Where can I sell wooden pallets near me?

If your warehouse, depot, construction site, or distribution centre has surplus wooden pallets taking up valuable space, you may be looking for a way to clear the decks and make some money on those pallets.

Many businesses accumulate pallets over time as a result of incoming deliveries, stock movements, or changing operational requirements. While a few pallets may not cause any issues, larger quantities can quickly become difficult to manage and can take up valuable space that could be used more productively.

Rather than paying for waste removal or arranging costly disposal services, many businesses choose to sell their surplus pallets. Not only does this help free up space, but it can also generate additional revenue from assets that would otherwise sit unused.

At Robinsons Pallet Services, we buy wooden pallets from businesses across England and offer fast, reliable pallet collection services from our depots in Wembley and Witham.

Why sell your excess wooden pallets?

Unused pallets can quickly become a problem for businesses. Large quantities of pallets can:

• Take up valuable warehouse and yard space
• Create health and safety hazards
• Make loading and unloading areas less efficient
• Increase site clutter and reduce productivity

For busy warehouses and distribution centres, space is often at a premium. Every square metre occupied by unwanted pallets is space that could be used for stock storage, vehicle movements, or operational activities. In some cases, accumulated pallets can even create obstacles that affect day-to-day efficiency.

Selling your excess pallets allows you to reclaim that space while ensuring the pallets are reused or recycled responsibly. Instead of allowing pallets to accumulate, selling them can help you recover value while keeping your premises organised, safe, and efficient.

Looking for pallet buyers near Wembley or Witham?

If you’re searching online for pallet buyers near you, Robinsons Pallet Services can help.

We operate from two strategically located depots:

• Wembley, Middlesex
• Witham, Essex

These locations enable us to provide pallet collection services across London, the South East, East Anglia, and throughout much of England.

Whether your business is based in a busy industrial estate, a logistics hub, a retail distribution centre, or a manufacturing facility, our team can assess your pallet stock and advise on the best collection solution.

We work with businesses of all sizes and regularly handle both one-off pallet clearances and ongoing pallet collections. If your business generates a continuous supply of surplus pallets, we may be able to arrange regular collections to help prevent stock from building up on site.

How to sell your wooden pallets

Getting a quote is straightforward and only takes a few minutes.

Simply email collections@robinsonspalletservices.com and include:

• A photo of the pallets you want to sell
• The quantity of pallets you have available
• Your location

Providing photographs helps our team identify the pallet types and assess their condition, while the quantity and location information allow us to determine collection requirements.

Once we receive your information, our team will review the details and provide a quote based on the pallets available.
If you’re happy with the price we offer, we’ll arrange a convenient time to collect the pallets from your site. Our aim is to make the process as simple and hassle-free as possible, allowing you to clear unwanted pallets without disrupting your operations.

What types of businesses do we work with?

We regularly purchase pallets from a wide range of industries and business sectors, including:

• Warehouses
• Distribution centres
• Manufacturers
• Retail businesses
• Construction sites
• Logistics companies
• Importers and exporters

Many of these businesses receive large volumes of goods on pallets and can quickly accumulate surplus stock. Rather than allowing these pallets to take up valuable space, they choose to sell them for reuse and recycling.

Whether you have a one-off clearance following a warehouse reorganisation or ongoing pallet requirements as part of your normal operations, we can create a collection plan that works for your business.

Do you need a minimum number of pallets?

For one-off pallet clearances, we generally look for larger quantities of pallets. Typically, we request a minimum of 100 pallets for one-off collections. However, collection requirements can vary depending on your location and the type of pallets available.

If you’re unsure whether your pallet quantity meets our collection requirements, it’s still worth getting in touch. Our team can review your photos and quantities and advise on the most suitable option.

We can also often accommodate regular collection arrangements for businesses generating ongoing pallet stock. In many cases, a scheduled collection service can help businesses avoid pallet build-ups and keep their sites operating efficiently.

Why choose Robinsons Pallet Services?

With decades of experience in pallet recycling and recovery, Robinsons Pallet Services helps businesses turn unwanted pallets into value while supporting a more sustainable supply chain.

We offer:

Fast response times
Competitive pallet valuations
Reliable collection services
Regular and one-off pallet clearances
Experienced pallet recycling specialists

Our Wembley and Witham depots allow us to efficiently collect pallets across a wide geographical area, helping businesses keep their sites clear, organised, and operational.

By choosing Robinsons Pallet Services, you’re working with an experienced pallet specialist that understands the needs of warehouses, logistics providers, manufacturers, and other commercial operations.

Get a quote today

If you want to find someone near you to buy your unwanted pallets, we can help.

Email collections@robinsonspalletservices.com with:

• A photo of your pallets
• The quantity available
• Your location

We’ll provide a quote and, if you’re happy to proceed, arrange a convenient collection time for your pallets.

What is the difference between Grade 1, Grade 2 and Grade 3 pallets?

The difference in grading denotes the difference in quality between the pallets. Grade 1 pallets are in the best condition, whereas Grade 3 pallets are heavily worn.

Each grade can be used for slightly different purposes and come with varying price points.

Choosing the wrong pallet grade can lead to unnecessary expenses or performance issues, especially if your business handles heavy loads, high-volume warehousing, or regular transportation.

In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3 pallets, explain where each performs best, and help you decide which option is right for your operation.

Grade 1 pallets: best for heavy loads

Grade 1 pallets are considered the highest quality option available in the used or recycled pallet market. These pallets are typically in excellent condition, with little to no visible damage, clean timber, and strong structural integrity.

They are often repaired to a very high standard or may have seen only limited prior use. Because of this, Grade 1 pallets are ideal for businesses that need reliability, durability, and a professional appearance.

Common uses: high load bearing

Warehouse managers commonly choose Grade 1 pallets for:

• Heavy product storage
• Racking systems
• Export shipments
• Retail-facing logistics
• High-turnover warehouse environments

One of the biggest advantages of Grade 1 pallets is their load-bearing capability. They are designed to cope with substantial weight while maintaining stability during transport and storage. This makes them particularly useful for industries such as manufacturing, construction supplies, beverages, and bulk goods distribution.

Uniform dimensions

Another benefit is consistency. Since Grade 1 pallets are usually uniform in quality and dimensions, they work well with automated warehouse systems and forklifts, reducing the likelihood of handling issues.

Cost reflects the quality

While Grade 1 pallets come at a higher price point than lower grades, many businesses view them as a worthwhile investment because they typically last longer and require fewer replacements over time.

If your operation depends on strength, safety, and presentation, Grade 1 pallets are usually the safest choice.

Grade 2 pallets: best for general warehousing

Grade 2 pallets sit comfortably in the middle ground between premium quality and cost efficiency. They may show signs of previous use, including minor cosmetic wear or small repairs, but they remain structurally sound and highly functional.

For many warehouse operations, Grade 2 pallets offer the best balance of performance and affordability.

Common uses: general warehousing and transport

These pallets are commonly used for:

• General warehouse storage
• Day-to-day distribution
• Internal logistics
• Medium-weight loads
• Standard transport operations

Because Grade 2 pallets are more affordable than Grade 1 options, they are particularly popular with businesses managing large pallet volumes. They still provide dependable performance without the higher upfront investment associated with premium-grade pallets.

In most warehouse settings, Grade 2 pallets are more than capable of handling regular operational demands. They are suitable for forklift handling, stacking, and routine transportation, making them a practical all-round solution.

Flexibility and versatility

Another reason businesses choose Grade 2 pallets is flexibility. They can be used across a wide variety of industries, from food distribution and retail warehousing to manufacturing and e-commerce fulfilment.

For companies looking to balance durability with budget considerations, Grade 2 pallets are often the sweet spot.

Grade 3 pallets: best for one-way transport

Grade 3 pallets are the most economical option and are generally intended for lighter-duty applications. These pallets often show clear signs of wear and may have undergone multiple repairs throughout their lifespan.

Although they are still usable, Grade 3 pallets are not designed for long-term heavy-duty use or demanding warehouse environments.

Common uses

Instead, they are best suited for:

• One-way shipping
• Export transport
• Lightweight goods
• Temporary storage
• Short-term logistics use

Businesses often choose Grade 3 pallets when pallet return is unlikely or when minimising upfront cost is the main priority. For example, if products are being shipped internationally or sent directly to customers without pallet recovery, investing in higher-grade pallets may not make financial sense.

The lower cost of Grade 3 pallets can make them highly attractive for short-term logistics projects or disposable transport requirements.

Shorter lifespans

However, there are trade-offs to consider. Grade 3 pallets generally have a shorter lifespan and lower weight capacity compared to Grade 1 or Grade 2 pallets. They may also vary more in appearance and condition, which can affect compatibility with automated systems or customer-facing operations.

For lightweight, one-way transportation needs, though, Grade 3 pallets remain a cost-effective solution.

Overall analysis: what’s right for you?

The best pallet grade for your business ultimately depends on how the pallets will be used.

If your operation involves heavy products, long-term warehousing, or demanding transport conditions, Grade 1 pallets offer the highest level of durability and reliability. They are ideal for businesses where safety and performance are critical.

If you need a dependable all-round pallet for everyday warehouse operations without stretching your budget, Grade 2 pallets are often the most practical choice. They deliver strong performance at a more affordable price point and suit a wide range of industries.

Meanwhile, Grade 3 pallets are perfect for businesses focused on low-cost, one-way transportation or temporary logistics solutions. While they may not provide the same longevity, they can help reduce shipping costs where pallet recovery is not necessary.

Before making a decision, it’s important to consider factors such as load weight, storage systems, transport frequency, and pallet lifespan. Taking the time to match the right pallet grade to your operational needs can improve efficiency, reduce damage, and save money in the long run.

Whether you’re managing a busy warehouse or organising regular transport deliveries, choosing the correct pallet grade is a simple step that can make a significant difference to your overall logistics performance.

Talk to the experts

If you’d like any guidance on which pallets to use, or you’d like to talk to us about pricing options, please get in touch.
You can call Robinsons Pallets on 01376 516 742 (Essex) or 020 8991 0992 (London) or email us at sales@robinsonspalletservices.com

How to choose the right wooden pallets for your business

Choosing the right wooden pallets takes some thought for any business involved in warehousing, logistics, or manufacturing. Making the right choice can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and protect your goods throughout the supply chain.

At Robinsons Pallet Services, we work closely with businesses across the UK to ensure they get pallets that meet both operational and budget requirements. This guide will help you understand what to look for when selecting the right pallets for your business.

Why choosing the correct pallet type matters

Not all pallets are created equal, and choosing the wrong type can lead to damaged goods, inefficiencies in storage, and increased transport costs.

The right pallet should:

• Support the weight of your goods without risk of breakage
• Fit seamlessly into your storage and racking systems
• Comply with shipping and export requirements
• Optimise space during transport

For example, a manufacturer shipping heavy machinery parts will need a very different pallet specification compared to a retailer distributing lightweight packaged goods.

Common pallet sizes used in the UK

Pallets come in different shapes and sizes and their dimensions directly impact storage, transport, and compatibility with logistics systems.

Some of the most common pallet sizes in the UK include:

• 1200mm x 1000mm (UK standard pallet)
  Widely used across industries and ideal for general-purpose storage and distribution.
• 1200mm x 800mm (Euro pallet)
  Common in European supply chains and compatible with many international shipping systems.
• 1200mm x 1200mm (square pallet)
  Often used for bulkier or heavier goods.
• Custom sizes
  Many businesses require bespoke pallets tailored to specific products or handling systems

The right size for your business will depend on your warehouse space, and how you intend to load your vehicles. If you’re not sure which size is right for you, we can advise.

Differences between Euro pallets and UK pallets

One of the most common areas of confusion for buyers is the difference between Euro pallets and UK pallets. Many businesses can use either size, but the Euro pallets tend to be preferable if you’re transporting goods abroad.

Euro pallets (1200mm x 800mm):

• Standardised across Europe (EPAL specification)
• Ideal for international transport
• Often required for certain European supply chains
• Typically lighter and slightly narrower

UK pallets (1200mm x 1000mm):

• More common in domestic UK operations
• Offer greater surface area for goods
• Better suited for UK warehouse racking systems
• Often used in retail and general distribution

If your business operates both domestically and internationally, you may need a mix of both pallet types. A knowledgeable pallet supplier can help you balance these requirements efficiently.

New vs recycled pallets

Another key decision when purchasing wooden pallets is whether to choose new or recycled options.

Why choose new pallets

New pallets can be manufactured to your exact specifications. So if you have unusual loads, or specific storage requirements, you may prefer new pallets. We can make them consistent in quality and appearance.

New pallets are usually more suitable for industries with strict compliance standards.

Why choose recycled pallets

The majority of businesses use recycled pallets. Generally this is because they work out cheaper, but they’re also the environmentally-friendly option.

Recycled pallets are suitable for lighter loads or one-way shipments, and they’re available in a range of grades depending on condition.

A mixture of new and recycled may work best

For many businesses, a combination of new and recycled pallets offers the best balance between cost and performance. Robinsons Pallet Services supplies both options, ensuring customers can choose what works best for their operations and sustainability goals.

When businesses should consider bulk pallet purchases

Buying pallets in bulk can provide significant advantages, particularly for businesses with ongoing logistics needs.

You should consider bulk purchasing if:

• You have consistent shipping or storage requirements
• You want to reduce per-unit costs
• You need a reliable, steady supply of pallets
• You aim to standardise pallet types across operations

Bulk orders can also help us understand your business needs and pre-empt what you might need. For example, we can work out your specific pallet sizes, regular delivery schedules, or customised designs.

How to choose?

Selecting the right wooden pallets is about more than just price. It’s about finding the right combination of size, strength, and suitability for your operations. When you know the differences in pallet types, sizes, and conditions, you can make informed decisions that improve efficiency and reduce long-term costs in your businesses.

At Robinsons Pallets, we have industry expertise and a wide range of pallet options to help you find the perfect solution.

Plastic pallets vs wooden pallets: Which is the better option?

Not sure which pallets are best for your business? Both plastic and wooden pallets have strengths, and ultimately the choice depends on the products you need to store or move, the level of hygiene you require, and of course your budget.  

In this blog, we’ll set to a clear comparison between plastic and wooden pallets so that you can choose the right option for you. 

Why you might choose plastic pallets

Plastic pallets are easy to wash and disinfect. They are moisture resistant, non-absorbent and durable in wet or cold environments. For those reasons, businesses in hygiene-sensitive industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and clean manufacturing tend to opt for plastic pallets over wooden ones.

The other reason businesses choose plastic pallets is if they require a consistent shape and size to their pallets. That’s usually true of businesses that rely on automation, such as factories and warehouses. Wooden pallets come in a variety of sizes, but plastic pallets are typically manufactured to one conformity size.

Finally, plastic pallets can come in lightweight versions. This is particularly desirable if you’re using them for airfreight.

Why you might choose wooden pallets

The main reason to choose wooden pallets over plastic ones is cost. Wooden pallets are cheaper than plastic pallets so they make for a more cost-effective business decision, if your loads are suitable for them. i.e. your loads are not highly hygiene sensitive.

Given that wooden pallets can be repaired and reused multiple times, they have a long lifespan. You won’t need to renew your wooden pallets very frequently. They can be considered a long term business investment!

Wooden pallets are particularly good for heavy loads, as they’re strong and reliable.

If your business ships your product(s) nationally and internationally, it’s useful to have wooden pallets because they come in standard UK/EU sizes. These uniform sizes are widely used across logistics, which makes transfer and storage seamless.

Environmental considerations

Most businesses nowadays are conscious of the environmental impact of their business decisions. Particularly if you report to stakeholders in ESG reports, or you’re working towards B Corp status, you’ll want to make an informed decision about the environmental credentials.

Plastic pallets are recyclable but only through specialist channels. Further, it costs a lot in energy during the manufacturing process. However, once they’re in use, they have a long lifespan which means that you won’t have to replace them frequently.

Wooden pallets tend to be the more environmentally-friendly option. Firstly, they are usually made from recycled or sustainably-managed timber.  Secondly, producing them requires less energy than the production of plastic pallets. Then at the end of their life, they can be fully recycled (for mulch or animal bedding for example)

Another benefit that’s often overlooked is that each pallet stores around 27kg of carbon, doing their bit for the reduction of carbon in the atmosphere.

At Robinsons Pallets, we recycle around 2 million pallets a year, which we estimate saves around 50,000 trees every year.

Which option is right for your business?

In summary, plastic pallets suit businesses that:

• Handle food/pharma goods
• Need easy sanitisation
• Use automated systems with strict size uniformity

Wooden pallets suit businesses that:

• Want the most affordable solution
• Prioritise sustainability
• Need repairable, reusable pallets
• Operate within standard UK/EU logistics

How we can help

If you’d like any guidance on pallets, please contact us at Robinsons Pallets. We can give you expert guidance on the pallets that are right for you, based on your load, environment, and budget.

We have new and reconditioned wooden pallets readily available for you at short notice if you need them.

Or if you need a cost estimate or a more in-depth consultation, we’re on hand to provide advice.

What is a pallet collar?

A pallet collar is a simple add-on that turns a pallet into a box-like container.

It’s a wooden frame that sits on top of a standard pallet. Collars are made from timber boards connected with metal hinges to create walls around a pallet to form a crate-like structure.

When they’re not in use, the hinged design allows the collars to be folded flat so that they don’t take up precious space in your warehouse.  

Why businesses use pallet collars

Businesses with varying load sizes tend to use collars, because they can create the exact height you need on your pallet. This leads to safer transportation, and in transit the collar will protect your loads. Items can no longer all or slip off a pallet.

We often recommend pallet collars if you’re handling loose, awkward, or irregular-shaped items.

Some businesses use plastic packaging to achieve the same result, but this comes at an environmental cost. The packaging is disposable, adding more plastic to the environment. Collars, on the other hand, last a long time and are reusable. They’re a more climate-conscious choice.

When should you use a pallet collar?

We suggest that you use a pallet collar when you’re transporting loose or fragile goods, particularly those goods that cannot be shrink-wrapped.

Similarly, if you’re storing smaller parts or components on a pallet in your warehouse, you can keep items organised and secure on shelves or in racking. Collars are a useful hack when you have a mixed or irregular inventory.

Environmental benefits

Pallet collars are reusable many times over, so as a business, you’ll reduce your waste if you’re currently relying on disposable packaging for the same outcome.  

If your collars do become damaged, it’s easy to repair them quickly and cost-effectively.

From the start of their life, to the end, they support the circular economy. Our collars are made from sustainably sourced or recycled wood, and when they can no longer be used, they’re fully recyclable at end-of-life.

How Robinsons Pallet Services can help

We provide high-quality pallet collars to suit standard or bespoke needs. Whatever collars you’re looking for, we’ll be able to help. We have instant availability and our prices are competitive.

If you’re just looking for advice at this stage, we’re happy to give you insight into whether collars are suitable for your load.

Please do get in touch and we can give you recommendations or a quote.

Different wooden pallet types (and how to choose the right one)

A pallet is a pallet, right? You load them up and they do they job.

To an extent, you might get away with that. But if you pick the right pallets for the right job, your business becomes more efficient and you’ll avoid any mis-haps.

4-way or 2-way pallets

You can use pallets more efficiently when you know if a 4-way or a 2-way pallet is best for your warehouse.

Pallets with 4-way entry can be moved by a forklift from any side. 2-way pallets on the other hand have two solid sides and two open sides. That means that forklifts generally need more space to move 2-way pallets around the warehouse.

We often provide 4-way pallets to clients in the logistics and retail industries. But that doesn’t mean they’re limited to those industries They’re very versatile.
2-way entry pallets tend to be a little cheaper, so if you’re looking to reduce spend, and space isn’t a problem, then 2-way pallets may serve you best.

Choosing a grade

The grade of the pallet dictates the weight of the load it can carry.

• Grade 1 can hold the most weight. That’s usually around 1,000kg for a UK pallet.
• Grade 2 can hold approximately 750kg.
• Grade 3 is the lightweight option that holds between 200kg and 500kg.

Once you know roughly how your loads are split in terms of weight, you can choose the right Grade of pallet.

Euro or UK size?

Pallets generally come in two standard sizes: Euro or UK.

• Standard Euro pallets are 1200 x 800mm
• Standard UK pallets are 1200 x 1000mm

This may be much of a muchness if you have acres of space in your warehouse. But choosing either Euro or UK pallets can maximise space and efficiencies.

If you’re exporting around Europe then it’s best to choose the standard Euro pallets, as they’re designed to fit most European door frames and property sizes. They’re also stamped with the official European stamp, which means they’re universally accepted throughout Europe and you won’t face any difficulties with your exports.

Stacking or racking?

If you’re stacking your pallets in your warehouse, then you use the space best when the pallets sit flush. For that to work, you need pallets with a perimeter base.
If you’re racking pallets in a warehouse, then you may get on better with pallets that have legged or strapped bases. Our legged pallets are ideal for handling with a manual or electric pump truck, so if you have those in your warehouse, the legged pallets would be a good choice.

Delicate cargo?

You can protect a delicate load with collars on each side of your pallet. A collar stops the goods from moving around during transport. They’re not mandatory, but they add a layer of protection if you’re concerned about fragile loads.

If you’re exporting abroad…

Remember that if you’re exporting your goods abroad, then your pallets must be heat-treated to ISPM 15 regulations. Most of our pallets reach this standard anyway, but please let us know if you need heat-treated pallets. If you’re not sure, we can advise.

Need more guidance?

Head over to our guide , where you’ll find more information on wooden pallets, plastic pallets, or pallets with a collar.

How to decide between repairing or replacing pallets

You’ve got a stack of pallets that are looking a little worse for wear. A few splinters here. A broken slat there. Maybe the odd rogue nail. 

Pallets are pretty sturdy beasts, but how do you know when they’ve reached the end of their usefulness? Should you continue repairing? Or is it finally time to replace?

When to replace

You can go on repairing pallets for quite a long time until they’re no longer useful. However, the time has come to replace them when:

• More than a few boards need to be replaced
• The pallet is somehow structurally compromised. That could be large cracks in boards, or that the pallet has warped.
• Mould and moisture has taken root in the pallet. The moisture content should always be below 19%. 
• You notice signs of pest infestations, such as small exit holes in the wood, or sawdust trails near holes.

We can recycle your old pallets for you, and provide you with new ones. Give us a call and we can work out a sensible arrangement for you. 

When to repair

The type of wear and tear that you can repair fairly easily in your pallets includes:

• Replacing damaged boards
• Refitting loose boards
• Repairing small cracks in a slat 
• Replacing loose nails
• Realigning slats that have become misaligned

Things to bear in mind when repairing or replacing pallets

We can give you some guidance about when to repair or replace your pallets, but there’s no hard and fast rule for everyone.

If your pallets carry particularly heavy loads, then you should think about replacing them a little sooner than those that carry lighter loads. 

Similarly, it may depend on the types of goods your pallets carry. If you transport sensitive materials like pharmaceuticals and food, think about replacing the pallets earlier. 

You should also be aware that your pallets will need to be recertified if you replace a slat or a board. If you ship your loads overseas, then you need to comply with ISPM-15 requirements and heat treatment must be reapplied to the pallet.  

Finally, cost is always a factor. Repairing pallets is a cheaper option than replacing. However, you can often sell pallets that need replacing, as they can be used as mulch or recycled in other ways. 

If you have any questions on how to repair or replace your pallets, please do get in touch.

What happens to your pallets after collection?

We regularly collect redundant pallets, but they never go to waste. Sustainability is built into our processes at Robinsons Pallets.

To explain a little more about what we mean by that, we’ll give you a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the journey of your pallets after we’ve collected them from your premises.

Collected pallets are graded and put back into production

When we collect redundant pallets from you, our first job is to grade them

We’re looking for standard sizes initially:

• A 1,200 x 1,000 is a UK pallet
• A 1,200 x 800 is a Euro pallet

These pallets are generally reusable if they’re still in good nick. That’s because they’re the sizes that fit onto lorries, stack well, and are generally sought after within the industry.

Then we grade them for weight. A pallet which contains a lot of wood is a Grade 1 heavy pallet. Then they reduce down into the lightweight pallets.

Once they’re sorted, they go back into stock, depending on their size and weight. They’ll be used again for the loads they’re most suited to.

The pallet repair process

Some pallets come to us needing a little care and attention.

Those ones are taken to the repair shed, where broken timber is cut off and replaced with new boards and new blocks. We have expert craftsmen on site who make these pallets good as new.

Then they go back into stock to be reused.

We give credits for good pallets

We have an ongoing relationship with lots of our customers, who regularly need pallets delivered and collected.

When we pick up pallets, we give credit on account for them. Our customers receive 100% credit for perfect pallets, and half rate for damaged pallets.

This keeps the process cost effective for our customers.

Oversized pallets are chipped

The most sought after pallets are the standard UK or Euro sizes. Sometimes you’ll find that a particular load needs a bespoke pallet. This might be the case to transport a solar panel for example.

While a big pallet that can hold a solar panel may look versatile, it doesn’t fit the standard sizes that lorries need. So oversized pallets are hard to resell and we usually send these to wood chip (but they’re not wasted – more on this below).

The ‘condemned’ pallets are chipped

During the sorting process, we may identify certain pallets as scrap, or ‘condemned’. These are pallets that are at the end of their life and beyond repair. Or they may have been used to transport something like fish, which will carry a smell. We can’t reuse those pallets, and instead we send them to the recycling centre to be made into woodchip.

Chipped timber has a number of different uses. Some people dye it and use it for garden bedding. Others use it for animal bedding. But the most popular use is in biomass fuel. It becomes renewable energy in this way, and contributes to cleaner energy in the UK.

A sustainable process from start to finish

Whether they’re put back into production, or used for chip-wood, no pallets go to waste. Everything is reused or recycled, which makes our processes sustainable from start to finish.

Pallet collection for construction sites: Keeping job areas clean and compliant

On any construction site, health and safety is paramount. You want to look after your workers first and foremost, and it’s one of your legal obligations to make sure that the site is safe. 

But let’s not forget that it also makes good business sense. Safe and tidy sites are more productive and more efficient. 

Sometimes keeping the area clean and tidy is easier said than done, isn’t it? Especially on a busy construction site.

You’ve got policies and protocols, and people to enforce them. But if you have a site that’s full of large and awkward items, it can be difficult to maintain clear access routes, and comply strictly with designated waste areas.

Wooden pallets can often end up being one of those ‘problem’ items if they’re not managed effectively. They can take up space, and act as a lingering health and safety hazard on your construction site. 

You might think that the best way to deal with the disposal of your pallets is to simply hire a skip and keep slinging the pallets in there. In one sense, that will work. But is it the best option? 

There are a couple of problems with this approach:

1) Cost

The cost of skip hire will quickly rack up and eat into the profitability of your job.

2) Environmental credentials

Throwing pallets into landfill is the most wasteful way to deal with them. You can boost your credentials as a responsible business by finding ways to avoid sending these recyclable items to landfill. 

So, what’s a better solution?

Simply get your pallets collected, by a dedicated pallet specialist like us. 

We can do a one-off, smash and grab, and take all of your pallets away in one fell swoop. We do this sort of clearance when you have more than 100 pallets. 

Or, if you have pallets regularly moving through your construction site, we can organise a regular collection so that they never become overwhelming. 

The benefits of this partnership-style arrangement over sending your pallets to landfill are:

• It’s cheaper: We’re cheaper than skip hire companies

• You act as a responsible business: even broken pallets can be reused and recycled so your waste that goes to landfill is significantly reduced

• Your site remains tidy and compliant: pallets won’t stack up and become a health and safety risk. We’ll clear them before it comes to that.

• Peace of mind: you know exactly when we’re coming to collect them, so the pile of pallets out the back won’t weigh on your mind anymore.

• It’s convenient: less work for you! Just stack your pallets in your waste area, and we’ll do the rest.

What’s the process?

If this sounds like a viable option for you, we’d love to help.

If you’re after a one-off pallet clearance, please email us at collections@robinsonspalletservices.com with an image of the pallets.

If you need regular pallet clearances, the first step is a site visit. Give us a call or an email and we can pop along to your site to assess your situation. Our Wembley number is 020 8991 0992 and the Witham number is 01376 516 742.

Then we can give you a quote for a one-off removal service, or a regular clearance programme.

Safety tips for upcycling wooden pallets in home projects

The humble wooden pallet has become a bit of a celebrity in the world of design, thanks to creative whizzes posting their upcycled masterpieces on sites like Pinterest.

We’ve seen our basic pallets turned into garden furniture, wine racks, bedside tables, outdoor benches, bike racks, signage, and much more.
It’s a delight to see pallets being reused in such fun and interesting ways. And it’s so much more satisfying than sending them to landfill. We’re all on board with these projects!

Without being a spoil sport, there are a few safety issues with pallets. We mention it only to make sure that your home projects are a roaring success.
These are the safety tips that you need to know about your pallets before you begin your project.

Check the marking on the pallet

If the pallets have been used in international transport, they’ll have certain markings on them. Once you know how to de-code these markings, you know if you’ve found pallets that are safe to use.

What you’re looking for is a heat-treated pallet. Wood that is treated with heat is less susceptible to moisture, and has less chance of developing rot or mould.
But even more important than that, it hasn’t been treated with a toxic pesticide called methyl bromide. Back in the day, pallets were treated with methyl bromide to cleanse them from bugs and pests. But the pesticide is harmful to humans and it has not been used since 2010. So any pallet which has the marking for methyl bromide (MB) is not only toxic, but also very old. Not ideal for your home projects!

Heat-treated pallets will be marked with ‘HT’. They should also have the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) logo on it somewhere. These pallets are a good choice for your project.

Below is a table of other markings that you might come across, together with an indication of whether or not they are safe to use:

Pallet treatment codes
Code	Meaning	Safe to use?
DB	Debarked	Yes
HT	Heat treated	Yes
KD	Kiln dried	Yes
EPAL	European Pallet Association Logo	Yes
EUR	Old European Pallet Association Logo	No, unless it is EPAL approved
MB	Methyl Bromide	No
Coloured pallets		No

You might find a pallet that has no markings on it whatsoever. That means that it has been transported within the UK and has not crossed borders. These should be safe to use, but there is no guarantee that they have been treated with heat. If possible, ask your supplier.

Find out what the pallet was used for

See if you can find out what your chosen pallet was used for. Ideally you’re looking for pallets that were used to transport dry cargo.

Steer clear of pallets that have been used to transport food or chemicals. These pallets are often contaminated with traces of their loads. Pallets that have carried food are known to be vulnerable to E.Coli and other bacteria that can soak into the wood. Similarly, harmful chemicals can end up in the pallet wood from their loads.

How to spot mould

Rotten or mouldy pallets should be avoided at all costs. But it’s not always obvious that the pallet is rotting inside. Things to look for are: evidence of splitting in the wood, or areas of wood that are flaking off.

Safeguard against bugs

Bugs are usually attracted to moisture in the wood, so if you have damp wood you could run the risk of an infestation. As we said earlier, heat-treated pallets are less likely to absorb moisture, so you should be on safe ground with a pallet treated by heat.

The other things you can do are protect your wood with paint, stain or sealant to deter any unwanted guests.

Best projects for wood pallets

The best projects for wooden pallets are those that you will keep outdoors, such as a bike rack, compost bin, or signage. That minimises the risk of any contamination in your home.

Just be careful if you’re using them to grow food in though. Make sure you know the background to your pallets if you’re doing this.

If you’re using pallets indoors, then it’s wise to get them from a trusted source, so that you know how they’ve been treated, and what they’ve been used for.

Looking for pallets?

If you’d like pallets for your home projects, please give us a call. We’d be happy to arrange some pallets for you, which will be safe and suitable for your project.