Baling Recycling: When and Why Industrial Facilities Should Bale Waste

Apr 23

Baling recycling flat illustration depicting a bale of cardboard next to sheets of stacked loose cardboard

We talk to a lot of companies that aren’t sure whether they generate enough of a given material to justify investing in a baler. It’s a fair question—after all, every facility is watching its budget and floor space. But in many cases, it actually takes less material than most people think to make baling worthwhile.

Baling recycling is about allowing businesses to optimize waste handling and improve operational efficiency.

Whether you manage waste at a distribution center, manufacturing plant, or warehouse, it’s worth taking a closer look at how baling could improve your recycling efficiency and potentially save you money.

Introduction to Waste Management

Effective waste management is essential for any modern business aiming to reduce its environmental impact and operate efficiently. Recycling plays a pivotal role in this process, helping to divert waste materials from landfills and transform them into valuable resources. Recycling equipment, such as recycling balers, is at the heart of this effort, enabling recycling facilities to process large volumes of recyclable materials—including paper, cardboard, plastics, and metals—into dense bales that are easy to store and transport. By adopting robust waste management strategies and utilizing industrial balers, companies can handle significant amounts of scrap materials more effectively, streamline their recycling processes, and contribute to a more sustainable future. The use of balers not only supports environmental goals but also helps businesses manage their waste more efficiently, making recycling a practical and impactful part of daily operations.

Understanding the Value of a Bale

Let’s start with the basics. A typical vertical baler—one of the most common types used in industrial and commercial settings—produces bales of cardboard or paper that weigh between 800 and 1,000 pounds. The bale size is determined by the dimensions of the baler and directly affects how easily the bales can be handled, stored, and transported.

For comparison, one cubic yard of loose cardboard weighs about 75 pounds. That means a single bale of cardboard compresses 10 to 13 cubic yards of loose material into a compact 1.85 cubic yard unit. The compression process occurs within the baler chamber, where loose material is compacted into dense, manageable bales. Not only does this dramatically reduce the volume of space needed for storage, but it also makes the material much easier and more cost-effective to transport.

When waste is loose, it’s inefficient. It takes up valuable space, requires more frequent pickups, and often costs more to dispose of. Traditional waste handling methods are labor intensive, requiring significant manual effort and time. But when that same material is baled, the math starts to change in your favor. Baling results in significant volume reduction, freeing up more space for other uses and making storage and transportation much more efficient.

Benefits of Baling Recycling

Baling waste delivers a range of benefits that go beyond simple waste reduction. By compressing loose materials into compact bales, businesses can achieve significant cost savings on waste disposal and transportation. Space optimization is another major advantage—baled waste takes up far less room than loose materials, freeing up valuable storage area for other uses. This reduction in volume also means fewer pickups are needed, lowering overall waste handling costs. Recycling companies prefer baled waste because it is easier to process, resulting in higher-quality recyclable materials and more efficient recycling operations. Vertical balers and horizontal balers are commonly used in waste management, each suited to different operational requirements and material types. For example, cardboard balers are specifically designed to handle corrugated cardboard, a prevalent waste material in many industries. By choosing the right baler and baling waste materials, companies can streamline their recycling process, reduce labor costs, and make their recycling programs more effective.

How Much Is Enough?

A good general rule of thumb—though certainly not universal—is this: if your waste stream could generate one to two bales per week, you’ll likely save money by baling it.

Why? Because once you’re producing baled material consistently, you’re able to:

Reduce the frequency of pick up (fewer hauls = lower transport costs)
Increase density (more weight per load = better pricing)
Qualify for material rebates from recyclers

The benefits and savings from baling can vary depending on the type of material, the volume generated, and your facility’s operations.

In some cases, you might even turn your waste stream into a revenue stream.

Types of Balers

Selecting the right baler is crucial for optimizing your recycling operations. There are several types of balers available, each tailored to specific materials and facility needs. Vertical balers are a popular choice for small to medium-sized businesses due to their compact footprint and ability to handle moderate volumes of materials like cardboard and paper. For larger operations dealing with high volumes of waste, horizontal balers offer greater capacity and efficiency, often featuring automated systems and continuous feeding via conveyor belts. Two ram balers are highly versatile, capable of processing a wide range of materials—including cardboard, paper, and plastics—making them ideal for recycling facilities with diverse waste streams. Cardboard balers are specialized for corrugated cardboard, ensuring dense, uniform bales that maximize space and value. When planning your recycling setup, consider not only the baler type but also other recycling equipment such as conveyors and compactors, which can further enhance your waste handling and processing capabilities. Matching the right baler to your available space, material types, and operational requirements ensures a seamless and efficient recycling process.

Space Isn’t as Big a Barrier as You Might Think

One of the most common concerns we hear is, “We don’t have room for a baler.”

While that’s a valid consideration, vertical balers are surprisingly compact. A typical unit has dimensions in the range of:

80–100 inches wide
140 inches tall
40–55 inches deep

That’s roughly the footprint of a large vending machine—something most facilities can work around with a little creative space planning.

For facilities with limited space or lower waste generation, a compactor may be a suitable alternative to a baler. On the other hand, high volume operations may require larger balers designed to handle substantial quantities of material efficiently.

And remember: the space you dedicate to baling can reduce the space currently occupied by loose recyclables or waste bins. Baling may actually free up space in the long run.

Environmental Considerations

Recycling and baling waste are powerful tools for reducing the environmental impact of waste disposal. By processing materials like paper, cardboard, plastics, and metals with recycling equipment such as recycling balers, we can create dense bales that are easier to transport and process, leading to more efficient recycling efforts. This not only conserves natural resources but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and the amount of waste sent to landfills. The recycling process requires less energy compared to producing new materials from raw resources, resulting in lower air and water pollution. Adopting environmentally friendly practices—such as implementing recycling programs and using recycling equipment—enables businesses, local communities, and individuals to contribute to a healthier planet. These efforts also support local businesses by creating jobs and fostering economic growth, all while promoting long-term environmental sustainability. By making recycling and baling a priority, we can help protect the environment for future generations.

Buying vs. Renting

If the upfront cost of a baler gives you pause, keep in mind that renting is always an option. Depending on your facility’s needs, material type, and projected volume, renting can be a flexible, lower-risk way to get started. A company specializing in waste management or recycling solutions can help you evaluate whether renting or purchasing is the best fit for your business and guide you through the available recycling solutions.

And if you decide to purchase, there’s a wide range of equipment available to match different budgets, capacities, and materials.

What Materials Can Be Baled?

Cardboard and paper are the obvious candidates, but they’re far from the only ones. Here’s a quick list of materials commonly baled:

Corrugated cardboard (OCC)
Office paper and mixed paper
Plastic film (e.g., shrink wrap, stretch wrap)
Rigid plastics (e.g., HDPE and PET containers)
Aluminum cans
Plastic bottles
Carpet
Polyurethane foam
Textiles and fabric scrap

Various materials, including paper products, aluminum cans, and plastic bottles, can be efficiently baled to facilitate recycling. Baling these materials makes it easier to recycle them and supports sustainability efforts.

Of course, not every material will yield a rebate—but almost all will be cheaper to dispose of in baled form than loose.

Rebates vs. Disposal Savings

Even if you don’t generate enough volume to receive a check for your baled material, don’t overlook the cost savings. Disposing of baled waste is often significantly cheaper than hauling the same material loose. This is particularly true for bulky, lightweight waste like cardboard and film, which is inefficient to transport unless compacted.

The value and rebates for baled materials can vary greatly depending on market conditions and the type of material. When market conditions are favorable, baled recyclables can command rebates—turning waste into a financial win. Baled materials are typically sent to a recycling facility or recycling plant, where they are sorted, processed, and recycled into new products.