On the surface, the ubiquitous palette is ideal for reused projects. The tree is free and can be taken out of the waste stream if it is reused. How can I go wrong? We introduced beginner guides for recycling palettes with attractive household decorations, but the choice of materials is an important first stage.
Palettewoods can often be contaminated with toxic chemicals, harmful bacteria and other bad things that are not wanted around the house or family.
“You have to consider where you are [the pallet] What will you start, and what will you use for it? ”Candice Miller, a horticultural educator and expert. Illinois University Expansion Program.
“I think many people are seeing this wonderful idea on the Internet and Pinterest. They do not think what it actually handled, where it was, or safe to use it. ”
We suggest that all palette reuse is a bad idea. So read some questions to protect your health before reuse of the palette at home.
How was it treated?
To prevent the spread of invasive pests and pathogens I need USDA Manufacturer before entering or transporting pallets and other wood packaging.
Pallets are heat treatment (heating at high temperatures in the kiln to seal wood) or Methyl bromide -The toxic insecticide associated with human health problems and depletion of ozone.
The use of methyl bromide has been quite limited in recent years due to these health problems, but Miller pointed out that it is difficult to know how old Palette is or how long it has been used.
Find IPPC stamp Next to the tree to be determined How it was treated. UN Food Agricultural Organization I updated the IPPC stamp program in 2023 Provide more information about wood packaging materials. The palette marked with “ht” was heat -treated and did not come into contact with chemicals in the process. Avoid Pallets with “MB” for unexpected palette or methyl bromide.
How was it used?
Miller said, “Other interests are actually in that palette. “Is there food that can get a variety of things that are soaked in bacteria and trees? Was chemicals shipped? ”
Following the recall of Romaine lettuce, full of E. coli in 2010, the National Consumers League was conducted. Search Make sure it can be a potential carrier of harmful bacteria in the palette.
There was 10 %of the tested palette E. coli Currently, 2.9 %have been tested positive. Lister -The very aggressive food mediator pathogen.
Pallets can also be exposed to less conditions than cosmetic in loading pier, medium or trucks, and can also be used to deliver chemicals or other toxic substances. Therefore, it is not difficult to know why palette sourcing is important.
Can’t you clean it?
You may have read online articles that advise to clean the palettes used as hot soapy boss, vinegar or bleach, but you may clean up a bleach solution for conquering bacteria and other contaminants, but Miller warns that this is not always effective.
She says, “The tree is very porous, and I’m not sure if you got everything there,” she says in Earth911. “The same is true for sealing or painting. I don’t think the effect has been completely proven yet. ”
To avoid contact with contaminated wood, make sure you can check the origin and use of the palette before reuse at home. Harmless ingredients such as textiles and paper products are the best way to use it, but I would like to see that they are from a reliable source.
How do you use it?
Outdoor use, such as bicycle racks and signs, is generally a safe application for palette wood. But if you are in close contact with the used palette, Miller advises you.
“If you are going to sit or you are in contact with food or grows clearly, it’s most important to worry,” she says in Earth911.
For safety, if you do not come from a reliable source, do not use the up -cycled palette indoors and do not grow food near the used palette wood. For you, your family, and for the health of the earth, do not burn the palette trees or wood on the fireplace.
Palette sourcing tip
Miller advises: “The reason for recycling is obviously not good but getting a new palette.
In addition to new purchases, you can also develop relationships with your local business to supply old pallets that are not used to transport food, chemicals or other materials that can contaminate food, chemicals or wood.
Miller said, “All of this is local. “Perhaps you may probably ask around and ask what you are doing with a pallet in a variety of businesses and find information in that way.”
In some cases, off cuts from the palette manufacturers in the area. This piece of wood can be slightly twisted or wrong or inappropriate to use in a new palette. In other words, it can be wasted without a new house.
Call nearby palette manufacturers or distributors to ask how to discard off cuts. They may be willing to give up or sell them at a low cost.
Retailer like recycling materials like locals Restoration of human habitatIt is also a great source for low cost regeneration wood. Using these sources, health problems can be greatly reduced, so if you are concerned about palette safety, it can be the best way.
Miller said, “I think that’s just perception. “People inform people that you should think about the tree before you use it. It’s a good idea to reuse things, but you clearly want to think about it. ”
Do you need a palette wood up cycle idea?
Check out this Earth911 article.
Editor’s note: Functional image provided this.useFlickr. Originally published on July 30, 2013, the article was updated in January 2025.
