How does a Cardboard Baler work?

Cardboard balers are incredibly useful and versatile types of waste machinery that specialise in compacting and securing cardboard waste into bales.

Also called "cardboard compactors", balers are installed to compact cardboard waste in commercial and industrial premises. Balers make onsite recycling procedures faster and more efficient which is why they've revolutionised waste management in the UK. Understanding how a cardboard baler works can help you decide on the best type for your workplace and needs.

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How Do Cardboard Balers Work?

Cardboard balers work by using two main features - a pressing plate and a compaction ram. These interconnected parts work simultaneously to crush waste into dense bales. When hydraulic or pneumatic pressure is created, the compaction cycle is initiated. This cardboard compacting technology is explained in more detail below:

Pressing Plate: Cardboard Balers work by crushing down voluminous cardboard waste using an internal pressing plate into a compacted format known as a bale. When the equipment is switched on and the compaction cycle begins, the pressing plate moves which crushes the waste against the sides and base of the compaction chamber. The compaction plate is engineered to be a fraction smaller than the compaction chamber itself so it can move freely but not allow waste to creep behind it.

Compaction Ram: Cardboard balers are equipped with hydraulic or pneumatic systems that propel single or multiple compaction rams to crush waste. Rams are always connected to the pressing plate within the baler. In a vertical baler, the compaction ram travels vertically. In a horizontal baler, the compaction ram moves horizontally.

How to Operate a Baler

Baling Cardboard Operating a baler safely requires proper training and pre-use inspections. A simplified version of the step-by-step baling process using a vertical baler is:

Place waste cardboard inside the compaction chamber
Closes the door and activate the pressing plate
Repeat the process until the bale is ready
Open the door and tie the bale strapping together to secure the bale
Eject the bale
Replenish the bale strapping inside the baler ready for the next bale

Baler Operation Dos and Don'ts

All baler operators should be fully informed of their responsibilities when it comes using a baler as part of their work. Here are a few dos and don'ts to keep in mind...

Only properly certified persons should operate balers. Although all baling machines work using the same principles, each model has different operational procedures so you need machine-specific training. The operation manual should be kept nearby the machine all at times for easy reference.
Clearly mark a safe working area around the machine. Not only does it allow you to identify hazards nearby, it also highlights to your co-workers that the area around it must be clear when it is working.
Don't operate baling equipment that doesn't meet safe operational standards.
Don't attempt to use banding or wires that are not compatible with your machine. A baler requires good quality bale tie to work properly.
Balers don't work well with wet cardboard waste because it breaks apart easily and makes a mess inside the machine.

1. QCR 205TS Waste Baler

How it works: It uses pneumatic pressure compact both plastic and cardboard in its surprisingly large compaction chamber

Why it's popular:

Low cost machine
Very versatile - you can connect to your onsite compressed air system or we'll supply you with a compressor

2. QCR H3 Waste Baler

How it works: It's an electric baler fitted with a standard 3-pin plug. Despite being a small cardboard compactor, it delivers up to 5 tonnes of pressing force.

Why it's popular:

It's a good all-rounder for compacting cardboard and plastic waste
It's available in 2 different heights so it can be installed in places with low ceiling height or restriction access

3. QCR H10 Mill Size Waste Baler

How it works: It's a hydraulic vertical baler powered with a single robust compaction ram that applies up to 23 tonnes of pressure.

Why it's popular:

It bales waste into valuable mill size bales helping businesses to achieve the maximum value for their waste
Outdoor installation is possible because it's rated IP55

What is a Cardboard Baler?

A Cardboard Baler is a machine designed to efficiently compact and bundle cardboard waste for convenient recycling. By applying powerful hydraulic or pneumatic compaction forces, cardboard balers compress whole cardboard boxes and packaging materials into dense, tightly-bound bales.

What is the benefit of baling?

The benefits of baling are felt by all parties involved in the recycling process. The waste producer saves money, time and space on waste disposal. The licenced waste carrier saves money, time and space on waste segregation and transportation.

Why utilise a cardboard baler?

Reduce Overheads

All businesses want to spend as little as possible on waste disposal to maximise profits. A single cardboard baler can replace multiple cardboard recycling bins. By swapping bins for a cardboard baler instead, the volume of a single box can be reduced up to 85%, leading to cheaper waste collection costs.

Space Optimisation

Most vertical cardboard balers have the same footprint as an 1100 litre bin yet can store significantly more waste material within in. As a cardboard baler can be installed virtually anywhere, cardboard waste can be compacted at source to streamline your recycling procedures.

Reduced Manual Handling

Many businesses flat-pack cardboard boxes to squeeze as many in their DMR bins as possible. The Health and Safety Executive recommends that to reduce the risk of injury from manual handling, mechanical help should be provided where possible. Using a baler at work mechanises the process of flat-packing boxes.

Sustainability

Lastly the green credentials of any business can be improved significantly with a cardboard baler. All cardboard waste can be recycled after baling. Bins containing loose cardboard get emptied into a high emission truck. Baling cardboard means you will have few collections so large refuse lorries on the road which can you reduce CO2 emissions by 75%.

Conclusion: Balers deliver both tangible and intangible benefits to businesses and organisations in the UK. With 25+ years' experience, QCR is a trusted independent business providing reliable baler hire, supply and servicing. Our popular cardboard baler rental service can be tailored to your needs. If you are spending more than £20 per week on DMR bins, a baler trial is recommended.

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