Where to Find Pallets for Halloween Decorations

Halloween always brings out the creative side of us. Not only do our employees like to dress up, but we also like to transform our homes and office with seasonal decorations. And part of that involves—you guessed it—pallets!  That’s because upcycled pallets make the perfect spooky scenery. There are endless possibilities including a rickety fence for the yard, a ghastly sign, or even a coffin!

It’s really quite easy to turn an old pallet into something new and, in doing so, you’re keeping that pallet from ending up in the landfill. We’ll tell you how to get started, but first a few facts.

In 1992, only 51 million pallets were recovered and kept out of landfills. By 1995, the number more than doubled to 143 million. In 1999, that number reached 223 million. And in 2011 (the latest year for which there is reliable data), 474 million pallets were recovered. Recovered pallets are those that are picked up by recyclers and refurbished or dismantled for other uses. According to U.S. Forest Service figures, the majority are repaired for reuse. This is followed by those which are dismantled to be used as replacement lumber, construction of new pallets, or upcycled. The smallest percentage are chipped or ground for landscaping mulch, animal bedding, boiler fuel, or wood pellets.

Reap the Benefits of Pallet Recovery & Reuse

To get started, you need to source used pallets or scraps. Your instinct might guide you to a big-box store. But most national retailers already have a plan in place to recycle or reuse pallets (many utilize Rose Pallet’s customized recycling program). That’s why we recommend doing the following:

1. Visit your nearest small businesses and simply ask them if you can take their used pallet material. Good candidates are garden and hardware stores, machine/equipment rental stores, furniture stores, pet shops, and specialty food/beverage stores.
2. Wait for a slower period of business so the owners or store managers have time to talk (you don’t want to divert their attention away from paying customers).
3. When you ask, be sure to explain why you are looking for their used or scrap pallets. When people are drawn into your plans, they are more willing to help.

For ideas and inspiration to transform your pallet material, refer to our posts on upcycled gift ideas, head over to pinterest, or visit 1001pallets.com.  We’d love to see what you create; email us a picture and we’ll send you a treat!