cardboard waste collection
Baled Cardboard Collections

Cardboard Bales

Used cardboard can be compressed and compacted into cardboard bales. The process reduces its volume, which is ideal for businesses that generate lots of cardboard waste regularly. The bales are secured with baling wire to create a uniform shape that makes transporting and recycling them easy and efficient.

Baling cardboard reduces its volume, so you can have fewer collections. This cuts down on the emissions transporting it and could save your company money on its waste management costs. Cardboard bales take up less space on your site and may be more cost-effective than using bins or skips.

At Business Waste, we can provide cardboard balers to help companies in any industry reduce the volume of used cardboard and arrange affordable collection. If you already have a baler then we can also offer baled cardboard collection. Get a free quote today – call 0800 211 8390 or contact us online.

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Get a free quote

Get a fast free quote for cardboard collection

  • Fast free quote
  • Any type of cardboard
  • FREE bins and delivery
  • We cover all of the UK

Baled cardboard collection
Recycling cardboard bales

Cardboard bale collection

Arrange baled cardboard collection from your business anywhere in the UK. Daily, weekly, and fortnightly collections are possible to suit your needs and budget. Regular removals help keep your site clear, while you may need fewer collections of bales compared to bins full of cardboard, which could save your company money.

Schedule cardboard bale collection at convenient days and times that minimise disruption to your operations. Licensed waste carriers carry out our cardboard bale pickup service and you receive a free duty of care certificate. This provides peace of mind that your bales of cardboard are removed, transported, and recycled safely, legally, and responsibly.

How to bale cardboard

To bale cardboard you need to use a baler. This is a static and specialised machine designed to compress high volumes of cardboard into uniform bales. There are many different types and sizes of balers so it’s important to compare and find one best suited to your business.

How to bale cardboard can vary depending on the specific machine. You should read all relevant safety and operating instructions and undertake any necessary training before using it. The general ways they work follow similar steps though.

These are the main steps of how the cardboard baling process works:

  • Loading cardboard – flatten cardboard and load it into the opening (usually at the front or top of the baler).
  • Compression – the hydraulic press applies pressure to compact the cardboard into a dense block.
  • Securing the bale – wire or strapping bind secures the bale to maintain its shape.
  • Removing the bale – many machines automatically eject the bale, or you may have to use a forklift or pallet jack,
  • Storage and collection – move the bale to a safe storage space before it’s collected.
three cardboard bales outside.

Baled cardboard prices

Selling baled cardboard is a great way for your business to make money if it generates high volumes of waste cardboard. Many recycling companies will buy baled cardboard and collect it from your site. Baled cardboard prices vary in the UK but are usually between £50 and £150 per tonne (though prices can fluctuate).

Factors including the weight, quality, and grade of cardboard impact the price, as well as demand, seasonality, and the current market. Minimum weight, volume, or number of cardboard bales may apply too. The easiest way to see how much you could sell cardboard bales for is to request a quote based on your situation.

Cardboard recycling rebates

Arrange baled cardboard collection

Improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of managing your commercial cardboard waste with baled cardboard collection. We can help with providing a baler, arranging regular collections, and even potential rebates. Find out more about each of these services:

Get a free no-obligation quote for baled cardboard collection anywhere in the UK today – call 0800 211 8390 or contact us online.

Baled cardboard FAQs

  • Cardboard waste icon What is baled cardboard?

    Baled cardboard is simply old cardboard materials that have been processed in a baler and compacted into a uniform bale. This makes the waste easier to store, move, and transport as opposed to loose cardboard materials.

  • Cardboard waste icon Who buys baled cardboard?

    Many recycling companies and paper mills buy baled cardboard. They recycle the materials and turn them into new products, which they then sell. This is why many recyclers sometimes pay for bales of cardboard.

  • Cardboard waste icon How much does a bale of cardboard weigh?

    Bales of cardboard can weigh different amounts depending on the type and size of baler that compresses the materials. Small cardboard bales may only weigh 30kg while big bales can weigh up to 750kg. Most weigh between 400 and 600kg but some can be heavier than a tonne.

  • Cardboard waste icon How much is a bale of cardboard worth?

    A bale of cardboard can usually be worth anywhere from £50 to £150 per tonne. However, prices change depending on the size, weight, quality, and grade of material. Demand, market conditions, location, and various other factors affect the value of cardboard bales too.

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Get a fast and free quote

Get a fast FREE quote for baled cardboard collection

  • Free quote within 1 hr
  • Any type of cardboard
  • FREE bins and delivery
  • We cover all of the UK

Published 27th January 2025 by Graham Matthews.