Plastic pallets are used to make transport goods such as food and other types of stock. They are made from non-renewable resources and should always be reused, repaired and then recycled.
Pallets - Plastic
Pallets - Plastic includes:
Crates - Plasticmaterial
Pallets - Plastic
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Why Recycle
More and more industries are introducing plastic pallets as an alternative to the traditional wooden pallet. Plastic pallets are stronger, more durable and thus more cost effective. The average plastic pallet's life ranges from 50 to 500 trips (depending on its type) versus 10 to 50 trips for a wooden pallet. However plastic polymers are made from oil, coal and gas, which are non–renewable resources. Therefore if a pallet cannot be repaired or reused it should be recycled to conserve these important resources, reduce the amount of primary extraction and plastic production. Recycling also enables the production of new plastic products such as pallets and by choosing to buy recycled products the loop is closed.
Recycling Options
It is advisable to select a supplier that operates a return system for pallets, where they will be collected, cleaned or repaired and then reused. Many pallets suppliers will also buy quantities of unwanted plastic pallets in good condition. If pallets are in unusable state and cannot be accepted for reuse, plastic recyclers can process these into new products.
What Happens When It’s Recycled?
Plastic pallets in good condition can be bought or returned to suppliers for reuse. If needed plastic pallets can also undergo cleaning and minor repairs before reuse. Those that cannot be put back into circulation because of damage are cut up and sent to a plastic recycling company. Here they will be shredded, melted and then extruded for use in new plastic products.
More Info & Sources
How to Reduce and Recycle Plastics at Work – use our free guide to keep plastics in use and out of landfill
