跳到内容 
If you’re only looking for 1-2 pallets for a weekend project, your best bet is searching “pallet stores near me” on Google Maps and asking nicely. But before you load anything into your truck, let’s talk about the risks. We’ve put together five important rules to help you stay out of trouble—and maybe even score some genuinely free pallets along the way.
Five Things You Should Never Do
Don’t take pallets sitting outside stores without permission
Even if pallets are stacked near the dumpster, they might still belong to the store or be scheduled for pickup. Always ask a manager first. A quick “Hey, are these pallets free to take?” can save you from an awkward (or legal) situation later.
Don’t take pallets with any company logo printed on them
Those pallets are company assets, not trash. For example, if you see pallets outside a Walmart with “Coca-Cola” or “Pepsi” logos stamped on them, those belong to the beverage company, not the store.
Major retailers often have supplier contracts that include a clause like “You must properly store and return pallets bearing the supplier’s logo.” Sometimes a store manager might say “Sure, take them” to be helpful, but they don’t actually have the authority to give away someone else’s property. You don’t want to accidentally take what isn’t yours.
Don’t take plastic pallets from hospitals or chemical facilities
Plastic pallets don’t need fumigation like wood ones, so they’re usually safer. But here’s the exception: if they came from hospitals or chemical plants, stay away. These pallets might have carried medical waste, pharmaceuticals, or harsh chemicals. Sure, plastic doesn’t absorb liquids, but bacteria, viruses, or chemical residues can still lurk in surface cracks. If you see pallets near a hospital loading dock or outside a chemical facility, just keep walking—it’s not worth the risk.
Don’t touch rental company pallets
Rental pallets often have tracking chips embedded in them, making them traceable assets. They’re usually painted in uniform bright colors—blue, red, or green—and stamped with logos like “CHEP,” “PECO,” “iGPS,” or “ORBIS.” Taking these is essentially theft, so it’s best to avoid them entirely.
Don’t take pallets with any organization’s name on them
This includes schools, hospitals, government agencies, or nonprofits. Taking a pallet marked with an organization’s name is like walking off with a mail cart from the post office—it’s not yours to take.
So, What Plastic Pallets Are Actually Safe to Take?
Look for pallets that meet these criteria:
- No company logos, organization names, or abbreviations
- No bright, uniform colors (especially blue or red)
- Stacked messily in a trash or disposal area, not neatly organized
- Appear to be one-time-use pallets (lightweight, black color, worn-out condition)
A bonus tip for you: If you happen to find plastic pallets that meet the criteria above, consider yourself lucky. As plastic pallet manufacturers, we know these pallets typically have much more reuse value than wood pallets. They’re stronger, more durable, usually one-piece construction, and resist rot and pests far better. If you’re planning a DIY project, you might want to read our article: Can You Use Plastic Pallets to Make a Deck?
A Quick Tip Before You Go Hunting
Bring a tape measure. Not all pallets are the standard 48×40 inches, and the last thing you want is to haul home pallets that don’t fit your project or storage space. If you’re unsure what size you need, check out our guide: Standard Pallet Sizes.
Need Pallets in Bulk?
If you’re looking to purchase larger quantities, Enlightening Pallet offers both recycled and brand-new plastic pallets starting at $8 per unit. Fill out our contact form, and we’ll get back to you directly with a detailed price list tailored to your needs.
