Here’s the latest breakdown of used wooden pallet recycling prices in the U.S. for 2025, highlighting both national trends and specific details for Arizona (Zone 9b):
🧾 2025 Pallet Pricing Overview (National Average)
Based on a comprehensive market analysis covering over 500,000 transactions through mid-July 2025:
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New Pallets: ~$8.41 per pallet on average
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Grade A Used (minor wear, good condition): ~$6.27
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Grade B Used (functional with repairs): ~$4.19
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Pallet Cores (damaged units needing repair): ~$1.42
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📍 Arizona-Specific Pricing (Phoenix Market)
Per 2025 market data for local Arizona suppliers:
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Grade A (48×40″ GMA): ~$5.05 per pallet
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Grade B: ~$3.75–$4.85
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Bulk or Mixed Condition: ~$2.55+
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Refurbished Grade A: $7.75–$16.50
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Refurbished Grade B: $4.50–$11.50
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🔎 Price by Region
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Phoenix aligns with balanced-market pricing (slightly below national averages).
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Coastal/West Coast and Northeast states like California, Hawaii, Connecticut, Massachusetts pay significantly more (+10–30%).
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Value markets—Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee—have lower average costs (Grade A ~$5.95).
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📈 Market Trends & Drivers in 2025
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Prices are stabilizing post-2023 fluctuations but upward pressure remains—driven by strong demand, reduced inventories, and rising lumber costs.
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Expect continued increases in Grade A pricing into late 2025.
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Many businesses are shifting to Grade A for reliability or to maintain compliance with customer specs.
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📊 Summary Table
| Region / Grade | Used Grade A | Used Grade B | Core / Scrap |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Average | ~$6.27 | ~$4.19 | ~$1.42 |
| Phoenix, AZ | ~$5.05 | $3.75–$4.85 | ~$2.55+ |
| Premium Markets | $7.75–8.15+ | $5.50–5.85 | $2.00 |
| Value Markets | ~$5.95 | ~$3.85 | ~$1.15 |
💡 Tips for Sellers & Buyers
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Arizona sellers should expect $5–6 per pallet for Grade A and $3.75–5 for Grade B.
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Buyers may save by sourcing in bulk—many Arizona yards offer free delivery for 50+ pallets.
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Inspect condition—refurbished units can yield higher prices.
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Monitor regional trends—pricing can swing with lumber supply, tariffs, and logistics factors.
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Here’s a clear comparison of plastic pallets vs. wooden pallets in terms of 2025 pricing, trends, durability, and use cases — especially useful if you’re in Arizona or involved in recycling, warehousing, or logistics:
📦 2025 Plastic vs. Wood Pallet Market Comparison
| Feature / Trend | Wood Pallets | Plastic Pallets |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Price (new) | $8–12 | $18–40+ |
| Avg. Price (used/refurb) | $4–8 | $10–25 |
| Durability | ~3–5 uses avg (Grade B), 7–10+ (Grade A) | 100+ uses; long life |
| Recyclability | Easy to repair or recycle as mulch/cores | Fully recyclable but harder to repair |
| Weight | Heavier (30–70 lbs) | Lighter (10–50 lbs depending on type) |
| Moisture Resistance | Susceptible to rot, mold, pests | Fully resistant to water, mold, and bugs |
| Handling | Nails/splinters—can damage goods | Smooth, clean surfaces |
| Environmental Score | Natural & biodegradable but short lifespan | Long life but petroleum-based |
| Fire Risk | Higher ignition risk | Often UL-rated, lower flame spread |
| Export Compliance (ISPM-15) | Requires heat treatment/certification | No treatment needed for exports |
🌍 Trends in 2025
🔹 Wood Pallets:
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Still dominate the U.S. market (~90–93% of circulation).
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Prices have stabilized after pandemic spikes.
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Increased demand for Grade A units from food/pharma sectors.
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Recycling is booming — pallet core buyers pay $1–2+ per scrap unit in Arizona.
🔹 Plastic Pallets:
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Rising adoption in closed-loop systems, international shipping, and hygienic environments (pharma, medical, dairy).
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Becoming cost-competitive when used long-term.
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Surge in use in extreme climates like Arizona due to rot resistance.
💰 Cost-Benefit Analysis (Over Time)
| Factor | Wood | Plastic |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | Low | High |
| Cost/Use | ~$1.20–$2.50 per use | <$0.50 per use (if reused >40x) |
| ROI Timeframe | Short-term (3–6 months) | Long-term (1–2+ years) |
| Breakage Rate | Moderate to High | Low |
🔧 Which Should You Use?
✅ Choose Wood If:
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You need cheap, short-term or one-way shipping pallets.
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You’re in general warehousing, agriculture, or local construction.
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You’re recycling or reselling pallets regularly.
✅ Choose Plastic If:
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You’re shipping internationally (ISPM-15 exempt).
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You need hygienic, washable pallets (pharma, food, medical).
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You want a long-term investment with low maintenance.
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You operate in a wet or high-heat environment (like AZ summer).
🏷️ Final Takeaway:
Wood pallets are more cost-efficient short-term and easier to recycle locally, while plastic pallets are gaining traction in high-performance, regulated industries—especially where cleanliness, reuse, and climate durability matter.
Free Pallet Quotes
If you’re looking for new or used pallets for shipping or for a DIY project, AAA Pallet & Lumber Co., can help. Call us at 602-278-1450 today for your free pallet sales quote. At AAA Pallet & Lumber Co., we serve the entire Phoenix Metropolitan area, including Glendale, Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Peoria, and surrounding cities.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
