15 Places to Find Free Pallets Near You

Pallets are an excellent material for DIY projects, as they can be used to create a wide range of furniture, garden decorations, and even buildings. They are also all the rage on social media, but you might be wondering where these influencers are getting those pallets from.

While buying pallets is an option, it can be expensive, and there are many places where you can find pallets for free. So I decided to take a look at 15 places to find free pallets near you, so you can start your next project without spending a dime.

How to Score Free or Inexpensive Pallets for DIY Projects?

Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or just starting out, finding free or low-cost pallets can be a great way to fuel your creativity without breaking the bank. 

Let’s dive into the best ways to score free or inexpensive pallets for your next DIY project!

1 Ask Local Businesses

One of the easiest ways to find free pallets is by checking with local businesses. 

Hardware stores, supermarkets, and garden centers regularly receive shipments on pallets and need to dispose of them after unloading the goods. So, you can always approach the store manager and ask if they have any free pallets that you can take.

2 Look for Pallets on Craigslist

Craigslist is an online classifieds website where people can give away items they no longer need. You can browse the “Free” section of Craigslist or search for “pallets” in the search bar to find free pallets in your area.

3 Swipe Through Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is another online platform where you can find free pallets. You can search for “pallets” in the search bar and filter the results by location to see if anyone in your area is giving away free pallets.

4 Visit Local Construction Sites

Construction sites often have pallets lying around that they don’t need anymore. You can approach the site manager and ask if you can take the pallets.

However, it’s important to note that construction sites can be dangerous. So make sure to wear appropriate safety gear and follow all safety guidelines.

5 Take a Trip to Your Nearest Recycling Center

Recycling centers often have pallets that they need to dispose of. You can contact your local recycling center and ask if they have any pallets that you can reuse.

6 Small Businesses

Small businesses, such as local hardware stores, auto shops, and garden centers, often have pallets that they need to get rid of. So, once again, you can approach the business owner and simply ask if they have any pallets they don’t need.

7 Industrial Parks

Industrial parks are home to many businesses that use pallets to transport goods. So why not check with the businesses in the area and ask if they have any pallets that you can take off their hands?

8 Local Schools

Likewise, local schools often have pallets that they no longer need. It’s best to approach the school’s maintenance staff or the principal to ask if they have any pallets that they want to get rid of.

9 Residential Neighborhoods

Many residential neighborhoods are great places to find free pallets. People often leave pallets on the curb for the trash collectors to pick up. So, you can always ask your neighbors if they have any pallets they don’t need or check the curbside on trash day.

10 Home Improvement Stores

Home Depot or Lowe’s, as well as many other home improvement stores, also receive regular shipments on pallets. Ask the store manager if there are any pallets they can spare.

11 Pet Supply Stores

Pet supply stores also receive shipments on pallets and need to dispose of them after unloading the goods. You can ask the store manager if they have any or even find out about the days they receive large deliveries when you could be around to pick up the pallets they might need to get rid of.

12 Online Marketplaces

There are a lot of online marketplaces, such as Freecycle or OfferUp, that are great places to find free pallets. You can search for “pallets” in the search bar and filter the results by location to see if someone in your area is giving away free pallets.

13 Local Farms

Local farms often use pallets to transport goods and may have extra pallets lying around. So, if you have a farm near you, you can approach the farm owner and ask if they have any pallets they don’t need.

14 Landscaping Companies

Similarly, landscaping companies often use pallets to transport plants and landscaping materials. You can approach these companies too, and see if they have pallets that you can pick up.

15 Large Retailers

Finally, large retailers, such as Walmart or Target, receive shipments on pallets regularly and often have extra pallets that they need to dispose of. Speak to the store manager and let them know you’re looking for excess pallets.

Tips and Best Practices When Sourcing Free Pallets

Now that you are aware of the many places you can source free pallets, let’s explore the best methods to acquire pallets for free or at a low cost.

Always Ask Permission

Before taking any pallets, always ask permission from the owner or manager of the business. Taking pallets without permission is considered theft and can result in legal consequences.

Be Courteous

When asking for pallets, be polite and courteous to the business owner or manager. Remember that they are not obligated to give you pallets and may have reasons for not doing so.

Be Mindful of Safety

When picking up pallets, be sure to wear protective gloves and clothing, and use caution when lifting heavy pallets. Also, check the pallets for any damage or sharp edges before taking them.

Check the Condition of the Pallets

Before taking any pallets, check them for damage, rot, or signs of infestation. Damaged or rotten pallets can be dangerous to use and may not be suitable for DIY projects.

Don’t Take More than You Need

Only take the number of pallets you need for your project. Taking more than you need can be wasteful and may prevent others from finding free pallets.

Consider the Source of the Pallets

Be mindful of where the pallets come from and what they were used for. Pallets used for shipping hazardous materials or chemicals may not be safe to use for DIY projects.

Follow Up

If a business agrees to give you free pallets, be sure to follow up with them to arrange a time for pickup. Show up on time and be respectful of their property and time.

By following these tips and best practices, you can increase your chances of finding free pallets near you while also being respectful of business owners and ensuring your safety.

Now that we’ve covered the top 15 places to find free pallets near you and all the tips you should need to safely take them home, let’s finish with a couple of common questions.

Free Pallet FAQs

Can I take pallets from any business?

No, it’s important to ask permission from the owner or manager of the business before taking any pallets. And as discussed, taking pallets from a place that used them to transport hazardous materials or chemicals can have dangerous consequences.

Can I find free pallets online?

Yes, online marketplaces such as Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are great places to find free pallets. However, it’s important to exercise caution when meeting strangers and always arrange to meet in a public place.

What pallets are suitable for DIY projects?

It’s important to check the condition of the pallets before taking them. Look for pallets with normal color, and be wary of strong smells and stains. You want pallets that are fully intact, sturdy, and relatively clean, as damaged or rotten pallets can be very dangerous to use.

How can I ensure my safety when picking up pallets?

Be sure to wear protective gloves and clothing, and use caution when lifting heavy pallets. Check the pallets for any damage or sharp edges before attempting to move them. And when loading them for transport, ensure they are properly secured and legal in terms of weight and packing practice, according to your local transport regulations.

How should I follow up with a business that has agreed to give me free pallets?

As mentioned, it’s important to follow up with the business to arrange a time for pickup. You might even ask for their number in case you need to cancel or adjust your appointment with them. Either way, show up on time and be generally respectful of both their property and the time they’re offering you.

Is This for a DIY Project?

If so, you may have a few more questions for us. And we can help you with all sorts of DIY concerns, like How much concrete will 1 bag of cement make, How far apart should deck blocks be placed, and Can You Use Old Spackle?

Need help sourcing more free stuff for your home and garden projects?

No problem! Find out fast, What are the 5 Best Places to Get Free Railroad Ties, Where to Get Free Fill Dirt Near You, and Where and How To Find Craigslist Freebies!

We can even tell you How to Turn a Closet into a Home Office or outline the Cost of Building a Shipping Container Home in 2023!

But if you’re taking on bigger projects like that, you may also be interested in learning about the Home Depot Project Loan and how it can help you finance your home DIY projects. Or need to return something to Home Depot but have lost your receipt? Then head to our full guide to the Home Depot Return Policy without Receipt!

In the middle of working on your DIY project on a holiday and suddenly need something from the hardware store? Don’t stress! We have up-to-date guides to Hardware Hank Holiday Hours, the Northern Tool Equipment Holiday Hours, and many more!

So, please take advantage of our comprehensive database of DIY-related tips and guides. Simply search our site with your questions!

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Final Thoughts

Pallets are quite versatile and can be used to create a variety of DIY projects. Finding free pallets can save you money and allow you to start your next project without spending a dime. 

From local businesses to online marketplaces, there are many places where you can get free pallets near you. We hope this article has been helpful in providing you with 15 places to start your search for free pallets.

Happy pallet hunting!