Can You Burn Pallets in a Wood Stove? (Solved!)

There is a lot of debate about whether or not you can burn pallets in a wood stove. Some people say that it’s a great way to recycle them, while others claim it’s dangerous and could start a fire. So, which is it?

If the pallets are made from treated wood, they can release harmful chemicals into the air when burned. This is why many experts recommend against burning them. However, if the pallets are made from untreated wood, they should be acceptable to burn.

This blog post is meant to be a resource for those trying to decide whether or not to burn pallets in their wood stove. We’ve gathered all of the relevant information to make an informed decision. So, let’s jump right in. Shall we?

Can I Burn Pallets in My Wood Burning Stove?

Like most people who own a wood stove, you’re probably constantly on the lookout for new sources of wood. Maybe you’ve seen people burning pallets and wondered if you could do the same.

It depends on what kind of wood the pallets are made from. If the pallets are made from treated wood, it’s not good to burn them. The chemicals in the treated wood can release toxins into the air when they’re burned.

On the other hand, if the pallets are made from untreated wood, they should be acceptable to burn. In this case, the pallets will burn just like any other piece of wood.

So, if you’re thinking about burning pallets in your wood stove, make sure you know what kind of wood they’re made from first. That way, you can be sure you’re not doing anything that could potentially harm your health or damage your stove.

Why Should You Not Burn Pallets?

As we’ve mentioned, not all pallets are created equal. Some are made from treated wood, while others are made from untreated wood.

If you’re not sure which kind of pallet you have, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and assume that it’s made from treated wood. That way, you can avoid any potential health risks associated with burning treated wood.

Some of the reasons why you shouldn’t burn treated pallets include:

• Harmful vapours may be released into your living space: Even when perfectly confined, burning treated wood can release harmful vapours into your home. These vapours can potentially harm your health or damage your stove.
• Harmful vapours may be released outdoors: Most wood stoves are installed to release their smoke outdoors perfectly. However, this may not be good for your neighbors. Burning treated wood can release harmful vapours into the air where they can be breathed in by you and your neighbours.
• Treated wood may damage your stove: The chemicals in treated wood can potentially damage your stove, making it less effective and efficient.

For these reasons, it’s crucial to only burn the recommended types of wood in your wood stove.

Source: International Association of Certified Home Inspectors

How Do You Know if a Pallet is Safe to Burn?

So, how can you tell if a pallet is safe to burn? To determine if a pallet is safe to burn, you can:

• Check with the pallet manufacturer: Find out if the pallet was made with chemicals.
• Look for the IPPC stamp: The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) regulates wood packaging material. If a pallet has an IPPC stamp, it’s likely safe to burn.
• Check for the HT stamp: This indicates that the pallet was heat-treated instead of chemically treated. Heat-treated pallets are safe to burn.
• Check for the MB stamp: This indicates that the wood was treated with Methyl Bromide and isn’t safe to burn.
• Avoid using pallets made of softwood, such as pine. These woods can release harmful chemicals when burned.

If you’re still unsure about whether or not to burn a particular type of pallet, err on the side of caution and don’t burn it.

Source: Movie Cultists

What Should You Not Burn in a Wood Stove?

You may also be curious about what shouldn’t be burned in a wood stove. In general, you should avoid burning anything other than seasoned firewood in your stove.

Some of the things that shouldn’t be burned in a wood stove include:

• Greenwood: This wood hasn’t had a chance to season and dry out. It can release harmful chemicals when burned and cause your stove to smoke.
• Charcoal: Burning charcoal can release harmful chemicals into the air. Not to mention, it produces too much heat compared to wood, which may damage your stove.
• Christmas trees: They contain high concentrations of resins, which can release harmful chemicals when burned. They also tend to spark a lot, which could be a fire hazard.
• Painted or treated wood: These woods can release harmful chemicals into the air when burned. It’s best to avoid them altogether.
• Cardboard and printed papers: These contain inks, dyes, and other chemicals that can be released into the air when burned.
• Wet wood: Burning wet wood can create a lot of smoke and creosote buildup, which can be a fire hazard. Only burn dry wood.
• Plastics and styrofoam: These release harmful chemicals when burned and should be avoided.

So, what can you burn in your wood stove? The best bet is to stick to dry, untreated wood.

Source: Indoor Doctor

Wrapping Up

If you were thinking of burning pallets in your wood stoves but were unsure if it was safe, we hope this article has helped clear things up. While pallets are made of wood, they often contain harmful chemicals that can be released into the air when burned. If this happens, it can be a fire hazard. Not to mention, it’s harmful to your health.

For this reason, it’s crucial to ensure the pallets you intend to burn in your wood stove are untreated. If you’re not sure, stay on the safe side and avoid burning them altogether.

Also, remember, it’s always best to stick to only seasoned wood when it comes to fueling your wood stove.