Most people know about pallets and how they benefit the shipping industry. In fact, pallets make it possible to ship things in a cost-effective manner and everyone benefits from the lower costs. But have you ever wondered what happens to those pallets (tired from years of service) when they are no longer usable? And what exactly is a recycled wood pallet? Let’s follow a typical pallet on its journey to see.
From the Factory
New pallets are made with fresh lumber, and the larger frame pieces are first cut to size, and the frames are assembled. Next, the wood for the slats is cut and attached to the frame with an automated nailing machine. When the new pallet is finished, it is stacked and ready to be shipped to the customer.
Part of the Shipping Industry
After many uses, the once new pallet gets worn and damaged and can longer be used. It’s sent to a company specializing in recycled wood pallet manufacturing. At the recycling company, broken boards are replaced with new ones, and the frames are checked for damage and rot. Some pallets only need minor repairs while others need complete remanufacturing.
Recycling
In some cases, severely damaged or worn pallets are taken apart, and usable wood is used for pallets, and the other wood goes to businesses that deal in mulch, animal bedding, and boiler fuel. Some pallet wood is ground up and pressed into boards for flooring and other products.
How Many Pallets are Recycled?
The U.S. Pallet Industry Statistics show that the recycled wood pallet market contains about 43 percent of the pallets made today. At present, there may be as many as two billion wooden pallets in service. In 2011, about 474 million pallets were returned, and 326 million went back into service.
