Wooden pallets are reusable containers that are used very widely. The number of such decks in use by various companies is truly enormous. Despite the durability and maintainability of pallets, eventually each product comes to a logical end. This is when the task of recycling pallets arises.
For large enterprises, solving this pressing issue can be a major challenge. The accumulation of unusable containers creates a number of risks and inconveniences:
- Unwanted pallets take up space. If it is a rented warehouse, it turns out that you have to constantly pay for the maintenance of “waste” instead of using the space for its intended purpose;
- Palletized scrap stored in a production or storage area increases fire hazards and poses a threat to the life and health of workers. It clutters up usable space, can impede the free movement of vehicles and can lead to safety violations.
It is known that independent disposal of wooden pallets and scrap wood is prohibited by law – you cannot simply burn unwanted containers. It is possible to organize removal to a special landfill, but this requires a whole team of people with the necessary knowledge and access, as well as transport. Therefore, this task is entrusted to specialized organizations that have special equipment and have received permission for such activities.
Benefits of pallet recycling
It is obvious that the elimination of unwanted wooden containers by specialists has a lot of advantages. It frees up space in the warehouse, removes the “headache” associated with the execution of documentation for disposal, and ensures environmental and fire safety. In addition, competent utilization helps to preserve living trees and reduce deforestation, as wooden pallets can be processed into firewood.
Getting rid of unwanted pallets can be financially beneficial. For example, the best value can be obtained for well-preserved pallets of the most popular sizes, but it makes sense to sell not only them, but also scrap. If your company has a high turnover of wooden pallets, then monitoring their condition, sorting and marketing should be put on stream.
Pallet recycling
Pallets that are unsuitable for further use are not only disposed of. Specialists assess the condition of the container: if the defects are minor, it can be repaired in compliance with all requirements and put back into circulation. There is also a practice when damaged pallets are taken apart and well-preserved parts and assemblies are used to repair other decks.
Unsuitable containers are sent for recycling, which includes several operations.
First, the pallets are disassembled and the metal fasteners (nails, staples) are removed. The wooden parts are then shredded using special equipment that turns them into fine wood chips. It is then passed through a magnetic catcher to completely remove the metal parts.
Registration of utilization documents
Disposal and recycling of wooden pallets is accompanied by appropriate documentation. Any transformation of pallets needs to be formalized and is reflected in the act of recycling into firewood, it is also a confirming document. It reflects the quantity of containers and the level of their recycling into recyclable materials. In the future, this information is used in reports to show the amount of raw materials saved or overconsumed. To record the utilization, a receipt of acceptance is issued.
Ruspallet” company buys wooden pallets (new and used) from manufacturers and other companies. We accept and buy wooden pallets, having previously checked their condition. The following types of containers are most in demand:
- Euro pallets and standard pallets 1200×800 mm;
- typical pallets 1200×1000 mm;
- non-standard wooden decks of other sizes.