Uses for shipping pallets: From disposable packaging to a reusable resource

Often made of hardwood, shipping pallets are valuable resources that can be reused in surprising ways.

By

Stephanie Rogers

Thu, Sep 06 2012 at 1:58 PM

Related Topics:

Sustainability, DIY

Photo:

Cheap and plentiful, wood pallets are used to ship millions of consumer goods from one end of the globe to the other, protecting them from damage. But they're often used just once and then discarded. While some are too worn to reuse, many are made of durable hardwoods like oak and walnut. Here are some of the uses for shipping pallets that reclaim this resource and either recycle it, or put it to work in the home and garden.

Because they're so bulky, and many companies sending and receiving goods use hundreds of them in a single month, pallets can be expensive to dispose of. Environmentally responsible companies are starting to rebuild, reuse, recycle or reduce the number of pallets that they use to cut landfill costs and waste.

Many firms work with pallet recycling companies that pick up used pallets and then use wood from broken pallets to repair others or create new ones. Worn pallets may be ground up for use as landscape mulch, compost or the main ingredient in particle board. At some DuPont facilities, pallets are shredded and made into animal bedding.

Some companies, like Greystone Logistics, are choosing alternatives to wooden pallets that last longer. Greystone now manufactures its pallets from 100 percent recycled plastic made from post-consumer waste like milk jugs, pill bottles and car bumpers.

Consumers are taking advantage of this often-wasted resource as well with DIY projects that transform discarded shipping pallets into upcycled furniture and other crafts. Some creative uses for shipping pallets include upcycled pet beds, rustic bird houses, firewood sheds and vertical gardens.

If you want to take advantage of the many uses for shipping pallets in a project of your own, there are certain safety precautions you should take. Here are six tips for choosing a pallet, cleaning it and preparing it for its new purpose.

How to choose and prepare a shipping pallet for reuse

Check stores that receive shipments of stone or heavy equipment for the best quality pallets. When possible, avoid pallets that have been used to ship materials overseas, since they're sometimes sprayed with pesticides.
Look for pallets that are stamped with "HT," which indicates that they have been kiln-dried rather than chemically treated to make them resistant to pests and rot.
Pass on pallets that look stained or oily, contain a lot of twisted nails or have a bad smell.
When you get your salvaged pallets home, scrub them with soap and water, rinse them well and allow them to dry thoroughly. Immediately remove all nails.
If you're concerned about germs or mold from pallets that may have been used and stored in damp places, spray the pallets with white vinegar and leave them in direct sunlight for a few days before bringing them inside.
Some pallet wood may have a coarse surface that could lead to splinters. Sand the surface smooth before using them to create items you'll be touching on a regular basis, like furniture.

More sustainability stories on MNN:

You might also like:

Join the conversation

Comments: 3

brianb198 Sep 15 2012 at 5:51 PM

well ,i used a load of them to make a raised bed ,broke em up,removed nails,etc and me veg is damm fine

Log in or register to post comments
Report This Post

Athena E. Sep 13 2012 at 10:40 PM

I'm all for finding ways to recycle products so that they stay out of landfills, but pallets just aren't something anyone should be dealing with. Why? 1. Wood pallets gobble up a helluva lot of trees every year. They shouldn't exist in the first place. 2. Wood pallets are usually treated with methyl bromide or formaldehyde to keep them from transporting insects. (A GREAT REASON not to use them as furniture). 3. Because they're 'biodegradable' a lot of states have lax dumping laws on them. Anyone

.... More

really sensitive to their personal living space or their town / city, should do what they can to discourage pallet use. If you or someone you know needs some good 'why' nots check out http://www.pallettruth.com/blog/ . Yes, they seem to be promo-ing plastic pallets, but there is a lot of pretty solid literature.