Buy Used Pallets in Ontario

How to Buy Used Pallets in Ontario, California: Save Money and Help the Environment

What you'll get from this guide: Learn how to buy quality used pallets for $7-12 each, find reliable suppliers, and save money while helping the environment.

Why Buy Used Pallets?

Used pallets cost 40-60% less than new ones. A new pallet costs $15-20, but a good used one costs only $7-12. Plus, you help reduce waste - every reused pallet saves trees and keeps wood out of landfills.

The Two Main Types You Should Know

Grade A Pallets - Like a car with low mileage

• Strong and reliable
• Few scratches or dents
• Perfect for heavy loads
• Cost: $10-12 each
• Best for: Food, medicine, retail products

Grade B Pallets - Like a car with higher mileage but still runs well

• Some wear and minor damage
• Often repaired and reinforced
• Good for most shipping needs
• Cost: $7-9 each
• Best for: General shipping, storage

Think of it this way: Grade A is like buying a certified pre-owned car, while Grade B is like buying from a regular used car lot.

Standard Sizes and What They Mean

Most pallets are 48 inches by 40 inches - that's 4 feet by 3.3 feet. This size fits in most trucks and warehouses. You can also find smaller 24" by 24" pallets for lighter items.

Where to Find Used Pallets in Ontario

Local Pallet Yards These are like used car lots but for pallets. You can see what you're buying and pick them up the same day. Many offer:

• Free pickup of your old pallets
• Same-day delivery
• Bulk discounts

Online Marketplaces RePackify lets you order pallets online with real-time pricing. You can compare prices and get volume quotes for multiple Southern California locations.

How Much Should You Pay?

Here's what fair prices look like in Ontario:

• Grade A wood pallets: $10-12 each
• Grade B wood pallets: $7-9 each
• Plastic pallets: $15-25 each
• Heat-treated (export-ready): $11-13 each

Money-saving tip: Buy in bulk. Orders of 100+ pallets often get free delivery and lower per-unit costs.

Special Types for Special Needs

Heat-Treated Pallets If you ship internationally, you need these. They're treated to kill bugs and stamped to prove it. Without this stamp, customs will reject your shipment.

Plastic Pallets
Cost more upfront but last longer. Perfect for:

• Food processing (easy to clean)
• Cold storage (won't absorb moisture)
• Multiple trips (very durable)

What to Look for When Buying

Good Signs:

• Solid wood with no major cracks
• All boards firmly attached
• No broken corners
• Clean appearance

Red Flags:

• Large cracks or splits
• Loose or missing boards
• Strong chemical odors
• Excessive staining

Getting the Best Deal

Ask These Questions:

Do you offer bulk discounts?

Is delivery included?

Do you buy back used pallets?

What's your return policy?

Negotiation Tips:

• Order regularly for better prices
• Offer to pick up instead of delivery
• Ask about buyback programs

Environmental Benefits (The Hidden Value)

Every used pallet you buy:

• Saves 2-3 trees from being cut down
• Reduces landfill waste by 50 pounds
• Cuts carbon emissions by 60% compared to new pallets

Some companies even include this in their sustainability reports.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't:

• Buy sight unseen (unless from trusted suppliers)
• Forget about delivery costs
• Ignore weight limits for your application
• Skip checking for proper stamps on export pallets

Do:

• Inspect before buying large quantities
• Factor in total costs (price + delivery + handling)
• Build relationships with reliable suppliers
• Keep some extras for emergencies

Future Trends Worth Knowing

The pallet industry is getting smarter:

• Digital ordering is becoming standard
• Some pallets now have tracking chips
• More recycling programs are starting
• Prices are stabilizing as supply improves

Bottom Line

Buying used pallets in Ontario is straightforward when you know what to look for. Start with Grade A pallets if quality matters most, or Grade B if you want maximum savings. Build relationships with local suppliers, buy in bulk when possible, and always factor in total costs, not just the price per pallet.

The key is finding suppliers who are honest about pallet conditions and deliver on time. With good suppliers and smart buying, you'll save money while helping the environment.