Where to Get Free Pallets: 15 Reliable Sources in 2026

Free pallets are everywhere if you know where to look. Whether you're building furniture, fences, or just need shipping materials, here are 15 reliable sources.

Retail Stores

1. Home Improvement Stores

Home Depot, Lowe's, Menards

• Check behind the store near loading docks
• Ask garden center employees
• Best times: Early morning weekdays

2. Grocery Stores

Walmart, Kroger, Safeway

• High pallet turnover
• Often glad to give them away
• Call ahead and ask for receiving manager

3. Pet Stores

PetSmart, Petco

• Heavy pet food = lots of pallets
• Usually happy to help DIYers

4. Liquor Stores

Total Wine, BevMo

• Small store, lots of shipments
• Pallets are disposal problem for them

Industrial Sources

5. Distribution Centers

Amazon, FedEx, UPS warehouses

• Massive pallet volume
• Often have designated "free pallet" areas
• May require signing a liability waiver

6. Manufacturing Plants

• Receive raw materials on pallets
• Often can't reuse them
• Call and ask about pallet pickup

7. Construction Sites

Building supply deliveries

• Materials delivered on pallets
• Crew usually happy to have them removed
• Ask the site foreman first

Online Listings

8. Facebook Marketplace

Search "free pallets" in your area.

• Most active source
• Filter by distance
• Set alerts for new listings

9. Craigslist Free Section

• Classic free stuff source
• Check daily, pallets go fast
• Search "pallets" or "skids"

10. Nextdoor

• Neighborhood-focused
• Good for local pickup
• Post a "wanted" request

11. OfferUp

• Mobile-first marketplace
• Good for quick local deals

Specialized Sources

12. Newspaper Printing Plants

• Large paper rolls = sturdy pallets
• Often heavy-duty quality
• Call distribution department

13. Nurseries & Garden Centers

• Plants arrive on pallets
• Seasonal availability (spring/summer peak)

14. Tire Shops

• Tires stacked on pallets
• Consistent supply

15. Flooring & Tile Stores

• Heavy products = sturdy pallets
• Often have excess

What to Look For

Good Pallets ✅

• HT stamp: Heat treated (safe for most uses)
• Solid construction: No broken boards
• Clean: No stains, spills, or odors
• Dry: No rot or mold

Avoid These ❌

• MB stamp: Methyl bromide treated (toxic)
• Colored pallets: Often owned by pool companies
• Heavy staining: Unknown chemical exposure
• Severe damage: Not worth the effort

Pallet Stamp Guide

Tips for Success

1. Call ahead: Confirm availability before driving
2. Bring help: Pallets are heavy (40-70 lbs each)
3. Have a truck: Pallets don't fit in cars
4. Be flexible: Take what's available
5. Be grateful: A thank-you goes a long way
6. Take only what you need: Leave some for others

Related Products

Need new or specialty pallets? Browse our selection at PalletCorner.

Need Help Choosing?

Our experts can help you find the right equipment for your needs.