{"id":906,"date":"2021-09-21T17:02:43","date_gmt":"2021-09-21T17:02:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mainlywoodwork.com\/?p=906"},"modified":"2022-05-31T20:01:18","modified_gmt":"2022-05-31T20:01:18","slug":"can-you-burn-pallet-wood-some-pallets-are-toxic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mainlywoodwork.com\/can-you-burn-pallet-wood-some-pallets-are-toxic\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Burn Pallet Wood? – Some Pallets Are Toxic"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Ragin
Ragin Fire<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pallets can be found everywhere, and most of the time, you can get them for free. So wouldn’t it be great if we could use the wood from pallets for firewood? Well, we are going to answer that in this article. Can you burn pallet wood in an indoor fireplace, in an outdoor fireplace, or in a firepit? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In general, wood from pallets can be burned and used as firewood. But some pallets contain toxic chemicals that release as gasses when burned. Pallets that have a marking of “MB” on the side, pallets that are painted, or pallets that are visibly contaminated with chemicals cannot be used as firewood. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, sometimes it can be hard to identify if a pallet is contaminated or if you can use it. I want you to be absolutely certain what kind of pallet you are dealing with. So you can know that you are not burning anything that is contaminated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So let’s learn more about the qualities of pallet wood for firewood, and learn how to identify contaminated and toxic pallets. <\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Pallets
Pallets In Their Natural Habitat<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Can you burn pallet wood? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Pallets are a great source of getting cheap firewood. Pallet wood can be burned and used in fireplaces, stoves, and firepits. Burning pallet wood will be a great addition to fueling the fire, but pallet wood should not be the only wood you burn. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pallet wood is best burned in combination with conventional firewood.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Pallet wood is very dry and well seasoned when we obtain it, and it will also come in smaller and thinner pieces than normal firewood. This means that if you make a fire with exclusively wood from pallets, the fire is going to burn large, quick, and hot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A fire made from only pallet wood will also burn out very quickly. You will have to constantly refill the fire with more wood and it is going to be hard to maintain a constant and smooth burn. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use pallet wood to start the fire, in combination with other firewoods, or as kindling for smaller fires. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Types Of Pallets Cannot Be Used For Firewood?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most people are a little bit suspicious of pallets. Are pallets dirty? Are pallets toxic? Can I bring pallets inside? These are all common questions when talking about pallets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And the fact is, some pallets are too dirty to use, some pallets are toxic, and most of the time pallets should not be stored indoors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So exactly which types of pallets should not be used for firewood? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Don’t Use Pallets Marked MB As Firewood<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

MB is short for Methyl Bromide, this is a pesticide used in many timber products. Mainly used for pallets that are shipped globally. The use of Methyl Bromide in pallets is decreasing, but if you come across a pallet marked MB on the side I would just leave it be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Don’t Use Painted Pallets As Firewood<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Painted pallets should not be used for firewood at all. And should also just be left in place when you come across them. Most likely, there are toxic chemicals in the paint that will be released when burned. And it is not worth taking the risk of using painted pallets when there are so many “clean” pallets available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Don’t Use Visibly Contaminated Pallets As Firewood<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pallets are used to transport anything from paint, gasoline, or even live animals. The fact is, we do not know what the pallet we find has been transporting. Make sure that the pallets you bring home to use for firewood are not visibly contaminated with any strange substances. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the pallet seems dirty, old, or has visible spill marks from unknown substances, just leave the pallet and don’t use it for firewood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Find The Markings Or Stamp On Pallet Wood? <\/h2>\n\n\n
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This pallet does not contain the MB markings. But I would not burn this pallet because the wood seems old, and it was dirty. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

You can easily see it if the pallet is contaminated or painted. But to find out if the pallet is treated with Methyl Bromide (MB) you have to look for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pallets are usually marked or stamped on the longest sides of the pallet. Generally on the solid square block at the end of the long side. Some pallets do not contain any markings or stamps, pallets with no markings are only used locally. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pallet Treatment Codes, Marking Guide: <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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