Pallet repair and reconditioning yard

Warehouses, manufacturers and logistics firms that want cheaper reconditioned pallets, and businesses that want unwanted pallets collected.

You sell repaired pallets at a margin above your collection and repair costs. You may also charge a collection fee or buy back pallets from customers.

• Basic carpentry and tool use
• Sorting and grading pallets
• Managing stock and space
• Dealing with trade customers

• Planning permission and permitted use for the site, so check with your council and landlord
• Waste rules, as collecting used pallets may need waste carrier registration or an exemption, so check with the Environment Agency (or the equivalent in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland)
• Public liability and employer's liability insurance once you hire help, plus cover for stock and fire
• Workplace injuries from saws, nail guns and heavy lifting, so get training and wear protective gear
• Fire risk from stacked timber, so speak to your insurer and the fire service about storage

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on the yard or unit, tools, vehicle access and opening stock. Monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on how many pallets you collect, repair and sell.

Check whether collecting used pallets needs waste carrier registration or an exemption with the Environment Agency, or the equivalent in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Also check planning and permitted use of the site with your council and landlord.

Check training and protective gear for saws, nail guns and heavy lifting, which can cause injuries. Stacked timber is a fire risk, so speak to your insurer and the fire service about storage. Estimates suggest at least around 30 hours a week.