Pallets for the Planet, Not the Landfill
We believe the pallet industry has a responsibility to do better. That is why every aspect of our operation — from collection to delivery — is designed around minimizing waste and maximizing the life of every piece of wood.
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
Sustainability is not a buzzword for us — it is our business model. Here is the measurable environmental impact we have made since our founding.
Pallets Diverted from Landfills
Since our founding, over one million pallets have been given a second, third, or fourth life through our recycling and repair programs.
Trees Preserved Annually
Every recycled pallet means less demand for virgin lumber. Our annual output saves the equivalent of over 12,000 mature trees each year.
Tons of CO2 Avoided Per Year
Manufacturing a new pallet generates roughly 25 kg of CO2. By repairing and recycling, we prevent thousands of tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually.
Landfill Diversion Rate
Nearly everything we touch stays out of the landfill. The small percentage that cannot be reused is chipped into mulch or biomass fuel — nothing is wasted.
Gallons of Water Saved
Lumber production is water-intensive. By reducing demand for new wood, our recycling efforts save an estimated 28 million gallons of water each year.
Cubic Yards of Landfill Space Saved
Pallets are bulky. Each one we divert saves roughly 15 cubic feet of landfill space, adding up to thousands of cubic yards every year.
Why Pallet Recycling Matters
The United States produces approximately 500 million new pallets every year. The pallet industry consumes roughly 6 billion board feet of lumber annually — making it one of the largest single consumers of hardwood lumber in the country. And despite the fact that most wooden pallets can be reused 10 to 15 times with proper maintenance, millions end up in landfills after just a single trip.
Pallets account for an estimated 8% to 10% of all hardwood lumber consumed in the United States. When a pallet goes to a landfill, it is not just wood being wasted — it is the water used to grow those trees, the fuel burned to harvest and transport the lumber, and the energy consumed in manufacturing. The full lifecycle cost of a discarded pallet is staggering.
Beyond waste, rotting pallets in landfills produce methane — a greenhouse gas roughly 80 times more potent than CO2 over a 20-year period. By keeping pallets in circulation, we attack the problem from both sides: reducing the need for new lumber and preventing wood waste from generating methane in landfills.
How We Keep Pallets in the Loop
Our closed-loop system ensures that every pallet reaching our facility is either reused, repaired, or repurposed. Here is how the cycle works.
Collection
We pick up used pallets from warehouses, factories, and distribution centers across the Chicago area. No minimum quantity — we collect everything from small stacks to full truckloads.
Sorting & Grading
Each pallet is inspected by hand and categorized by size, condition, and type. Grade A pallets go directly to resale. Others are routed for repair or recycling.
Repair & Reconditioning
Damaged pallets are repaired using recovered lumber from pallets that are beyond full restoration. A single pallet can be repaired and reused 3 to 5 additional times.
Resale & Redistribution
Repaired and graded pallets are sold back into the supply chain at a fraction of the cost of new pallets. The cycle continues — reducing waste and saving money.
End-of-Life Processing
Pallets that have reached the end of their usable life are dismantled. Usable boards become repair stock. Remaining wood is ground into mulch, animal bedding, or biomass fuel.
The Environmental Cost of a New Pallet
The difference between buying new and buying recycled is dramatic. Here is what it takes to produce a single new 48x40 wood pallet versus reusing a recycled one.
New Pallet
Recycled Pallet
Bottom line: choosing recycled pallets cuts CO2 emissions by roughly 88%, reduces water usage by over 95%, and saves your business 40–60% on costs. It is one of the simplest, most impactful sustainability decisions a business can make.
Going Beyond Recycling
Recycling pallets is our core business, but our environmental commitments extend far beyond the yard.
Zero Waste to Landfill
We are working toward a future where nothing — not a single nail, not a single splinter — leaves our facility bound for a landfill. Wood becomes mulch, nails become scrap metal, and pallets become pallets again.
Carbon-Neutral Operations
We are actively working to offset our operational carbon footprint through optimized delivery routes, fuel-efficient vehicles, and partnerships with carbon offset programs.
Community Education
We partner with local schools and organizations to educate the next generation about recycling, the circular economy, and the role that something as simple as a pallet plays in environmental stewardship.
Responsible Sourcing
When new lumber is needed for custom pallets or repairs, we source exclusively from sustainably managed forests with FSC or SFI certification.
What Switching to Recycled Pallets Means for You
Even a modest switch to recycled pallets creates significant environmental benefits. Here is what a typical mid-sized business saves per year by switching to Chicago Pallet Solutions.
Join the Businesses Already
Making a Difference
Over 500 Chicago-area businesses have made the switch to recycled pallets with Chicago Pallet Solutions. Every pallet you buy from us is a vote for a more sustainable future. Ready to be part of the solution?