to identify the type of pallet. Wooden pallets are the most common, and these are created using planks of wood to create a frame. They are usually held together with nails and easy to recycle. Another type is moulded wooden pallets which are created using wood which is pressed into a mould. This creates the structure of the pallet as opposed to nailing together a frame. Moulded wooden pallets are also highly recyclable.

Pallets are also available in plastic, and these have slightly different recycling equipment requirements. They are made using high-density polyethylene, and this can be recycled although it is slightly more complicated. You will need plastic recycling machinery and will often need to process these with other types of recyclable plastics. Plastic pallets are generally longer lasting and more durable than wooden counterparts, but more challenging to recycle.

Why Recycle Pallets?

If your business uses a lot of pallets for storing and transporting goods, then you should be recycling them properly. These are some of the key benefits of recycling pallets:

  • Reduce landfill waste: Every company should be working towards reducing the amount of rubbish they send to landfill. Recycling pallets keeps them from landfill and means they will be created into something new.
  • Conserve resources: Recycling wooden pallets means that fewer natural resources need to be used to create new products.
  • Cut down on climate change: Recycling pallets reduces the number of trees being cut down which can help to reduce climate change.
  • Decrease spending: New pallets are always more expensive than rebuilt pallets, and the quality of the two is very similar. By using recycled pallets and then recycling again, your business can save money.

For more advice and guidance on wood recycling equipment for your business, contact our team.