Have blue CHEP pallets taking up space at your warehouse, store or distribution facility?
Here is the most important information:
Pallet Pros does not currently purchase pallets, including blue CHEP pallets. CHEP pallets remain the property of CHEP and should be returned through CHEP's authorized collection process.
You generally cannot sell CHEP pallets as ordinary used wooden pallets. If your business has unwanted blue CHEP pallets, separate them from your other pallets and contact CHEP directly to request a pickup.
Businesses in the United States can contact CHEP by calling:
For pallet collection, select option 5 when prompted.
You can also submit a pickup request through CHEP's official pallet collection page.
Does CHEP Have a Pallet Buy Back Program?
Many people search for a CHEP pallet buy back program because they want to know whether CHEP will pay them for returning blue pallets.
CHEP does recover its pallets, but the process is not the same as selling ordinary used pallets to a pallet company.
CHEP owns its blue pallets and uses them as part of a rental and pallet-pooling system. The pallets move between manufacturers, warehouses, distributors and retailers before being collected, inspected and returned to circulation.
CHEP may work with approved pallet recyclers, transportation providers and recovery businesses to collect its equipment. However, CHEP does not publicly advertise a guaranteed nationwide buyback price.
Any payment or compensation arrangement may depend on:
- Your location
- The number of CHEP pallets recovered
- Monthly pallet volume
- Transportation requirements
- Storage capacity
- Loading capabilities
- CHEP's recovery needs in your market
If you operate a pallet recycling or transportation business, contact CHEP and ask about becoming an approved asset recovery or pallet recovery partner.
Can You Sell Blue CHEP Pallets?
CHEP pallets should not be sold like standard whitewood pallets.
The blue color, CHEP name and ownership markings identify the pallets as part of CHEP's equipment pool. Even when a CHEP pallet is left at your business, it does not automatically become your property.
Businesses and pallet handlers should not:
- Sell CHEP pallets to another pallet company
- Pay customers for blue CHEP pallets
- Include CHEP pallets in loads of standard pallets
- Repair or alter them without authorization
- Dismantle them for lumber
- Paint over the CHEP markings
- Use them for personal projects
- Throw damaged CHEP pallets away
Instead, keep them separated and contact CHEP for collection instructions.
Does Pallet Pros Buy Used Pallets?
Pallet Pros does not currently purchase pallets.
This includes:
- CHEP pallets
- Standard 48-by-40 pallets
- Custom pallets
- Damaged pallets
- Mixed pallet loads
- Other branded rental pallets
Businesses should not expect payment from Pallet Pros for unwanted pallets.
Depending on your location, pallet type, quantity and condition, Pallet Pros may be able to discuss other available pallet services. However, contacting Pallet Pros does not guarantee free pallet removal or payment for pallets.
Blue CHEP pallets must be handled through CHEP's authorized return process.
How to Request a CHEP Pallet Pickup
If your warehouse, store, manufacturing facility or distribution center has unwanted CHEP pallets, follow these steps.
1. Separate the Blue Pallets
Keep CHEP pallets separate from standard wooden pallets and pallets owned by other pooling companies.
Do not mix them into a load that will be sold or delivered to another business.
2. Count the Pallets
Get an accurate or approximate count before contacting CHEP.
CHEP may ask:
- How many pallets you have
- Whether any pallets are damaged
- Where the pallets are located
- Whether they are stacked
- Whether a tractor-trailer can access the property
- Whether your business has a forklift or loading dock
3. Stack Them Safely
Place the pallets in an accessible area where they can be safely collected.
Avoid blocking loading docks, walkways, emergency exits or active warehouse operations.
4. Contact CHEP
Call CHEP at:
Select option 5 for pallet collection.
You may also use CHEP's online pallet pickup request form.
Provide your:
- Business name
- Contact name
- Phone number
- Email address
- Pickup address
- Approximate pallet count
- Loading instructions
- Hours of operation
5. Wait for Pickup Instructions
CHEP will determine the appropriate collection method based on your location, pallet quantity and its transportation network.
Do not move, sell or dispose of the pallets while waiting for instructions.
How Many CHEP Pallets Do You Need for a Pickup?
CHEP does not publicly list one pickup minimum that applies to every business and location.
Pickup availability may depend on:
- Your distance from a CHEP facility
- The number of pallets
- Existing collection routes
- Transportation availability
- Accessibility of your location
- Whether CHEP can combine your pickup with others nearby
Even when you only have a small number of pallets, contact CHEP and explain the situation. CHEP can tell you whether it can schedule a pickup or provide another authorized return option.
Does CHEP Pay for Returned Pallets?
CHEP may compensate certain approved recovery partners for services associated with recovering, sorting, storing or transporting CHEP equipment.
However, businesses should not assume they will automatically be paid simply because they have blue pallets.
CHEP does not publicly list a standard nationwide rate for returned pallets. Payment arrangements may vary based on:
- Market
- Volume
- Transportation
- Recovery frequency
- Facility capabilities
- Contract terms
Warehouses and retailers requesting a normal pickup should ask CHEP directly whether any compensation applies. In many cases, the main benefit is having CHEP-owned equipment removed from the property through the proper process.
How Pallet Recyclers Can Contact CHEP
A pallet recycler that regularly receives CHEP pallets mixed into standard pallet loads may be able to establish an authorized recovery relationship with CHEP.
Contact CHEP and ask to speak with the representative responsible for:
- Asset recovery
- Pallet recovery
- Recycler partnerships
- Carrier relationships
- Supplier relationships
Be ready to provide:
- Legal company name
- Facility address
- Service territory
- Estimated monthly CHEP pallet volume
- Storage capacity
- Forklift availability
- Loading dock information
- Trailer access
- Transportation capabilities
- Business and tax information
Ask CHEP the following questions:
- Is CHEP accepting recovery partners in our area?
- Is there a minimum monthly volume?
- Does CHEP pick up the pallets?
- Can we deliver pallets to a CHEP facility?
- Is compensation available?
- How is compensation calculated?
- Who pays transportation costs?
- Can damaged pallets be returned?
- What documentation is required?
Get the arrangement in writing before advertising that your business participates in a CHEP recovery program.
What to Do With Damaged CHEP Pallets
Damaged CHEP pallets should still be separated and reported to CHEP.
Do not:
- Break them apart
- Burn them
- Place them in a dumpster
- Use the lumber for repairs
- Sell them as damaged pallet cores
When requesting collection, tell CHEP approximately how many damaged pallets are included.
CHEP can determine whether the pallets should be repaired, recycled or handled through another authorized process.
What About Red or Other Branded Pallets?
Not every colored or branded pallet belongs to CHEP.
Other pallet-pooling and rental companies may use different colors, names and identification markings. For example, red pallets may belong to another pallet-pooling company.
Do not assume that a branded pallet can be sold simply because it is not blue.
Check the pallet for:
- Company names
- Ownership warnings
- Phone numbers
- Websites
- Stamped identification numbers
- Painted logos
Contact the company shown on the pallet for return instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pallet Pros buy blue CHEP pallets?
No. Pallet Pros does not currently purchase CHEP pallets or other used pallets.
Can I sell CHEP pallets?
CHEP pallets remain CHEP property and should not be sold as ordinary used pallets. Contact CHEP to arrange an authorized return.
What is the CHEP pallet pickup phone number?
Businesses in the United States can call 800-243-7872. Select option 5 for pallet collection.
Will CHEP pick up blue pallets?
CHEP provides a pallet collection process. Pickup arrangements depend on the business's location, pallet quantity and accessibility.
Does CHEP pay for its pallets?
CHEP may have compensation arrangements with certain approved recovery partners, but it does not publicly guarantee payment for every returned pallet.
Can I throw away a broken CHEP pallet?
Do not dispose of or dismantle the pallet. Separate it from other pallets and include it in your pickup request to CHEP.
Can a pallet recycler collect CHEP pallets?
A recycler should contact CHEP and obtain authorization before intentionally collecting or advertising the collection of CHEP pallets as a commercial service.
Need Help With Your Business Pallet Needs?
Pallet Pros assists businesses with commercial pallet needs and pallet-related service requests.
Please remember:
Pallet Pros does not currently purchase pallets.
Blue CHEP pallets and other branded rental pallets may remain the property of their respective owners and must be returned through the proper authorized channels.
To discuss your company's pallet needs, call (470) 660-3227 or request a quote.
Disclaimer: Pallet Pros is not CHEP and does not represent CHEP. Pallet Pros does not currently purchase pallets. CHEP determines its own pickup procedures, recovery partnerships, eligibility requirements and compensation arrangements. Contact CHEP directly for the most current program information.
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