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There are currently over 350 million plastic pallets being used worldwide, and they have the ability to outlast wooden pallets by almost ten years.
However, once these sturdy pallets have served their purpose, they frequently end up in landfills, where they can remain for an extended period of time, exacerbating the ever-increasing problem of plastic waste.
Recycling plastic pallets is not only a logistical necessity, but also a crucial environmental strategy aimed at reversing this trend.
In this guide, we delve into the remarkable advantages of recycling plastic pallets.
Discover how this practice not only helps to preserve our precious natural resources, but also opens up new avenues for economic growth.
Additionally, it plays a crucial role in minimizing our carbon footprint.
Plastic pallet recycling offers numerous advantages
Plastic pallets are gaining popularity in supply chains as they offer enhanced durability and adaptability compared to traditional wood alternatives.
Pallets play a crucial role in efficiently transporting a wide range of goods, from bottles and kegs to heavy machinery, over long distances, including intercontinental shipments.
Recycling plastic carriers is not only beneficial but also necessary for a sustainable operation as they eventually wear out.
The Importance of Recycling Plastic Pallets
Plastic pallets, known for their durability, pose a significant challenge when it comes to landfill waste reduction.
These pallets can take centuries to decompose, contributing to the long-term environmental impact of landfills. Recycling plays a crucial role in reducing the long-lasting impact of waste.
Pallets made from petroleum-based plastics are a significant factor in the depletion of resources. By recycling them, the demand is curbed.
Plastic Production and Disposal: Greenhouse gases are emitted during the production and disposal of plastic.
Recycling has the potential to make a significant impact on reducing these emissions.
In terms of energy savings, recycling plastic requires less energy compared to the manufacturing of new products.
Recycling facilities and reprocessors are actively hiring skilled workers to process scrap plastic pallets for recycling, contributing to the creation of green jobs.
Domestic manufacturers are seeking plastic regrind as a cost-effective feedstock to produce new products.
This alternative to virgin resin allows them to lower their manufacturing costs.
Examining the Lifecycle and Recyclability
Plastic pallets, despite their durability, will eventually succumb to wear and tear.
Fortunately, the majority of pallets are manufactured using HDPE or PP materials, making them easily recyclable.
In order to be used by a domestic end user, the materials must undergo processing to become regrind material.
After undergoing the necessary grinding and cleaning processes, the material will undergo a transformation, resulting in the creation of new products or pellets.
A national network of brokers, recyclers, processors, and manufacturers work together to ensure that these materials can be reintegrated into the production cycle.
These companies are collaborating to prevent unnecessary waste and promote resource efficiency.
Common Questions About Recycling Plastic Pallets
- Are all plastic pallets recyclable?
Recyclability is a key consideration for many types that lack metal or fiberglass reinforcements. Some pallets used by well-known brands such as iGPS, MillerCoors, and USPS have materials that make recycling more challenging.
iGPS and MillerCoors pallets are not suitable for recycling due to the presence of metal or fiberglass rods. These rods have the potential to cause damage to recycling machinery.
The USPS Postal Pallets, which are constructed from recyclable materials, are considered the property of the US Postal Service.
It is important to note that these pallets must be returned to USPS, as it is illegal to destroy them.
MillerCoors beer pallets are designed to withstand heavier loads, often reinforced with metal or fiberglass.
However, these pallets are not conducive to recycling.
- What are the expenses associated with this?
Labor is the primary expense. Pallets need to be organized into neat stacks and firmly fastened to the bottom pallet for safe transportation.
Recyclers typically cover the cost of freight when picking up a full trailer load of plastic pallets for recycling.
- Are there any specific preparations required for recycling?
There is no need for extensive cleaning. It is important to stack the pallets in a uniform manner and group similar ones together, while also separating any pallets that cannot be recycled.
It is important to secure uniform stacks with at least one strap to prevent any shifting of pallets during transit.
Unloading a trailer with spilled pallets can be quite a challenge, requiring a significant amount of physical effort and taking up a considerable amount of time.
After recycling, the materials go through a series of processes to be transformed into new products.
These processes typically involve sorting, cleaning, and breaking down the materials into their basic components.
Once the materials are ready, they can be used to manufacture new items, reducing the need for raw materials and conserving resources.
Recycling plays a crucial role in reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
Plastic pallets are brought together and processed at a recycling facility that is fully equipped with shredders, granulators, and various other pieces of equipment.
The items undergo sorting, size reduction, and cleaning before being sent down the supply chain for additional processing.
Plastic pallets can be transformed into clean, uniform regrind that has multiple applications.
It can either be pelletized or utilized in the production of new products, like fresh pallets.
Case Study: Recycling Plastic Pallets
Scrap Management has emerged as a leading player in the plastic pallet recycling industry, providing valuable assistance to companies from diverse sectors in their efforts to responsibly dispose of their used plastic pallets.
Scrap Management is at the forefront of the plastic pallet recycling industry, boasting an extensive national network that encompasses consolidation centers, recyclers, pelletizers, and end-users.
Through their efforts, broken and unusable plastic pallets are given a new lease on life and transformed into valuable new products in the United States.
Scrap Management has successfully diverted over 2 million pounds of plastic pallets from landfills in just the past year.
An extensive endeavor has resulted in the creation of numerous green jobs, while also yielding substantial environmental advantages.
The recycling of these pallets has resulted in a significant reduction in carbon emissions.
In fact, the amount of emissions offset is equivalent to the removal of tens of thousands of cars from the road for an entire year.
In a remarkable display of water conservation, an astounding 11.5 million gallons of water were saved through the simple act of recycling.
To put this into perspective, that’s equivalent to filling over 17 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
This impressive achievement highlights the positive impact of conscious choices on our precious water resources.
A recycling process has conserved around 11.5 million kWh of electricity, equivalent to the energy needed to power almost 1,000 American homes for a whole year.
The economic and employment impact
A wide variety of employment opportunities were created by the process, including logistics and transportation, recycling facility operations, and product manufacturing.
There are various job opportunities available in handling and processing materials, including both direct roles and indirect positions in supporting industries and services.
The recycling initiative has had a significant impact on local economies, not only by creating jobs but also by stimulating economic activity both directly and indirectly.
The revenue generated from the sale of recycled materials, employee spending, and the overall economic benefits resulting from improved local economic conditions are all contributing factors.
In summary
Recycling plastic pallets is crucial for businesses that heavily rely on these items, both from an environmental standpoint and for practical reasons.
In a remarkable process, valuable resources are conserved, greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, and significant amounts of energy are saved.
Engaging in this recycling endeavor contributes to preserving the environment and fosters a circular economy.
Are you prepared to recycle your plastic pallets or are you in need of a quote for your materials?
For those interested in scheduling a pick-up or obtaining further information about our services, please visit our site.
