What is a Cardboard Baler?

Cardboard Balers are machines that compact and secure cardboard box waste into bundles known as bales. They have risen in popularity in 2025 due to the rising costs of commercial waste collection in the UK and growing pressure for businesses to act more sustainably.

Previously only found in large warehouses, they are now being adopted by businesses and organisations of all sizes and within all sectors as they seek efficiencies to offset rising overheads and conform to new waste disposal legislation. 

How do they work?

Put simply, cardboard waste is inserted into the baler and then a pressing plate compacts it down. When full, the bundle of cardboard is secured with either banding or wires, creating a bale. As a result, balers negate the need for businesses to have commercial recycling bins for their cardboard box waste at their site.

What do they look like?

Balers are available in different sizes and can either be vertical or horizontal in design. You can also choose from either single phase electric, 3 phase electric or a machine powered by compressed air. 

As with any equipment, there are a broad number of options available including no-frills machines to those upgraded with the latest technologies. It's therefore essential for you to understand what functionality is required to avoid overpaying for a feature that they will not use.

Who can use a baler?

Only trained personnel should use a baler. It is also strongly recommend that users put on appropriate PPE before using the machine. Baler users must have understood the instruction manual fully before operating the machine. They must also be able to understand the safety stickers applied to the machine.

Before starting to use the machine, the operator must check the daily, weekly and monthly tests and visual inspection tasks relating to the machine have been completed.  The user must also ensure that the area around the baler is clear of other personnel and other obstructions that could cause harm. Details of the minimum amount of safe working area around the machine is detailed in the instruction manual. The user must also check that the area that the baler is installed in is well-lit.