3 Factors To Consider When Recycling Wood Pallets
Wood pallets are used to ship large quantities of consumer goods. Individual items can be stacked atop a wood pallet, then wrapped in durable plastic to create a single unit.
Pallets filled with goods can easily be transported using a forklift. This makes it much easier to load, transport, and unload consumer goods in bulk.
Recycling old pallets is a convenient and eco-friendly way to prevent these wood platforms from taking up valuable space in your warehouse. Be sure that you consider these three factors when recycling your pallets to optimize the success of your pallet recycling program.
1. Proximity to a Recycling Center
One of the first factors you will need to consider when recycling old pallets is your proximity to a recycling center. If a recycling center that processes wood pallets is nearby, you may be able to have the center send out a truck to pick up your unwanted pallets.
If the recycling center is located outside your immediate geographic area, you will need to plan for the cost of fuel to deliver your old pallets to the center for processing.
Some recycling centers will offer long-distance pickup services, so be sure to compare the center's rate with the cost of private transport to determine which is the more affordable option.
2. Pallet Size
You must take into account the fact that pallets come in different sizes if you want to recycle your old pallets successfully.
Larger pallets can be challenging for a small recycling center to process. You may need to contact a larger facility if you have multiple large pallets that need to be recycled.
Smaller pallets are typically easier to stack, transport, and process, so most recycling centers are willing to accept smaller pallets for processing without advance notice.
3. Pallet Condition
Take the time to evaluate the condition of each pallet before you make the decision to recycle the pallet.
Any pallet in good condition can be used to transport additional products. While these quality pallets aren't processed through a recycling center, they are being recycled by giving them the opportunity to remain in use.
Pallets that are too damaged to safely house consumer goods should always be taken to a dedicated recycling center where they can be disassembled, repaired, and rebuilt.
The recycling process allows old pallets to return to the marketplace and sturdy pallets to remain in the marketplace for a longer period of time. This will minimize the demand for new wood pallets.