What is a Cardboard Baler?
A cardboard baler is a machine that compresses waste cardboard together into a compact bale. It has a powerful hydraulic press that crushes the cardboard into a dense cube or cuboid to reduce its volume for easier storage and transportation. Vertical and horizontal cardboard balers are available to suit different needs.
There are various types and sizes of cardboard balers, but they all do the same job of compressing the materials. Balers play a big part in commercial recycling for businesses in many industries that produce high volumes of waste cardboard to make managing it more efficient and cost-effective.
Find answers to any questions you may have about what a cardboard baler is and how it works to help decide if one is right for your business.
How does a cardboard baler work?
Cardboard balers work in the same way as other recycling balers, except that only clean and dry cardboard should be loaded into the machine. Waste cardboard is loaded into the baler either at the front, top, or onto a conveyor, depending on whether it’s a vertical or horizontal cardboard baler.
The hydraulic ram then applies huge amounts of pressure to crush the cardboard into a dense block. In a vertical cardboard baler, this pressure is applied from above and the ram presses down, while with horizontal balers the ram usually applies pressure horizontally to compress the cardboard.
Once the bale reaches the required size and weight, it’s either automatically strapped with wire or ejected for manual tying. This depends on the size and type of baler. It’s also either automatically ejected or needs to be removed manually with a forklift truck or pallet jack, depending on the size.
How to use a cardboard baler
To use a cardboard baler you must read all instructions and ensure proper training before you start for good health and safety. Operations of cardboard balers can differ between machines, so it’s essential you familiarise yourself with the specific parts, buttons, and features of the one your business has in place.
The cardboard baling process is similar, whatever machine you use, however. These are the general steps to use a cardboard baler:
- Load the cardboard into the machine. Vertical balers often have a big opening at the front or top, while horizontal balers may use a conveyor system.
- Close the door and turn on the baler to activate the pressing plate. It should then start the baling process.
- Wait until the relevant light, sign, or element on a display panel indicates that the baling is complete and it’s safe to remove it.
- Open the door when it’s safe. If it’s not an automatic baler then you’ll have to strap it together with baling wire or twine, so it maintains its shape.
- Remove the cardboard bale with a pallet or forklift truck, depending on its size and weight.
What is the price of a
cardboard baler?
Cardboard baler prices vary depending on the type and size of machine, manufacturer, and where you buy it. Generally, larger cardboard balers are more expensive, such as horizontal machines, compared to some of the smaller vertical ones. Whether you buy a new or used machine also affects the cardboard baler price.
Costs range from hundreds of pounds to buy a second-hand small cardboard baler to the tens of thousands for brand new horizontal balers. Renting a baler can be a more cost-effective choice for many businesses, with options such as weekly and monthly hire charges. These also vary depending on the specific baler.
How big is a
cardboard baler?
Cardboard balers come in various sizes depending on the type of machine. Vertical cardboard balers are smaller and require less floor space, while horizontal ones are much bigger but can process greater volumes of waste. Some of the smallest cardboard balers produce bales that are 75cm wide, for example.
The type and size of the cardboard baler also affects the size, weight, and dimensions of the bale it produces. To produce a mill-sized cardboard bale it must weigh at least 400kg and measure 120cm x 100cm x 80cm (width x height x depth).
Can you put paper in
a cardboard baler?
Most cardboard balers can process paper. However, it’s advisable to bale paper and cardboard separately to improve the chance of recycling these materials. Mixing paper and cardboard can reduce the quality of the bale, which requires more energy and time to separate later.
What’s the difference between a
cardboard baler and a compactor?
Cardboard balers and compactors both reduce the volume of the material for easier processing, storage, and recycling. However, there are a few key differences between them:
- Cardboard compactor – a cardboard compactor crushes the waste to reduce its volume and save space. However, this is ejected loose and not tied or bundled together, so it still needs putting into a cardboard bin. Most compactors process lower amounts of cardboard than balers too, so they’re best for smaller businesses.
- Cardboard baler – balers compress waste into a dense bale that is bundled together and tied to keep its shape. These are a uniform shape that’s easy to move, stack, and store. Cardboard balers can process huge weights and volumes of waste cardboard.
Should you buy or hire
a cardboard baler?
Buying a cardboard baler can be expensive and a significant investment for a business, depending on the size and type of machine. You’ll also be responsible for maintenance and repairs. Businesses that regularly generate large volumes of cardboard can benefit from owning a baler in some cases.
Hiring a cardboard baler is more flexible as you can rent one for a set period and switch to a bigger or smaller machine if the amount of cardboard waste you produce changes. Often any maintenance and repairs are included. This offers a cost-effective choice for many companies.
At Business Waste, we can help arrange cardboard baler rental for your organisation. Get in touch with us today for a free quote for a cardboard baler anywhere in the UK – call 0800 211 8390 or contact us online.
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