Pallet Recycling Program

Comprehensive Pallet Recycling - Zero Landfill Commitment

Milwaukee Pallets USA operates Wisconsin's most advanced pallet recycling facility, processing over 25,000 pallets monthly through environmentally responsible recycling channels. We believe that every pallet has value, even those beyond repair. Our zero-landfill commitment means 100% of collected pallets are repurposed through grinding into mulch, processing into animal bedding, conversion to biomass fuel, or salvaging usable lumber for pallet repairs. Since 2010, we've diverted over 1 million pallets from landfills, preventing approximately 15,000 tons of wood waste from entering Wisconsin's waste stream.

The environmental impact of pallet recycling extends far beyond landfill diversion. Manufacturing new pallets requires harvesting virgin timber, energy-intensive processing, and transportation—generating significant carbon emissions. By recycling existing pallets, we reduce demand for new lumber by approximately 300,000 board feet annually. Our grinding and processing operations use electric equipment powered by renewable energy, minimizing our operational carbon footprint. Companies partnering with our recycling program report 15-40% reductions in their supply chain environmental impact.

Our recycling program accepts pallets in virtually any condition—broken boards, missing components, chemical staining (non-hazardous), warped wood, rot, insect damage, and fire damage. The only exclusions are pallets contaminated with hazardous materials (industrial chemicals, heavy metals, biohazards) or pallets treated with certain preservatives banned by EPA regulations. We provide detailed guidance on acceptable materials and can arrange hazardous material testing if contamination is suspected. Our facility maintains all required environmental permits and complies with Wisconsin DNR recycling regulations.

The recycling process begins with collection—we provide free pickup for quantities of 100+ pallets within our service area. Smaller quantities can be dropped off at our facility during business hours for immediate payment or credit. Upon arrival, pallets undergo sorting: repairable units diverted to our repair division, recyclable pallets processed through our grinding system, and usable boards salvaged for future pallet construction. Our industrial grinder processes 500 pallets hourly, producing consistent wood chips sized for various end-use applications.

We offer comprehensive documentation for businesses pursuing sustainability certifications or environmental reporting requirements. Our recycling certificates detail quantities processed, estimated landfill diversion, carbon emissions avoided, and end-use disposition of materials. Many clients use our certificates for LEED credit applications, ESG disclosures, sustainability reports, and EPA waste reduction reporting. We maintain 7-year records of all recycling transactions and provide quarterly summaries to high-volume partners.