Why recycle pallets?

• Today, over half a billion pallets are made each year and about two billion pallets are in use across the United States alone.
• Approximately 40% of all hardwood harvested in the U.S. is for making shipping pallets
• While the sturdier hardwood pallets are built to be reused, the cheaper softwood pallets are meant to be discarded with other packing materials.
• About two-thirds of pallets are used only once before being thrown out
• 25% of all wood in landfills is from used pallets
• Pallets are made to be strong: Most pallets can carry a load of 1,000kg (2,205lb). Breaking down a pallet provides a source of sturdy free lumber.
• Warehouses, supermarkets, or any businesses that receive large shipments are are often happy to give away old pallets.
• Common items that typically get built with recycled pallets include furniture, fencing, sheds (and sometimes entire homes), compost bins/planters, and artistic sculpture.