Pallets find application in the packaging and
transportation of a variety of products. Many businesses use them to hold boxes
so that handling them with a pallet jack, forklift or front loader becomes
easier and faster. Pallets often keep shipping containers secure with stretch
wrap or strapping. They are available in several sizes and shapes, and can be
made up of different materials, including metal, paper, plastic or wood. Once
used, pallets can also be sent for recycling, so that new products can be made
from their material. There are several companies these days who solely
concentrate upon pallet recycling.
Benefits of Recycling Pallets
Earlier, after shipping products, pallets used to
end up in the landfills after single use. But these days, you have the option
to get them recycled. It saves you money not only on buying new pallets every
time, but on waste disposal costs too. Pallet recycling is
also helpful in conserving our valuable resources, as their material can be
used to make new products in the market. It is to be noted that when you go for
pallet recycling then you should note that they process must be done in an
environment-friendly way. At the same time, and the same thing can be used as fiber
for multiple products. Since it has
become a popular option among businesses, it also creates jobs in the industry.
The first preference for all is to reuse the used pallets. Some companies even
deal in repairing and reselling used pallets. However, if the used pallets are
too damaged and they cannot be reused in any way, then the last option is to
send them for recycling.
How Pallet Recycling Is Done
Pallet recyclers separate different materials
used in the making of the pallets, sort them according to their usability, and
recycle them so that they can be used for making new products. As per the type
of materials used in the pallets, they can be shredded and categorized into
wood, metal, paper, plastic or else. Wood is the most common material used for
making pallets. The wood of these pallets is often considered as clean wood,
and they dismantle it to make wood scrap, chips, compost or mulch. All these
materials can be used to make new products after recycling. Mulch is a useful
material successful in protecting and insulating trees and plants. There are a
number of tools
and equipment used in the process of pallet recycling. Some
of them are:
- Pry
bar: These bars are used for removing pallet boards, often available in
double fork or duck bill styles. While duck bill can move the board from
the pallet’s edge without damaging the wood, double fork removes the
interior deck board.
- Air
compressor: This tool is required for running pneumatic equipment,
including chop saw, nailing tools etc. It can be oil-free or piston-style
air compressor. The one that you choose depends on the type of your
business.
- Nailing
equipment: While a classic hammer has limited use, a heavy weight model
like the framing hammer would be helpful in driving nails in the hardwood.
- Other
tools: Other tools required for pallet recycling include trim saws, chops,
stringer platers etc. You can use a trim saw to cut down a dismantled
pallet, and chop saw to cut stingers. Platers can be handheld or
stationary, often used along with a balancer.
The pallet recycling industry is growing by leaps
and bounds. Pallet recycling plants are generally located near industrial or
commercial plants so that large-scale pallets can be taken from one place to
another. Recycling companies also purchase pallets from individual vendors for
all their transportation needs.
