Pallet Fire Hazards

Pallets burn easily and in many parts of the country, both backyard burning and bonfires are popular activities that sometimes erroneously include wood pallets. These controlled outdoor fires are often designed to burn quickly, and in the case of bonfires, can become extremely large.

Bonfires are often planned in advance as part of celebrations, but can also be more impromptu events with contents being gathered haphazardly with anything burn-worthy found nearby - like wood pallets. This is exactly what was happening to the owner of a farm that contacted us about replacing wood pallets with plastic pallets.

The farmer wanted low-cost plastic pallets to replace the inexpensive wood pallets he had been using on the farm. His farm was located near the shore. On the weekends, local high school kids would sneak on the farm late at night and steal the wooden pallets for bonfires on the beach.
Not only were the kids costing this farmer money, but they were likely putting themselves and others nearby at harm.

You see, wood pallets are often treated with preservatives, fungicides and pesticides to deter pests, prevent mold on pallets and to meet ISPM 15 regulations. Plastic export pallets are exempt from these regulations. 

If the wood pallets had previously been used for import or export, they were very likely fumigated with highly toxic pesticides. When burning wood pallets, the harmful effects of these treatment products are released in the smoke and ashes of the fire. Wood pallets should never be burned at home or in bonfires unless they have been verified as untreated.

Since switching to plastic pallets, none of the farmer's pallets have been stolen and we're happy to say he calls back every year at harvest time to order another truckload of plastic pallets.