Revolutionizing Wood Waste Management in Gray Court, South Carolina with VLS’ Pallet Recycling Program

At VLS Environmental Solutions, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the driving force behind our innovative initiatives. Among these efforts is our Pallet Recycling Program, a forward-thinking solution designed to repurpose discarded wood pallets into clean, renewable energy. This program not only addresses the challenges of wood waste but also provides manufacturers and industrial businesses with eco-friendly, cost-effective alternatives to traditional disposal methods.

Turning Waste into Energy

The Pallet Recycling Program employs a cutting-edge five-step recycling process to transform unwanted wood pallets into Alternative Engineered Fuels (AEFs). Here’s how it works:

This streamlined process supports businesses with their zero landfill goals while contributing to the production of renewable energy—an undeniable win for the environment. “Our new initiative in South Carolina is more than just a recycling program; it’s a step toward creating a sustainable future,” said Keith Cordesman, President of VLS Environmental Solutions.

The Hidden Cost of Wood Waste

Each year, approximately 12 million¹ tons of wood waste ends up in landfills instead of being recycled or repurposed, with millions of tons discarded each year. For businesses that deal with outdated or damaged pallets, managing this waste can be both costly and resource intensive. With VLS’ Pallet Recycling Program, companies now have an alternative that allows them to lower disposal costs while reducing their environmental footprint.

“This initiative isn’t just about recycling pallets; it’s about creating opportunities,” said Doug Dugan, Regional Vice President. “By turning waste into a usable energy source, we’re addressing a pervasive problem and delivering eco-friendly, cost-saving solutions to our clients.”

More Than Just Pallets

The Pallet Recycling Program will be housed at our Gray Court, South Carolina facility which will accept various wood waste categories from manufacturers within a 300-mile radius. The materials must be approved for this recycling method and follow the profiling process already established for VLS clients. Examples of acceptable items include:

This versatility ensures that a broader range of industries can benefit from VLS’ expertise in reducing landfill contributions and creating renewable resources.

Benefits for Businesses

For manufacturers and businesses striving for zero landfill goals, the advantages of the program are immense:

Justin Duncan, Account Manager, highlighted another key benefit for VLS clients. “The program provides a hassle-free way to tackle sustainability objectives. Our partners see meaningful cost savings while contributing to a cleaner environment,” he explained.

Designed for Impact

VLS’ attention to detail and commitment to excellence are evident in every part of this program. Metal components, such as bolts and corner plates under 3/8” in diameter, can remain attached to wood waste if approved during the profiling process. Every step of the recycling operation, from material intake to sawdust conversion, has been optimized to ensure maximum resource recovery and minimal waste.

“As we expand our capabilities, we’re not just providing a service—we’re partnering with our clients to create impactful change,” said Chad Paul, Director of Sales. “Every pallet, crate, or piece of dimensional lumber processed at our facility is another step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.”

VLS’ Commitment to a Sustainable Future

By processing wood waste into renewable energy, VLS Environmental Solutions aligns with its broader mission to support a circular economy. Our Gray Court facility is the latest example of our efforts to innovate and adapt as businesses strive for higher sustainability standards.

“For many of our partners, wood waste is the final obstacle in achieving 100% landfill-free operations,” said Justin Duncan, Account Manager. “Our program provides an essential resource for these companies, enabling them to reach their goals while cutting costs and protecting the environment.”

Join us in leading the charge toward a greener future. Contact VLS Environmental Solutions today to learn more about the Pallet Recycling Program, our South Carolina facility, and how we can help your business turn waste into progress. Together, we’re building a more sustainable tomorrow.

¹https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/wood-material-specific-data