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Don’t Throw Away Anymore — Your Wood Pallet Ashes Are a Treasure

Published 18/01/2025 às 14:53
wooden pallets, wood
Photo: Reproduction

Wood pellet ash, often discarded, has surprising value and incredible uses. Find out how to make the most of this underrated resource.

The ash generated by burning wooden pallets is often seen as disposable waste. However, this waste can be transformed into a valuable resource when used wisely.

Whether as a natural fertilizer, pest repellent or even a booster in organic compost, ash has diverse functions and practices.

What makes wood pallet ash unique?

Pallet ash is composed of essential minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and silica.

These elements are essential for soil nutrition, promoting healthy plant growth.

However, it is important to ensure that the burnt wood is free from chemical treatments, varnishes or paints, to avoid soil contamination.

For pellets, it is essential to choose brands that use pure wood, without additives. If the pallets have been used to transport goods, it is recommended to remove nails or staples from the ash before using it.

If you have a garden, you can reuse your ashes to enrich the soil. Photo credit: N. Kleczinski

Use in the garden: A natural fertilizer

Ash can be used directly on the soil as a natural fertilizer. The high concentration of potassium helps to intensify the colors of flowers and sweeten the fruits.

Additionally, the ash acts as a barrier against pests such as snails and slugs, which avoid rough surfaces.

If diluted in water and applied to leaves, ash also offers protection against aphids, acting as a natural shield against these insects.

Application precautions

Although ash is extremely useful, it is essential to know how and where to apply it. Plants that prefer acidic soils, such as azaleas, camellias and rhododendrons, do not tolerate the alkalinity of ash well. Therefore, avoid using it in these cases.

For effective application, sift the ashes to remove any solid residue, such as staples or incompletely burned pieces of wood.

The ideal dosage is around 100 grams per square meter, the equivalent of two large handfuls.

You can place ash at the base of your rose bushes to provide natural nutrients. Photo credit: N. Kleczinski

When to use ash from wooden pallets?

The best time to spread ashes in the garden is at the end of winter, before the beginning of spring.

However, if storage of dry ash is not feasible, it can be applied throughout the burning season, as long as it is protected from moisture.

Furthermore, ash can be incorporated into organic compost, enriching the material with minerals and accelerating the decomposition process.

A sustainable and economical resource

Reusing ash from wooden pallets is a sustainable practice that reduces waste and adds value to an often neglected material.

In Brazil, where wood burning is still common in rural and industrial areas, this practice can be integrated as part of a broader environmental strategy.

So, instead of throwing away the ashes, take advantage of this natural resource to nourish the soil, protect your plants and, as a bonus, save on the use of chemical products.

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Fabio Lucas Carvalho

Journalist specializing in a wide range of topics, such as cars, technology, politics, shipbuilding, geopolitics, renewable energy and economics. I have been working since 2015 with prominent publications in major news portals. My degree in Information Technology Management from Faculdade de Petrolina (Facape) adds a unique technical perspective to my analyses and reports. With over 10 thousand articles published in renowned media outlets, I always seek to bring detailed information and relevant insights to the reader. For story suggestions or any questions, please contact me by email at flclucas@hotmail.com.

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