Buy Used Pallets in Des Plaines

Save Money on Pallets: Your Complete Guide to Buying Used in Des Plaines

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.

Why Des Plaines is Perfect for Finding Used Pallets

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.

What Types of Used Pallets You'll Find

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)

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

How Much You'll Pay

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.

Finding Local Suppliers

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.

How to Inspect Used Pallets

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.

Environmental Benefits That Matter

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.

Smart Buying Tips

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.

Getting Started

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

The Bottom Line

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.