Pallet Reuse, Repair and Recycling
Reusing and repairing pallets keeps them in service longer. Request these options through partner suppliers in the New Orleans area.
Why Reuse Matters
A pallet that is already built does not need to be built again. New Orleans Pallets is a referral service, and we connect you with partner suppliers who can quote reused, repaired and recycled options.
- Reusing a pallet avoids building a new one
- Repaired pallets stay in use longer
- Wood that cannot be reused can often be ground into mulch or other materials
- Partner suppliers decide what they can offer
- Availability depends on partner suppliers
- Describe what you need in one request form
Used Pallets
Used pallets are graded by condition. The general meanings:
- Grade A: the most uniform, typically newer or like-new pallets
- Grade B: sound pallets that may show repairs or wear but remain usable
- Grade C: older or mixed pallets, typically for lighter or one-time use
- Capacity depends on design, condition and how the load is supported
- Match the grade to the job instead of over-specifying
- Ask a partner supplier which grade fits your use
Repair
Pallets with broken boards or stringers can often be repaired instead of discarded:
- Partner suppliers may replace broken boards
- Damaged stringers can sometimes be repaired or replaced
- Repaired pallets stay in use longer
- Describe the quantity and damage in your request
- Pickup can be requested in the New Orleans area
- Pricing is by quote from partner suppliers
Recycling Pallets That Cannot Be Reused
When a pallet is too damaged to repair, recycling is an option that partner suppliers may offer:
- Wood can often be ground into mulch
- Ground wood can be used in other materials
- Metal fasteners can often be separated and recycled
- Describe the quantity and condition in your request
- Pickup can be requested in the New Orleans area
- Outcomes depend on the partner supplier
Heat Treatment for Export Pallets
ISPM 15 is the international standard for wood packaging used in export. One approved method is heat treatment, in which the wood core reaches 56 °C for 30 minutes. Compliant pallets carry the HT stamp.
- Heat treatment is a thermal process
- Look for the HT stamp on the pallet
- Ask for ISPM 15 heat-treated pallets in your request; a partner supplier can confirm availability
- Check current regulations for your destination country
- Not every shipment needs treated pallets; domestic loads often do not
- Describe where the pallets are going in your request
Selling or Giving Away Used Pallets
If you have extra pallets, you can send a request to find a taker:
- Partner suppliers may buy used pallets in reusable condition
- Describe the quantity, size, condition and location
- Pickup can be requested in the New Orleans area
- Any payment is set by the partner supplier
- Pallets that cannot be reused can often be recycled
- A partner supplier follows up with you directly
Getting the Most Out of Each Pallet
Simple habits help pallets last:
- Match the grade to the load and the number of trips
- Do not exceed the load a pallet can support
- Store pallets flat and off wet ground where possible
- Take damaged pallets out of use and send them for repair
- Stack carefully to avoid broken boards
- Ask a partner supplier for advice on your use
Local Sourcing
Requests from the New Orleans area are routed to partner suppliers in the New Orleans metro, including Metairie, Kenner, Gretna, Harvey, Marrero, Chalmette, Slidell, Mandeville, Covington and LaPlace.
- Availability depends on partner suppliers
- Nearby suppliers can reduce how far pallets travel, depending on the supplier
- Describe your location in your request
- Pickup and delivery are arranged by partner suppliers where available
- Terms and pricing are set by the partner supplier
- The quote request is free with no obligation
How the Referral Process Works
New Orleans Pallets is a free referral service. We do not stock, sell or deliver pallets ourselves.
- Fill in one request form with what you need
- Choose buy, sell, repair, recycle, pickup or delivery
- Your request goes to partner suppliers in the New Orleans area
- A partner supplier follows up with you directly
- Partner suppliers set pricing, terms and delivery
- The quote request is free with no obligation
Frequently Asked Questions
How do repair and recycling work?
Partner suppliers may repair pallets that can be reused and recycle wood that cannot be salvaged. Describe what you have in your request.
Can I sell used pallets?
Partner suppliers may buy used pallets in reusable condition. Describe the quantity, condition and location in your request.
How does reuse help the environment?
Reusing a pallet avoids building a new one, and repaired pallets stay in use longer.
Are pallets heat treated instead of chemically treated?
ISPM 15 allows heat treatment, and compliant pallets carry the HT stamp. Ask for ISPM 15 heat-treated pallets in your request; a partner supplier can confirm availability.
Can you provide sustainability reports?
No. New Orleans Pallets is a referral service and does not track or report on pallets. Ask a partner supplier what documentation, if any, they can provide.
How can I reduce pallet waste?
Match the grade to the job, handle pallets carefully and send damaged ones for repair when possible.
What happens to pallets that cannot be repaired?
Wood that cannot be reused can often be ground into mulch or other materials. What happens depends on the partner supplier.
Can custom pallets be built?
Partner suppliers may be able to build to your dimensions. Describe them in your request.
Can scrap pallets be picked up?
Pickup can be requested in the New Orleans area. A partner supplier follows up on what they can do.
Is there advice on handling pallets?
Choosing the right grade, storing pallets flat and removing damaged ones from use all help. A partner supplier can give advice for your situation.