How to Recycle Pallets - 10 Ways to Recycle Pallets

Be "Green" with your next home project

Need ideas for recycling leftover pallets from your recent home project involving sod, landscaping rock, or building materials?

Don't take those pallets to the landfill - there are plenty of great ways to recycle. Here are 10 ways to make your next home project involving pallets more "green":

1. Don't throw away your pallets. Let them decompose in a designated area.
2. Build something outside. Pallets can be great for fencing, trellises, animal enclosures, landscaping, erosion control, and compost bins.
3. Burn your pallets, if you can use the ash for your soil (but always beware metal parts like nails).
4. Create your own storage solution. Build heavy duty storage centers in the garage.
5. Get even more hands-on. Wash, sand, and paint or stain your pallets, and turn them into pieces of furniture like bookcases, stools, or foot rests.
6. Call your local fire department. They may be able to use the pallets for training exercises.
7. Save your pallets for winter. Pallets can serve as logs and kindling in your fireplace.
8. Post a listing on Craigslist. Many farmers use pallets for hay bailing, and will be happy to pick up some free pallets.
9. Take your pallets to local businesses like Fitch Lumber in Carborro, who will let others pick them up, at no cost, for their own needs.
10. Go back to the source. Ask your vendors if they offer pick-up for used pallets, because they may have ways to recycle as well.

There are many different ways to think "Green" with your next home project.

To learn more about "Green Building," check out these links:

New Home Green Features

Green Homes in the Raleigh, NC area

How to get Green Certified: Levels of Certification

Examples of Energy Star Qualified Stanton Homes

Read about the Energy Star Program