Are you looking for the best places to get free pallets? Yes? Then you’ve come to the right place. Here are some of the best places to find free pallets for DIY or woodworking projects.
Usually, pallets are used for transporting, packing, or storing products. However, pallets are become versatile materials for crafters and DIY enthusiasts. They use pallets in DIY and woodworking projects.
Many businesses don’t do anything with pallets. They just tossed them out. It doesn’t mean you can grab pallets from anywhere. After all, you don’t want cops to knock on your door.
Probably, you’re looking for places to find or get free pallets. As a beginner, you might not know where to get free pallets. In today’s post, I’ve combined a few places to find free pallets. Hopefully, it’ll help you to find free pallets for your DIY or woodworking projects.
Where To Get Free Pallets?
There are a few places available where you can buy pallets. Before considering buying pallets, try the below places to find free pallets.
1. Hardware Stores
As you might know, hardware stores receive large and heavy products in pallets. For that reason, they piled up a large amount of pallets.
Because of that, hardware stores are one of the best places to look for free pallets. This includes national chains like Lowe’s and Home Depot. However, you might not get free pallets from big retail stores as they might already have a system to eliminate pallets.
In that case, you can help small businesses by grabbing their pallets. Therefore, visit your local hardware stores to ask if they have unwanted pallets to give away.
2. Grocery Stores or Food Stores
Grocery stores or food stores always receive items in wooden pallets. And you know people don’t go to grocery stores to buy wooden pallets. Therefore, grocery stores need to dispose of these wooden pallets.
In this scenario, you can help grocery stores to dispose of unwanted wooden pallets. It doesn’t mean you can go and grab wooden pallets from the store. You can ask someone in the store whether you could get some free pallets.
3. Furniture Workshops and Stores
Furniture workshops are another best place to find free pallets. As you might know, they work with wood to make different furniture. In the process, many wood pallets come out that they don’t use. You can ask for unwanted wood pallets from workshop workers.
Also, furniture stores receive large shipments in pallets. And they don’t sell them to customers. They may be willing to give away these pallets.
4. Construction Sites
Construction sites are a goldmine of pallets. Many construction materials need to be shipped in pallets. After the shipments, there is no use of pallets. In that case, construction workers burn them to free spaces in the construction site.
You can help construction workers free up spaces by grabbing unwanted pallets. It doesn’t mean you can go and grab pallets from anywhere. You have to ask for free pallets from someone in charge.
5. Pet Supply Stores
Pet supply stores receive various products in wood pallets. And they throw away wood pallets afterward. You can help them decluttering unwanted wood pallets.
You could ask pet supply store owners whether they have wood pallets to give away. In some cases, they might not have pallets available. In that case, you can give your contact number to let you know.
6. Restaurants and Bars
As you might know, restaurants and bars receive many food items regularly. It’s convenient to ship food items in pallets. For that reason, restaurants and bars piled up many pallets every day.
It’s troublesome for restaurants and bars to dispose of these pallets. They’ll appreciate anyone who will help them to free up spaces. You can ask restaurant or bar managers for free pallets. It will help if you don’t disturb them during rush hours. Therefore, consider visiting during the afternoon hours when there is no rush.
7. Distribution Centers
You can consider visiting distribution centers to find free pallets. You can buy pallets from distribution centers at a low cost. However, it’s possible to get free pallets.
Sometimes, distribution centers have pallets that don’t pass the shipping standards. In that case, they look for ways to declutter them. You can ask distribution center employees for free pallets. After all, you’re not losing anything by asking.
8. Pallet Recycling Centers
Pallet recycling centers are another great place to find free pallets. There’s a narrow chance of getting free pallets from recycling centers. However, you can get them for cheap, as pallets are broken.
9. Craft and Hobby Stores
Craft and hobby stores receive heavy materials in pallets. For that reason, they piled up pallets in their stores. You can get other stuff from hobby and craft stores alongside free pallets.
If you’re a crafty or hobbyist, you know where craft and hobby stores are. You can visit these stores to look for free pallets. The downside is you need to check out for paint stains.
10. Newspaper Companies
Newspaper companies receive plenty of heavy materials on pallets. They don’t have anything to do with pallets. Because of that, tons of pallets gather in their factories. They want to get rid of these pallets.
You can call your nearest newspaper company to inquire about free pallets. Even if you don’t get free pallets, you may get them at a low cost.
11. Search Online Platforms
Nowadays, it’s possible to find almost anything online. You can use online platforms to find free pallets. It could be marketplaces or social media platforms.
Here are a few online platforms to find free pallets:
- Facebook: It’s the world’s largest social media platform. It has a section called “Marketplace” where you can buy and sell used stuff. Also, you can find free stuff, including pallets.
- 1001Pallets: This site is an online source for your recycled pallet projects. It has an online classified ad section where people post giveaways, pallets for sale, and donation requests.
- Craigslist: It’s an online classified ad site. People use this platform to buy and sell used stuff locally. However, it has a free section where people post free items. You can see free pallets listings.
- Freecycle: This online community allows people to lend items in their neighborhood. You can join your local community to get free pallets from neighbors.
- Buy Nothing Project: It works similarly to Freecycle. People can exchange products with others. You can join your local community to see what’s available. Also, you can request your preferred items, such as pallets.
Tips For Getting Free Pallets
You may find many pallets for free. However, every pallet is not usable. Here are some tips on getting free pallets and best practices.
1. Wear Gloves
It’s important to wear gloves while inspecting pallets. You don’t want to poke your fingers in your nails or dirty your hand with stains. Always wear heavy-duty gloves to protect your hands.
2. Avoid Branded and Chemical Pallets
Chemically treated pallets release toxic pesticides if you cut, sand, or burn. These pallets are marked with MB (methyl bromide) or SF (sulphuryl fluoride).
On the other hand, pallets with stamps from companies should be avoided. They may charge you with unlawful possession of them.
3. Avoid Petroleum-Stained Pallets
Pallets damaged with petroleum-stained are not usable. It’s unlikely to cover petroleum stains with paint. Moreover, these pallets are dangerous. In that case, you should avoid such pallets.
4. Avoid Grocery Stores Used Pallets
Grocery store’s used pallets are not always usable. They’re spilled with spillage and stains. Over time, pallets start to decay. Therefore, it’s best to avoid such pallets.
5. Avoid Big Businesses
Don’t waste your time visiting big businesses to collect free pallets. Most big businesses always have a recycling system. Therefore, avoid big businesses when it comes to getting free pallets.
6. Follow the Safety Guidelines When Dealing with Strangers
You have found some free pallets on the internet. It’s time to meet strangers to collect your pallets. In that case, you can always meet up with the person in public places or bring someone with you.
7. Use a Truck
As you might know, pallets can be large and heavy. They can weigh 60 pounds or more. It’ll be difficult to carry them in small vehicles. For that reason, always bring a truck to transport pallets.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many places to get free pallets. All you have to do is choose the best options that are convenient for you. Also, don’t forget to use the tips mentioned above.
What do you think about getting free pallets? Have you ever got free pallets? Let me know in the comments!
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