How to Recycle Pallets?

Quick Answer: To recycle pallets, contact a NWPCA-member pallet recycler in your area who will pick up used pallets, sort them by grade, repair Grade A and B pallets for resale, and chip Grade C and scrap pallets for mulch or biomass.

Pallet truck delivery loaded dry van route

Detailed Answer

Pallet recycling process: (1) collection from generators (DCs, manufacturers, retailers); (2) sortation by grade per NWPCA Uniform Standard (A, B, C, scrap); (3) repair where economically feasible (board/stringer replacement); (4) resale to new buyers (typically 30-60% off new pricing); (5) processing of non-repairable pallets into mulch, biomass fuel, or particleboard feedstock per the EPA SMM hierarchy. The US wood pallet industry recovers and recycles approximately 95% of pallets entering the recycling stream. National recyclers include 48forty Solutions, Kamps Pallets, and many regional operators.

Authoritative Sources

NWPCA
EPA SMM
48forty
Kamps

Companion Resources

Can national customers run a buyback program alongside their pallet purchases?

Yes. Backhaul logistics are coordinated on outbound delivery routes - empty or non-spec pallets get picked up on the return leg of new pallet deliveries. Per-pallet freight cost on the backhaul approaches zero for accounts running both new-pallet purchase + buyback simultaneously.

What credit terms does United States Pallets offer national customers?

Net-30 credit terms standard after the first 1-3 prepaid or COD loads while credit is being established. Submit a credit application with three trade references; approval typically processes within 48 hours. Volume accounts can negotiate net-45 or net-60.

How fast does United States Pallets deliver to national, United States?

Same-day shipping in our Southeast/Mid-Atlantic core (FL, GA, AL, TN, MS, SC, NC, KY, VA) and scheduled weekly delivery elsewhere. Express options available for national rush orders. Quote response under 2 business hours, dispatch within hours of order confirmation.

Does United States Pallets supply pallet answer for export from national?

Yes, with ISPM-15 heat-treated pallets carrying IPPC stamps and full ISPM-15 documentation. Required for international shipments to all WTO member countries. Common for national customers with port access via United States's major export gateways.

Does United States Pallets buy back used pallets in national?

Yes. We buy back used pallets from national collectors, recyclers, and warehouses - 250-pallet minimum per load, single-size only (no mixed-size loads). Fast ACH payment, typically same-day or net-7 depending on volume. Pickup arranged on standard outbound delivery routes.

United States Pallets publishes these answers as a free reference. Get a quote for any pallet program.

Operational details for Florida

Compliance specification

FSMA Section 204 traceability supported on every food-grade load; pallet ID linked to the lumber lot, kiln batch, and dispatch ticket in our chain-of-custody database.

Florida regulatory context

Florida Sales Tax Exemption Form DR-46NT applies to pallets purchased for resale or for use in manufacturing of tangible personal property; we provide the form with every commercial invoice.

FAA Part 121 air-cargo operations at MIA, MCO, and TPA require flame-retardant treated pallets for in-cabin loads; we maintain Class A flame-rated stock for forwarder accounts.

Pallet specification detail

ISPM-15 export pallets receive heat treatment to 56C core temperature for 30 minutes; stamping shows IPPC logo, country code 'US', registered facility number, and treatment code 'HT'.

Block pallets (four-way entry) use nine 4-inch hardwood blocks with continuous-face top deck; ideal for ASRS (automated storage and retrieval) and AGV (automated guided vehicle) operations where stringer interruptions cause read-failures.

Delivery and logistics

Standard delivery scheduling: orders confirmed by 2 PM EST ship same day from the nearest yard; orders after 2 PM ship next-business-day; weekend dispatch available with 24-hour notice for premium accounts.

Customer use case

Citrus packers in Indian River County require Florida-specific phytosanitary documentation per USDA Marketing Order 905; we provide the documentation on every load.

Pricing context

Delivery freight runs $250-450 per truckload (53-foot) within 75 miles of a yard; longer hauls priced at $2.50-3.50 per loaded mile; flatbed loads premium 10-15%.

Sustainability

Pallet pooling reduces lifecycle waste 40-60% vs single-use models; our pool program manages inventory between participating customers with quarterly reconciliation.