Open burning
Burning material outdoors without a combustion device, restricted for waste in many places.
Open burning means burning in the open air, in a pile, pit or barrel, rather than in a stove, boiler or incinerator. Many states and localities restrict open burning of waste, and rules for businesses are usually stricter than for household recreational fires.
Pallets come up often because they're dry, available and easy to burn. Before burning any, check your state air agency and local fire department. EPA's Burn Wise guidance also lists materials never to burn in wood-burning appliances, including painted, coated and pressure-treated wood and wood with glue.
We add state burning rules to our state pages only once we've read the rule itself. See can you burn pallets.
Burning painted or treated pallets can release toxic or harmful chemicals, according to EPA's Burn Wise guidance, whatever the local rules allow. A business with a steady stream of pallets almost always has a better outlet than burning: reuse, repair or grinding.
Sources
- Burn Wise: Best Wood-Burning Practices U.S. EPA. Accessed October 27, 2026.