Showing 15 of 24 published Pallet listings near Des Plaines, IL.
Average pricing by condition based on 22 active listings
| Condition | Avg. Price | Available Qty | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade A (Like New) | $8.77 | 7,100 | 5 |
| Grade B (Good) | $9.50 | 7,160 | 7 |
| Grade C (Fair) | $6.89 | 23,780 |
What you'll gain: Cut your pallet costs in half, find reliable local suppliers, and help the environment—all while getting quality pallets that work just as well as new ones.
If you run a business in Des Plaines, you know pallets are essential. But buying new ones every time gets expensive fast. Used pallets cost around $2.54 each in the Chicago area—compared to $8-12 for new ones. That's real savings that add up quickly.
Des Plaines sits right in the heart of Chicago's logistics network. We're surrounded by highways, rail lines, and distribution centers. This means plenty of pallets flow through our area every day.
More pallets flowing through = more used ones available = better prices for you.
The demand peaks during busy shipping seasons (think holidays), so plan ahead if you need large quantities.
Standard Size: Most pallets are 48×40 inches. This size fits standard truck trailers and warehouse racking systems.
Entry Options:
Two-way pallets: Forklifts enter from two sides only
Four-way pallets: Forklifts can enter from all four sides (more flexible)
Showing 15 of 24 published Pallet listings near Des Plaines, IL.
| 10 |
Prices reflect current market averages for pallet in Des Plaines, IL, with 38,040 units available across all conditions. View full price index
Quality Grades:
Grade A: Like-new condition, perfect for heavy loads or customer-facing shipments
Grade B: Some cosmetic damage but fully functional—great for most uses
Grade C: Heavy wear, usually recycled into other products
Materials:
Wood pallets: Most common, cheaper, good for most uses
Plastic pallets: More expensive but last longer, required for food/pharmaceutical use
Used pallets in Des Plaines average $2.54 each. But prices change based on:
Season (higher during peak shipping times)
Lumber costs (affects all pallet prices)
Local demand
How many you buy (bulk orders get discounts of 15-20%)
Example: If you normally buy 1,000 new pallets at $10 each ($10,000), switching to used pallets at $2.54 each saves you $7,460.
Des Plaines has several pallet recycling centers nearby. Look for suppliers that offer:
Free delivery on large orders
Quality guarantees
Pickup service for your old pallets
Credit card payment options
Most local recyclers will give you free estimates and can deliver same-day for urgent needs.
Check these five things:
Broken boards: Any missing or cracked deck boards?
Support structure: Are the stringers (bottom supports) solid?
Moisture: Wet pallets can develop mold
Nails: Are they sticking out or loose?
Weight capacity: Will it handle your typical load?
Quick test: If you can easily break a board with your hands, the pallet won't handle heavy loads.
Every used pallet you buy keeps lumber out of landfills. Here's the impact:
Over 1 billion pallets get recycled yearly in the US
Each recycled pallet saves about 15 board feet of lumber
Your business can report waste reduction for sustainability goals
Real example: A Des Plaines warehouse buying 500 used pallets yearly saves 7,500 board feet of new lumber—equivalent to about three large trees.
Timing: Buy during slow seasons (January-March, September-October) for better prices.
Volume: Order 25+ pallets at once to qualify for bulk pricing.
Storage: Stack them properly—uneven stacking leads to warping and damage.
Returns: Set up a return program with your supplier. They'll take back damaged pallets and give you credit.
Delivery coordination: Schedule deliveries when your dock is free to avoid damage during rushed unloading.
Calculate your needs: How many pallets do you use monthly?
Contact 3-4 local suppliers for quotes
Visit one facility to see their quality standards
Start with a small test order (25-50 pallets)
Build relationships with reliable suppliers
Used pallets offer the same functionality as new ones at half the cost. In Des Plaines, you have access to plenty of suppliers and competitive pricing. Start small, find suppliers you trust, and watch your material handling costs drop significantly.
Next step: Contact local pallet recyclers this week for quotes. Most will give you prices over the phone and can deliver within days.