How Much Money are Wooden Pallets worth?
In order to reach financial freedom, you need to create an additional stream of income. It is one of the best ways to increase your net worth. Recycling entrepreneurs can make extra money and make a positive impact on your financial future with a simple idea like becoming an entrepreneur. You will learn how to recycle wood pallets for money in this article.
Generally, pallets are used to transport and store most products in businesses. The majority of businesses do not have a proper method of disposing of their used pallets. It may be that they just don’t know what to do with them or how to get rid of pallets. Therefore, they leave them to rot on their premises, dump them in landfills, or burn them in their fire pit.
How about recycling wood pallets for money? Creating a business that serves a community need is the key to generating successful ideas. Pallets accumulated in warehouses, parking lots or walkways can be sold to wood pallet buyers near you if you help businesses dispose of them. In addition to saving the environment, it is a smart way to make money fast!
As part of your exit plan or as part of your search for a business idea, recycling wood pallets for money is an excellent way to make extra money.
How Much Can You Sell a Pallet For?
You should get an idea of how much you can make per pallet before weighing your options and determining whether the pay is worth your efforts. The price of recycled wooden pallets ranges from $0.50 to $8 per pallet. What is the reason for the price difference?
In order to determine how much you can sell a pallet for, several factors must be considered. Your wood pallets’ size, condition, and number are the top factors to consider.
You can find out how much pallet buyers near you are willing to pay for recycled wood pallets based on these factors.
What factors affect the price of wood pallets?
Condition of the pallet
The price per pallet is determined primarily by this factor. If your pallets are in acceptable condition, they are more likely to be purchased by pallet recycling companies, which will increase your earnings.
It is still possible to make money from pallets even if they are in poor condition. You can get a lower rate for pallets in bad condition from many pallet recycling services. In addition to getting more for the wood you sell, you can also repair damaged pallets. Wood pallets can often be repurposed into mulch by recycling services, so even if they’re not in pristine condition, you can still sell them.

used block pallets
Size Of the Pallet
The size of your pallet is the second factor that determines the price you will receive from a pallet buyer. There is no doubt that larger pallets in superior condition will bring more money than smaller ones, regardless of their condition. The standard pallet size in the is the 48″ x 40″ GMA. 48″ x 48″ and 42″ x 42″ are the next most common pallet dimensions.
Most local recyclers prefer the standard 48 x 40 and some may not even accept other sizes. Although if you have odd sized pallets in acceptable condition you may be able to find a buyer.
Amount of pallets
Your price per pallet may not be affected by this, but the total number of pallets will determine your total payout. Thus, you can earn more money if you have more pallets. The better the condition of the pallets, the higher the rate and the more money you will make. However, a whole truck of pallets in poor condition can also earn you more money than a few pallets in excellent condition. You can safely assume that the more pallets you sell, the more money they bring in.
Pallet prices are also determined by the area you live in, the number of pallet recycling companies nearby, and how much each pallet buyer is willing to pay.
Check out pallet rates by state in order to get a better idea of what they are selling for near you.
When you live in an area where there are multiple recycling companies, you will probably get competitive rates. It will save you money on gas because you won’t have to transport your recyclables long distances.
Ensure that you find a few customers who are willing to pay a higher rate per pallet so you can get a decent return on your hustle – allowing for price negotiations. In time, you will be able to predict how much you will be able to make per haul. This is when you establish a good relationship with a few wood pallet recycling companies.
You can help shipping companies cut costs almost in half by purchasing used recycled pallets rather than buying new pallets.
You can be sure of a constant income stream if you keep your promise, provide reliable service, and satisfy their weekly pallet demand. There is good news, too, since pallet reselling is cash-based. Once you deliver the goods to your client’s specified location, you will receive your money immediately. Under the table jobs like this can pay a lot of money.
Is there a place where I can get free wood pallets?
Wood pallets are widely available at low prices or for free. Pallets are disposed of in various places, including local businesses that want to get rid of them. Businesses that deliver large quantities of goods or manufacture and sell large quantities of products are ideal places to recycle pallets.
Here is a list of common places where you can find free or low-cost pallets:
Plants that manufacture or process goods
Storage facilities
Establishments that sell retail products
Dining establishments and hotels
Small and medium-sized businesses
Boat docks
Ports and terminals for trucks
Airport terminals for air freight
Sites are that are under construction
Landfills and waste dumps
Craiglist
- Facebook Groups
Some companies even give away their shipping pallets. Many local Walmarts, Tractor Supply stores, and Home Depots are looking to get rid of pallets at their locations.
It is not uncommon to see idle and unused pallets lying around on the premises of these businesses due to a lack of space in their warehouses. Therefore, they would appreciate someone getting rid of them for free. It is as simple as pitching your idea to the manager or the owner.
The business owner can even arrange for wood pallet removal on a weekly or monthly basis. You may even be paid to recycle wood pallets by some businesses, especially those with bulk quantities in their warehouse.
Is it possible to take free wood pallets from behind stores?
It’s best to ask first.
It is always a good idea to assume that pallets lying idle behind storefronts or business premises are not free and contact the owner. Others may sell their pallets or have someone dispose of them on their behalf, while others may let you take them for free.
Most businesses, however, want someone to remove their pallets. If you schedule regular pickups, you may be able to negotiate a fair price with pallet owners. When it comes to making money, negotiation is a great tip.
Where Can I Sell My Wood Pallets Near me?
You already know that wood pallets can be recycled for money, but what about selling them close to home? Depending on where you live, there are several places where you can sell recycled pallets for decent money, such as recycling facilities, private recycling companies, or individual buyers.
Below are the top places to sell your wood pallets.
Facebook Marketplace
If you are not dealing with truckloads of pallets, this is your best bet for small local deals. You will have no trouble finding buyers and sellers on here. People on here will almost always pay more money then any local pallet yard. Whenever possible it is best to skip the middle man and go straight the buyers for the most money.
Local businesses and manufacturers
Make sure your local manufacturing companies need your recycled wood pallets before you find a market for them elsewhere. Buying pallets may be pointless if you can’t sell them locally. In order to find out if local retail stores are interested in buying pallets, you should visit their offices or call them directly. Assess the value of recycled pallets and negotiate the price with manufacturers.
Pallet prices have surged in the recent years so you may be shocked hen you hear the prices some companies are baying for wooden pallets
Used Pallet Recycling
Used Pallet Recycling is among the top pallet buyers and recycling companies in the country. We have locations in most metropolitan areas, but you can also sell pallets by contacting us though our website to pick up and haul them away. Your location and volume will determine whether you need haul away services. UPR will pay a fair price for any of your recycled wood pallets that can be repaired and resold. Feel free to give us a call or email anytime to discuss buying or selling pallets
Container Exchanger
Container Exchanger is a pallet broker that allows you to list your pallets on their website and in turns take a fee once they are sold. This is not the best option for fast and easy payments but you may be able to make more money if you are willing to sit on the pallets.
Recycle.net
With recycle.net, you can find buyers or pick up pallets for free. Their website has a section dedicated to wood pallet buyers and sellers, so it is easy to find buyers for recycled pallets.
Local pallet companies
It’s a good idea to sell your excess stock to the local pallet companies near you, even if you don’t make much money. In the white pages or local phone book, you can easily find pallet delivery companies in your area. Google can also be used to find local pallet delivery companies by searching for “local pallet yards”. Because it saves time and gas, as well as supporting smaller recycling facilities, wood pallet recyclers prefer to sell to these companies.
Pallet Brokers
A pallet broker is someone who connects pallet buyers with sellers. They will purchase your pallets and send them directly to a customer. Always use caution when working with a broker because there tend to be some shady brokers in the pallet industry. It is almost never a good idea to buy or sell anything to them before being paid or receiving the product. Check to insure they have a legitimate business before doing a transaction. That being said there are some great pallet brokers out there and the can be a good option when your are struggling to find a buyer.

stack of used wooden pallets
Pallet FAQ
What is the cost of wood pallets?
Depending on the size, condition, market, and quantity in your possession, used pallet prices vary widely. Used Pallets can be sold for anywhere from $1 to $8, depending on their size and condition. Compared to pallets in poor condition, clean pallets sell more quickly.
How to recover broken pallets?
The pallet recovery industry has been around for a long time, and it is constantly growing. In 2011, 474 million pallets were recovered – compared to 1992, when only 51 million pallets were recovered. The industry has grown substantially over the past 20 years. For years, companies have been throwing away a considerable number of pallets in landfills, and the number is on the rise.
How Do I Get Started Selling Wood Pallets?
To ensure your business runs smoothly, you should consider some startup costs before you begin selling pallets.
Reliable Transportation
When it comes to buying and selling pallets, finding a mode of transport may be your biggest expense. Pallets can’t just be picked up and walked to a recycler, so a vehicle is required to transport them.
With a small car, you may not be able to fit as many pallets, so you may have to make more trips and pay more for gas. Pallets are bigger than most people would think. With a base size of 48″ x 40″ you are not going to be able to fit many in smaller cars or even pick ups.
The best way to build a successful side hustle selling wooden pallets is to own a truck and trailer. Don’t make a big investment in a new vehicle or trailer without first doing the math and getting a feel for your local market.
Tools you Need for a pallet biz
A set of rugged gloves and tools will also be necessary for your start-up. Using your bare hands to transport wooden pallets can lead to injury.
Further, by doing minor repairs on broken pallets with nails and drills, you will be able to get a higher price when you sell them. If you want to sell better products, you should consider investing in basic tools. Make sure you store your equipment and tools carefully and use them effectively once you have them. Business success depends on knowing where to find pallets and where to sell them.
Can I throw broken pallet away?
Pallets should not be thrown in a dumpster for several reasons, including:
Waste pallets can end up in landfills, which is environmentally unfriendly
Especially for children and staff, handling damaged pallets can result in potential injuries.
It will be unproductive to break them up and cram them into a bin or roll-off dumpster. You will lose productivity because you will have to abandon your regular duties to do all that.
The cost of this is high. The cost of picking up and removing 10-20 pallets in a large dumpster rental can reach hundreds of dollars. Why do this when someone will pick them up for free?
What is the best way to get rid of wood pallets for free?
Some or even all of your pallets may not be able to be sold, especially if they are broken. When you are unable to sell a truckload of pallets, where do you go? Wooden pallets can be disposed of for free by using a haul-away service – and you can do this for free.
The following pallet manufacturers offer pickup services for pallets that are no longer usable.
Used Pallet Recycling (UPR)
Wiley Pallet
48 Forty
Kamps
To arrange a pickup, you can also contact trash and recycling companies. Pallet removal is offered at some locations by Waste Management, for example. Bulk pickups are available online, and they have locations in 48 states.
How profitable is pallet flipping?
It is possible to make a lot of money flipping pallets, if done properly. There’s a large demand for wood pallets, and it’s relatively inexpensive to start flipping them.
A pallet can also be sold to businesses or individuals, depending on the application.
Is there anything else you can recycle for money?
There are a lot of types of industrial packaging that can be sold. There are markets for the following
- Used IBC Totes
- 55 Gallon Barrels
- Cardboard Boxes
- Gaylord Boxes
- Bulk Bags (Super Sacks)
- Used containers
- Scrap Plastic (HDPE and PE)
- Scrap metal
Personal Items to Recycle for Cash
Electronic waste such as air conditioners, cell phones, refrigerators, and other electronic devices can be recycled for money. You can earn some extra cash by recycling these items.
Most scrap yards accept air conditioners and other large appliances for recycling. Many electronics stores recycle cell phones. You can also redeem aluminum cans and glass bottles at your local recycling center for cash.
You can recycle old cell phones and air conditioners for cash before throwing them away.
What Kind of Plastic Can be Recycled?
It is possible to recycle plastic bottles and containers into new ones. There are, however, some types of plastic products that cannot be recycled, such as Styrofoam. It is better to throw away styrofoam in the garbage instead.
Check with your local recycling center to find out what types of plastic they accept in order to recycle plastic.
Is it possible to recycle plastic pallets for money?
Plastic pallets can be recycled for money. Used pallets can be recycled and reused, even though they were designed for one-time use. Plastic Pallets are often times more expensive and harder to come by. They are made for multiple trips so a company is more likely to hold onto them.
A plastic pallet is a versatile and sustainable packaging material. Aside from being strong and durable, they can also be recycled endlessly into new products.
What is the Average Cost of a Pallet?
The cost of new wooden pallets ranges from $13 to $30, while the cost of used Grade A and Grade B Wooden pallets is typically between $6 and $12. Additionally, export pallets, which are designed to transport heavy loads, can cost between $12 and $30.
Pallets cannot be tailored to fit everyone’s needs. For heavy-duty goods, the cost of a pallet depends on several factors, including the material, the size, and the type of pallet material.
What is the reason for the high cost of wood pallets?
Increasing lumber costs and demand have contributed to an increase in the price of wood pallets in recent years.
Businesses have had to find ways to transport larger quantities of goods as more people order items to be delivered to their homes. Stacking boxes and other items on pallets provides a stable surface for delivery goods.
Additionally, the pallets are particularly difficult to shift due to limited trucking capacity. The shipping and transportation industry depends heavily on wood pallets, but the high cost of pallets is a major concern.
What Is the Reason for the Wooden Pallet Shortage?
Wooden pallets have been in short supply due to a combination of factors caused by the global pandemic. It has been difficult to find workers to produce new pallets due to ongoing labor challenges in the supply chain. Pallets cannot be shipped around the world due to a lack of trucks and shipping containers. Lumber shortages have also effected most of north america in the recent years
Due to fluctuating freight and fuel costs, transporting goods by truck has become more expensive. Wooden pallet-dependent businesses are struggling to meet demand due to these challenges.
What industry do pallets get the most use?
The largest users of pallets in the United States are food manufacturers and third-party shippers. They are constantly receiving and shipping products. A large manufacturer goes through hundreds or thousands of wooden pallets a day.
Pallets are also used extensively by construction businesses. Lumber, bricks, and cement are often transported using pallets. Tools and equipment are also commonly stored in them.
Pallets help keep construction sites organized because they can be messy and chaotic. To control dust and debris, pallets can be used to build temporary walls or partitions.
What size pallets are the most valuable?
The 48″ x 40″ GMA pallet is the most valuable in the United States. This is the industry standard in North America. The reason is that standard pallets can be easily transported and stored, and they are compatible with a variety of pallet racks and storage systems.
It is true that smaller pallets are easier to handle, but they are also less valuable since they aren’t universally applicable. Therefore, when selling pallets, it’s best to stick to standard sizes.
Good Luck!
That’s all there is to it! Wood pallets can be recycled for money without a huge upfront investment, as you can see. With less risk, it’s a great way to start a recycling business.
If you have a pickup truck or utility trailer, this is an ideal side job. Wouldn’t it be fun to try this side hustle and see how it goes? You can use the money to save, invest, or pay off some debts in addition to earning some extra cash on the side. Being your own boss and keeping the environment clean will allow you to enjoy the freedom of being your own boss.
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