Wood pallets might not look like much, but they’re surprisingly versatile. Whether you're clearing out a business site or just trying to tidy up your backyard, figuring out how to dispose of pallets the right way matters. The good news? Many wood pallets can be recycled, reused, or donated, helping you clear clutter while keeping waste out of the landfill. In this guide, we’ll walk you through your best options for pallet removal, including how to prepare them for pickup and where to recycle them responsibly.
How to get rid of wood pallets
If you’ve got a stack of pallets taking up space, you’ve got a few smart options. Here’s how to get rid of wood pallets in a safe, sustainable way.
Sell, give away, or donate pallets in good condition
Still-sturdy pallets don’t need to be trashed. Many businesses, individuals, or upcycling enthusiasts are happy to take them off your hands.
How to sell, give away, or donate pallets
- Check local marketplaces like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or OfferUp.
- Call local garden centers, community farms, or non-profits—they often accept free pallets.
- If you're offering them for free, place a “free pallets” sign by the curb (only where it’s safe and legal to do so).
- Reach out to pallet recycling companies that offer pallet collection services.
Recycle the pallets
Recycling pallets helps divert wood waste from landfills and gives the materials new life.
Where to recycle pallets
- Local recycling centers may accept wood pallet drop-offs.
- Wood pallet recycling businesses can often pick them up.
- Construction and demolition recycling centers sometimes accept used pallets.
- Contact your local municipality to determine if they offer a wood pallet disposal program.
Repurpose the pallets for DIY projects
If you’re the crafty type, wood pallets make excellent material for home projects.
Ideas for repurposing pallets
- Garden planters
- Wall-mounted shelves
- Coffee tables
- Vertical herb gardens
- Pet beds
- Outdoor seating
Just be sure the pallet is safe for home use—look for HT (heat-treated) stamps and avoid chemically treated wood.
Break down broken pallets for scrap wood.
Even busted pallets can be useful.
Uses for scrap wood from pallets
- Firewood (if untreated and safe to burn)
- Kindling
- Compost bin panels
- Fence repairs
- Workshop projects
- Contact the local landfill
Sometimes, pallets are beyond saving or recycling.
How to dispose of pallets at a landfill
- Call ahead to confirm if they accept wood pallets.
- Separate pallets from general garbage.
- Check for disposal fees—some locations charge for wood waste.
- Bring identification and payment, if needed.
Hire a junk removal service
Just need someone to pick up the pallets asap? A junk removal service can collect your pallets and handle the disposal for you. At 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, we ensure pallets are reused or recycled whenever possible to reduce landfill waste.
How to use 1-800-GOT-JUNK? for pallet disposal
We make junk disappear—and that includes pallets.
- Call our local franchise to set up a free, in-person quote or look up our junk removal pricing online.
- Schedule a pickup online or over the phone.
- When we arrive, just sit back and let us take care of everything.
Need help with pallet removal from a worksite? Our construction debris removal service can collect your pallets and more.
How to prepare your pallets for pickup and removal
To make the process smoother:
- Stack pallets neatly in an accessible location.
- Remove nails or broken boards if possible.
- Break down the pallet to save space (optional).
