Pallets have a habit of piling up. One delivery leaves a few behind, then a few more, and before long a corner of your yard or loading bay is full of them. The good news is that you do not always have to pay to get rid of them. With free pallet collection, a local company comes to your site and takes usable pallets away at no cost to you.
But “free” does not mean every pallet, every time. In this guide, we explain which pallets can be collected for free, which ones cost a small fee, and when you might even get paid. We also show you how to get your pallets ready so the pickup goes smoothly.
Why Would Anyone Collect Pallets for Free?
It can sound too good to be true, but there is a simple reason. A wooden pallet in good condition still has value. At CM Pallets, usable pallets go back into circulation. They are checked, sorted by grade and then sold to other businesses that need them.
This means a sound pallet sitting in your yard is worth something to us. Collecting it for free is fair for both sides. You get your space back, and we get stock that can be used again. It also keeps good timber out of landfill, which is better for the environment.
Which Pallets Qualify for Free Pallet Collection?
Not every pallet is worth the same. The size, the condition and how many you have all make a difference. Our pallet collection service covers usable pallets for free, as long as they meet a few basic points:
- Standard sizes. UK standard pallets (1200 x 1000mm) and Euro pallets (1200 x 800mm) are the most wanted.
- Good or fixable condition. Pallets should be sound, or only lightly damaged so they can be repaired.
- A sensible quantity. A reasonable number of pallets makes the trip worthwhile.
- Easy to reach. Pallets should be stacked and ready to load with a tail-lift vehicle or a forklift.
If you are not sure, send us a photo and a rough count. We will tell you the same day whether your collection is free.
Free, Paid or Paid to You: A Quick Guide
Some pallets cost money to collect, and some are good enough that we will pay you for them. This table shows how it usually works.
| Type of pallet or load | Typical cost to you | What happens to it |
|---|---|---|
| Standard 1200 x 1000mm pallets in good condition | Free | Checked, graded and reused |
| Euro 1200 x 800mm pallets in good condition | Free | Checked, graded and reused |
| Lightly damaged pallets that can be repaired | Free | Repaired and put back into use |
| Large, regular amounts of good-quality pallets | We may pay you | Bought at an agreed rate on a set day |
| Broken pallets that cannot be fixed | Paid collection | Broken down and the timber recycled |
| Odd sizes, painted or dirty timber, mixed loads | Paid collection | Sorted, with timber sent for recycling |
The final price always depends on the type, grade and number of pallets. That is why a quick photo is the best way to get a clear answer before we arrive.
What If Some of Your Pallets Are Broken?
Most yards have a mix of good and bad pallets. That is fine. When we arrive, we grade the load on the spot. Any usable pallets are taken free (or paid for), and you only pay for the timber that really is waste.
For loads that are mostly damaged, our broken pallet disposal service is a cheaper option than hiring a skip. There is no hire period, no permit and no loading it yourself. We bring a waste transfer note with every paid collection, and none of the timber goes to landfill.
Your Legal Duty With Business Waste
If you run a business, you have a duty to deal with your waste properly. This includes reusing and recycling where you can, and making sure the company that takes your waste away is registered. You can read the business waste rules on GOV.UK to see exactly what is expected.
Using a proper pallet collection company helps you meet these rules. Free collections mean your pallets are reused, which is the best result. Paid collections come with the right paperwork, so you have a record of where your waste went.
How to Get Your Pallets Ready for Collection
A little bit of preparation helps the driver load quickly and safely. Before your pickup, try to:
- Stack pallets neatly. Keep stacks straight and not too tall, so they are safe to move.
- Keep good and broken pallets apart. This makes grading faster and helps you see what will be free.
- Clear a path. Make sure the vehicle can get close and there is nothing blocking the stacks.
- Tell us how to get in. You do not need to be on site, as long as we know where the pallets are and how to reach them.
- Remove rubbish. Take off loose plastic wrap, cardboard and other waste.
One-Off Pickup or Regular Collection?
Some businesses only need a single clear-out. Others, such as warehouses, shops, hotels and building sites, build up pallets every week. For these sites, a regular collection on a fixed day stops the pile from growing in the first place.
If you are not sure which suits you best, our guide to choosing a weekly or one-off pickup explains the pros and cons of each. With a regular service, you get a named contact and a set day, so you never have to chase anyone.
Where Does CM Pallets Collect?
We are a family-run business based in Upminster, with 20 years of experience in the pallet trade. We run our own vehicles every day across Essex, Greater London and Kent. Most collections happen within 48 hours, and often the next day in Essex and East London.
We collect from all kinds of businesses, including:
- Warehouses and distribution centres
- Shops and retail units
- Building sites
- Hotels and hospitality venues
- Manufacturers and wholesalers
Book Your Free Pallet Collection Today
If pallets are taking up space at your site, there is no need to pay for a skip or leave them stacked in the corner. Send us a photo and a rough count, and we will confirm the same day whether your collection is free, paid or whether we will pay you.
Call CM Pallets on 01375 767790 or send us a message to arrange your pickup. We will fit around your site and take the pallets off your hands.