On the surface, a ubiquitous palette seems to be ideal for reuse projects. It is wood, free, and is tightened from the flow of waste by reusing it. How do you work? We have introduced a guide for beginners to up cycling pallets to an attractive house decoration, but the selection of materials is an important first step.
Pallet wood can often be contaminated with toxic chemicals, harmful bacteria, and other troublesome things that you definitely want around your home or family.
“Where you need to think [the pallet] Candsmiller, a horticultural educator and expert, explains: Illinois University Expansion Program。
“I think many people are looking at these cool ideas on the Internet or Pinterest. They are not thinking about what they were handling, where they were, and whether they were really safe. “
It is a little downer that we suggest that reusing all pallets is a bad idea. Therefore, before reusing pallets at home, read some questions to protect your health.
How was it treated?
To prevent invasive pests and pathogens I need USDA Before entering or passing in the United States, manufacturers that treat pallets and other wood wrapping.
The pallet is treated with heat treatment (heated to high temperature with KI to seal the wood) Methyl bromide -The toxic pesticides related to human health problems and ozone layer depletion.

These health concerns have significantly limited the use of methyl komethyl, but Millers have pointed out that it is difficult to tell how old and how much the pallets are used.
Find IPPC stamp To the side of the wood to determine How was it treated。 United Nations Food Agricultural Organization Updated the IPPC stamp program in 2023 We provide detailed information about wooden packaging materials. The palette marked with “HT” was heat -treated and did not contact the chemicals during the treatment process. Avoid pallets engraved with unmarked pallets or “MB” for methyl bromede.

How was it used?
“Another concern is actually on the pallet,” the mirror explains. “Did you ship bacteria and various foods that can soak in trees? Did chemicals shipped?”
Following the recall of the Romaine lettuce contaminated with Escherichia coli in 2010, the National Consumer League was implemented. Exploration test On the pallet, make sure they can be a potential career of harmful bacteria.
10 % of the tested palette had Escherichia coli Currently, 2.9 % are tested for positive Livisteria -The aggressive food broken disease core.
Pallets may be exposed to loading conditions for loading docks, transport barge, or trucks. It can also be used to ship chemical substances and other toxic materials. Therefore, it is not difficult to see why it is important to use carefully when procuring a palette.

Can’t you clean it?
You may have read one or two articles online that advises used pallets with hot soapy water, vinegar, or bunkybacteria or other pollutant bleach solutions. Miller warns that these methods are not necessarily effective.
“The wood is very porous and I don’t really know if I got everything from there,” she tells EARTH911. “Same as sealing and painting. I don’t think its effectiveness has been completely proven.”
Make sure you can check the origin and use of the pallet before reusing at home to avoid contact with contaminated wood. Pallets that are locally used for harmless materials such as textiles and paper products are the best measures, but we want to make sure they are from reliable sources.
How do you use it?
Outdoor applications such as bicycle racks and signs are generally safe for pallet wood. However, if you are closely contacting the used palette, the mirror advises you to be more careful.

“If it’s sitting, you are in contact with food, or if you are clearly going to grow food, that’s what I am most worried,” she tells EARTH911.
To make it safe, do not use the up -cycle palette indoors unless you come from a reliable source. Also, do not grow the used pallet wood or near it. Never burn the pallet wood or the processed wood in your fireplace for your family and planet health.
Pallet procurement hints
“Your best measures are obviously not so good for recycling, but get a new palette,” Miller advises.
In addition to new purchases, we will develop a relationship with companies in your area to procure old pallets that are not used to ship food, chemicals, or other materials that may contaminate wood. You can also do that.
“Everything is different locally,” Miller says. “You probably have to ask around, ask what you are doing in various businesses, and find the information that way.”

In some cases, you can procure off -cuts from a palette maker in your area. These wooden parts may be slightly distorted, cut into the wrong size, or inappropriate to use with a new palette. In other words, it may be wasted without a new house.
Call your local palette maker or distributor to ask how to dispose of off -cuts. They may be happy to distribute them or sell at low cost.
Recycled building material retailer like a local Habitat for Humanity RestoreIt is also a wonderful source of low -cost regenerating wood. Using these sources will greatly reduce concerns about your health, so if you are worried about the safety of the pallet, it may be the best measure.
“I think it’s just a perception,” says the mirror. “Before using it, people recognize that you really need to think about the wood. Reuse things is a great idea, but you definitely want to think about it. Masu.”
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Editor memo: Featuring images will be provided This.uterally.worksFlickr. Initially released on July 30, 2013, this article was updated in January 2025.