Pallet recycling: how to sell, return or recycle used pallets
Pallet recycling means collecting used pallets so they can be reused, repaired or, if they are beyond repair, chipped into new wood products. A sound pallet is worth more reused than recycled, and pallet companies pay for standard sizes in good condition. Coloured pool pallets are different: they belong to the hire company and must be returned.
Pallet recycling: key facts
| Best route | Reuse. A wooden pallet can make many trips and be repaired several times |
|---|---|
| Standard sizes | 1,200 by 1,000 millimetres in the UK, and 1,200 by 800 for the Euro pallet |
| Pool pallets | Blue, red and brown painted pallets are hired, not owned. They cannot be sold |
| Broken pallets | Chipped for panel board, animal bedding and biomass fuel |
| UK wood packaging recycled | 51.7% in 2024, according to Defra |
How does pallet recycling work?
- Collection. A pallet company collects them, usually free above a minimum number.
- Grading. Each pallet is checked and sorted by size and condition.
- Reuse. Sound pallets are sold on as they are.
- Repair. Damaged boards are replaced with wood from other pallets.
- Recycling. Pallets beyond repair are chipped. Nails are removed by magnet and sold as scrap steel.
Which pallets can you sell?
| Pallet | Can you sell it? |
|---|---|
| Plain wooden pallets in standard sizes | Yes. These are the ones buyers pay for |
| Euro pallets with the EPAL stamp | Yes, and they usually earn more |
| Odd sizes and single use pallets | Rarely. They are normally collected free for recycling |
| Blue, red or brown pool pallets | No. Contact the hire company named on the pallet to have them collected |
| Plastic pallets | Yes for reuse. Broken ones are recycled as rigid plastic |
How to get the most for your pallets
- Stack them by size, under cover if you can.
- Keep broken ones in a separate pile.
- Count them before you ask for a price. Buyers quote for each pallet and want to know the grade.
- Build up a full load. A collector will pay more, or charge less, for a lorry load than for a handful.
Pallets that carry the heat treatment stamp, a wheat symbol with the letters HT, can be used for export. If you have a regular supply, list it on our marketplace, and see what is wanted by buyers.
Pallet collection near me
Frequently asked questions
Can pallets be recycled?
Yes. Sound pallets are reused or repaired, and broken ones are chipped into panel board, animal bedding or biomass fuel.
Do pallet companies pay for used pallets?
Yes, for standard sizes in good condition. Odd sizes and broken pallets are usually collected free or for a small charge.
Can I sell blue pallets?
No. Blue, red and brown painted pallets belong to pallet hire companies. Contact the company named on the pallet to arrange collection.
What size is a standard pallet?
The standard UK pallet is 1,200 by 1,000 millimetres. The Euro pallet is 1,200 by 800 millimetres.
What are old pallets made into?
Wood chip for chipboard and other panel board, animal bedding, garden mulch and biomass fuel. The nails are recycled as scrap steel.
What is pallet recycling?
Collecting used pallets so they can be reused, repaired or, when they are beyond repair, chipped into wood products.