Field guide / reviewed November 2, 2026
Reuse, repair assessment or recycling?
Keeping material useful starts with choosing a realistic next step. The right route depends on condition, ownership, demand and the receiving facility’s requirements.
Start with a credible next use
EPA’s materials hierarchy prioritizes reduction and reuse before recycling. That does not mean every damaged pallet should be reused. Identify a receiver and assess the actual condition before assuming a higher-value next use.
Keep repair decisions with qualified operators
A split support, missing component or unknown load history can require professional assessment. Do not substitute an online checklist for an engineer’s load design or a repairer’s acceptance criteria.
Confirm the recycling outlet
Ask a local receiving facility what wood, fasteners, coatings and contamination it accepts. Do not mix visibly contaminated material into a clean stream. Transport and preparation requirements vary by outlet.
Keep these details together
- Possible receiver identified
- Defects assessed appropriately
- Outlet acceptance confirmed
- Transport plan matches the material
Technical reference: EPA: source reduction and reuse. This guide is general planning information; confirm requirements with the owner, receiver and relevant specialist.