Mr. Rawles,
I wanted to express a word of caution about wooden pallets. The company I work for throws away many pallets each week and I had the same thought about using them as a free supplement for my wood burning stove. I am a biochemist so before burning any pallets the scientist in me needed to know more about what chemicals I might be exposing to my family.
What I have learned is that many pallets, especially those used in international shipments are treated with a fungicide/pesticide called 2,4,6-tribromophenol (TBE). This chemical can cause irritation of the skin, mucus membranes and the digestive tract. So I recommend the use of gloves when handling pallets, also anyone who has breathing issues should wear a mask when cutting old pallets. One study found that approximately 10% of the pallets tested came back positive for E. coli which is a concern for anyone with a weak immune system and children.
The information I found showed that 2,4,6-tribromophenol is readily absorbed by the body, but fortunately it is also quickly excreted in the urine and feces. This basically means that the compound is lethal only in extreme doses and casual occasional exposure should be okay. [JWR Adds: But I’d avoid any unnecessary exposure, since TBE has not yet been fully tested for carcinogenicity, endocrine disruption, neurodevelopmental effects, and reproductive system effects. And since this chemical is used as a flame retardant, so it doesn’t make for good kindling!]
I agree with your recommendation about any wood that has been treated to resist rot, some of the chemicals used to treat this lumber are toxic. The US has stopped the use of the most toxic of these chemicals, but unless you are absolutely sure where the pallet came from don’t take any chances since some foreign countries do not have the same restrictions we have in the United States.
I have begun collecting pallets I felt are free of chemical exposure and besides the obvious use as firewood I have started looking to use them for fencing around my garden and possibly about an animal pen. – Bill