A guide to small Cardboard Baler hire

Small cardboard waste balers are an efficient solution for baling and compacting low quantities of cardboard. However, this doesn’t mean that they are only suitable for smaller-scale businesses such as individual pubs or shops. In fact, there are many situations where they are the great choice for larger businesses too. In this guide we’ll uncover a variety of scenarios where a small baler could be a better choice than a larger machine for your recyclable waste regardless of the size of your organization.

Scenario 1: As a secondary machine

A large business could rent a small baler as a secondary machine for a low-volume waste stream. For example, whilst a mill size baler may be the most efficient solution for compacting a continuous stream of used plastic packaging, if your business only handles a comparably small amount of cardboard waste, you could find that having a second baler at your site is more workable. This is primarily because your team will not have to wait until your primary machine becomes free to use but can also help your different waste stream to not contaminate each other.

Scenario 2: For a new site opening

Opening at a new site or location can be a daunting yet exciting prospect for any business. Whilst it is relatively easy to predict your waste needs at a current site with an established workflow, predicting how much waste will be generated at a new location is trickier. This is where hiring a small baler is a better solution than buying one until waste volumes are more predictable. One of the key features of a Baler Rental Agreement offered by QCR is the opportunity to upgrade your baler size mid-contract this helps any business with the desire to grow ensure that they have the optimum size of baler. 

Scenario 3: For crushing small boxes

If the boxes you want to crush are small, a baler with a small crushing chamber may be a better match than one with a larger chamber. Never underestimate the power of a small hydraulic cardboard baler, despite their size they’re still able to crush double-walled cardboard boxes with ease.

Scenario 4: For premises without a Forklift or Pallet Truck available

After the baling process is completed, we recommend that large cardboard bales are placed on a pallet because it makes them easier to move and it also helps to keep them dry. If you don’t have a forklift or pallet truck already at your premises, this could be an unforeseen additional expense of choosing a large machine. Instead, a small cardboard baler can be used in conjunction with a bale trolley which is comparatively cheaper.

Top 5 benefits of choosing a small recycling baler:

1. Cheaper hire price
   There’s no denying that a large baler often has an equally large price tag. In contrast, small balers are available to hire from QCR from as little as £15 (Ex VAT) per week.
2. Less space required
   Large balers need more floorspace and a higher ceiling height than smaller equivalent. Smaller machines can be installed in less traditional locations such as cellars or even inside a cupboard.
3. Lower power consumption
   Mill Size balers require three-phase power to propel the powerful hydraulic rams within them. Smaller sized balers have a broader range of power options including electric, compressed air or even solar. Those sites with an existing compressed air line can link it up to a smaller baler negating the need for any modifications to be made by an electrician prior to installation.
4. Cheaper consumables
   The cost of baler banding is cheaper than baler wire which is used by larger mill size machines. In addition to this, baler banding can be sent in the post whereas due to their size, wires are delivered on a pallet. 
5. Easier to deliver
   Due to the weight and size of a large baler, they often require specialist equipment in order to be delivered to your site. By contrast, delivery of a smaller baler is often easier because a smaller vehicle is required. An example of this is seen in London where some areas have schemes which control the movement of heavy goods vehicles over a certain weight on specific roads at specific times.

In short, this guide demonstrates that large businesses should not overlook the benefits that a smaller baling machine can deliver for their waste management. QCR offer a wide range of compact cardboard balers for hire and in most cases can offer a free small cardboard baler trial to businesses in the UK (subject to some geographical restrictions). By having a broad range of machine sizes available, QCR can confidently match a machine to your waste, budget and available space.