Wooden pallets show up after a move, a reno or a business delivery, and they pile up quickly. The upside is that many pallets are clean wood, and in Metro Vancouver clean wood has its own recycling stream. This guide covers how Metro Vancouver defines clean wood, when a pallet does and does not count, and the options for reuse, drop off and bin disposal.
What Metro Vancouver calls clean wood
Metro Vancouver's clean wood information card defines clean wood as solid wood, lumber and pallets that are unpainted, unstained, untreated and free of glue. It also says:
- Wood must be separated from other construction materials such as drywall, plastics and concrete before recycling.
- Clean wood pierced with nails, screws or staples is accepted for recycling.
The card is dated October 2022. It says clean wood can be used for landscaping mulch, composting or alternative industrial fuels, and that some can be reused in construction. It also notes that surcharges apply to loads of garbage containing over 5% clean wood at regional disposal facilities, and that all Metro Vancouver and City of Vancouver disposal facilities accept clean wood.
That surcharge is one reason not to toss pallets in with mixed garbage if you are using a facility. Check Metro Vancouver's site for the current rules before you go.
When a pallet is not clean wood
A pallet counts as clean wood only if it has none of the disqualifiers above. A pallet is not clean wood if it is:
- Painted or stained
- Treated
- Glued, such as pallets with plywood or particleboard parts
Always check the pallet itself. If you are not sure whether a pallet was treated, ask the facility or the pallet company before you drop it.
A City of Vancouver note
The City of Vancouver publishes its own rules for the Vancouver South Transfer Station. It lists clean, unfinished wood waste, including pallets that do not contain glue and have not been painted, stained or treated, with a note "Not with metal hardware." That is stricter than Metro Vancouver's card, which accepts nails, screws and staples. Each facility follows its own rules, so quote the page for the site you will actually visit. The City also says wood that has been painted, stained or treated (other than with creosote) is disposed of as garbage, and that wood with glue is too.
Reuse comes first
If a pallet is in good shape, the smart thing to do is use it again. Options include:
- Offering it to someone nearby
- Giving it back to the supplier if they take returns
- Selling or giving it to a pallet company
Pallet specific recyclers
Metro Vancouver’s Recycling Depots and Facilities Directory lists several private businesses that handle pallets. It lists Enviro Pallet Recovery and Paramount Pallet as “pallets only” locations, and The Pallet Factory as another pallet related listing. The directory asks you to contact each facility to confirm it can handle your materials, and notes that these private sites generally accept only separated materials. It also shows that the Burnaby Eco-Centre does not accept pallets. Directories can fall behind, so call each business before you load.
The Recycling Council of British Columbia's Recyclepedia and the Metro Vancouver Recycles tools are the clearest places to find current options near you. You can also call the RCBC Recycling Hotline at 604-732-9253.
Bin disposal
A few pallets are easy to haul yourself. A big stack is not. If you have a dozen pallets from a renovation or a business move, a bin is the practical option.
Wood goes in a clean wood load only if it is unpainted wood, and nails are fine. That matches what pallets usually are. Treated wood is handled differently, so mention it when you order. It stays out of clean wood and yard loads. Because each material needs its own bin, a clean wood load stays separate from drywall, concrete, dirt and mixed junk.
The 20-yard is our usual starting size for junk, cleanouts and renos. A 15-yard junk bin is sometimes available, but it is often sold out. Plan around the 20-yard. For any other smaller size, just ask as you book. Trash King handles delivery and haul away, and you handle the loading. You can read more on the 20-yard bin page.
Our wood page explains the clean wood service.
A bin on your own driveway or yard takes no permit, since that is private property. For a bin on the street, boulevard or lane, confirm with your City first, since some cities need a permit. Check any strata or HOA rules as well, since they can still apply. If yours does, apply to the City for the permit, and we will line delivery up with any permit dates.
Never load paint, propane, tires, fuel or electronics into a Trash King bin. For the full list, see our what not to put in a bin page.
Mattresses and box springs are an add on with an extra fee, so mention them when you book.
Quick checklist before you toss a pallet
- Is it in good shape? Reuse it.
- Is it painted, stained, treated or glued? It is not clean wood.
- Is it mixed in with other materials? Separate it.
- Are you using a facility? Check that site's own rules and any weight or hardware limits.
- Is it a big load? Ask about a clean wood bin when you book.
FAQ
Are pallets clean wood in Metro Vancouver? Metro Vancouver's card lists pallets as clean wood if they are unpainted, unstained, untreated and free of glue.
Can nails stay in? Metro Vancouver's card says clean wood pierced with nails, screws or staples is accepted. The City of Vancouver's Transfer Station page adds a note "Not with metal hardware," so check the facility.
Can I put pallets in the garbage? You can, but Metro Vancouver's card says surcharges apply to garbage loads with over 5% clean wood at regional facilities.
Where do I find a pallet recycler? Use the Metro Vancouver directory, Recyclepedia or Metro Vancouver Recycles, and call before you go.
Is treated wood allowed in a clean wood load? No. Treated wood needs special handling and never goes in a clean wood or yard load.