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Wisconsin: plastic beverage pallets in the scrap dealer law

A 'plastic bulk merchandise container' is a plastic crate, pallet or shell used for bulk transport or storage of retail containers of bottled beverages.

Wis. Stat. § 134.405. In force since Invalid Date. Last reviewed October 27, 2026 by repallet.org editors. Not legal advice.

What the law says

  • A 'plastic bulk merchandise container' is a plastic crate, pallet or shell used for bulk transport or storage of retail containers of bottled beverages. Wis. Stat. § 134.405(1)(em) (source)
  • These containers are listed as 'proprietary articles', alongside items such as catalytic converters and railroad track parts. Wis. Stat. § 134.405(1)(f)8. (source)
  • To buy a proprietary article, a scrap dealer needs a bill of sale, receipt or letter of authorization from the seller, or must document a diligent inquiry and report the purchase to local law enforcement within one business day. Wis. Stat. § 134.405(3)(a)5. (source)
  • The dealer keeps the purchase records for at least two years and shows them to a law enforcement officer on request. Wis. Stat. § 134.405(4) (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

  1. Wis. Stat. § 134.405 (scrap dealers) Wisconsin Legislature. Accessed October 27, 2026.

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