To bale or not to bale, that is the question…

May 19

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.

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.

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.

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. 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. But when that same material is baled, the math starts to change in your favor.

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 pickup frequency (fewer hauls = lower transport costs)
Increase density (more weight per load = better pricing)
Qualify for material rebates from recyclers

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

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.

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.

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.

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)
Carpet
Polyurethane foam
Textiles and fabric scrap

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.

And when market conditions are favorable, baled recyclables can command rebates—turning waste into a financial win.