Illinois: plastic bulk merchandise container act
The act covers plastic crates, pallets and shells used for bulk transport or storage of goods for retail sale; a plastic pallet is a portable platform on which product is placed for handling. Wood pallets are outside it.
What the law says
- The act covers plastic crates, pallets and shells used for bulk transport or storage of goods for retail sale; a plastic pallet is a portable platform on which product is placed for handling. Wood pallets are outside it. 815 ILCS 393/5 (source)
- A buyer of five or more from the same person must record the seller's name, address and phone, a description and count, and the date, verify photo ID, and record the payment method. 815 ILCS 393/10(a)–(b) (source)
- Paying $5,000 or more in one transaction, or from one seller over seven days, also requires proof of ownership, and records are kept until the first anniversary of purchase or delivery. 815 ILCS 393/10(c), 393/15 (source)
- Licensed waste haulers collecting or recycling these containers are exempt. 815 ILCS 393/20 (source)
- A violation is a petty offense with a fine of up to $500; buying or receiving $10,000 or more in violation is a Class 2 felony with treble damages to the owner. 815 ILCS 393/25 (source)
What to do
Return marked pallets to their owner instead of selling, scrapping or burning them. See pooled pallets for each owner's return route.
Sources
- 815 ILCS 393 (Plastic Bulk Merchandise Container Act) Illinois General Assembly. Accessed October 27, 2026.