The Atlanta Business Guide to Pallet Recycling
Pallets are one of the most common commercial waste items in Atlanta — and one of the most misunderstood from a recycling and value perspective. This guide explains everything Atlanta businesses need to know about pallet recycling.
Types of pallets and their recycling value: Standard 48x40 GMA wooden pallets in good condition are the most valuable — these often qualify for free pickup because they can be resold and reused. Non-standard sizes, broken pallets, and plastic pallets have lower or no resale value but can still be recycled for wood chips or plastic material.
What happens to recycled pallets: Reusable wooden pallets are inspected, repaired if needed, and resold to businesses that need them — giving them a full second life. Pallets that can't be reused are chipped into wood mulch, used for biomass energy, or processed through wood recycling facilities. Nothing goes to landfill.
How to get pallets picked up in Atlanta: Box Hero Recycling Company provides pallet pickup for Atlanta businesses throughout our 60-mile service zone. Free pickup is available for qualifying reusable wooden pallets. Standard and damaged pallet removal starts at $2–$6 per pallet. Same-day pallet pickup is available for urgent needs.
Pallet recycling best practices: Keep pallets dry and stacked neatly for faster pickup. Separate reusable pallets from broken ones. Remove stretch wrap and banding before pickup where possible. Notify us of any non-standard pallet sizes when scheduling.
Our core services in Atlanta:
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pallets qualify for free pickup in Atlanta?
Standard 48x40 GMA wooden pallets in good, reusable condition typically qualify for free pickup. Contact us to confirm for your specific load.
What happens to broken pallets?
Broken pallets are chipped into wood mulch or processed through wood recycling facilities. They don't go to landfill.
Can plastic pallets be recycled?
Yes — plastic pallets are accepted and recycled through plastic material recovery facilities.
How should I prepare pallets for pickup?
Stack them neatly, keep them dry, and remove stretch wrap where possible. Let us know if you have non-standard sizes.
How often can you pick up pallets?
Weekly recurring pallet pickup service is available. We also do on-demand and same-day pickup for urgent loads.