01242 620903How Much Should a Cardboard Bale Weigh?
19th Apr 2024
TrBale weights are an important factor for any business using a cardboard baler. This is because the weight of a bale influences the value and the manoeuvrability of the finished bale. Care must be taken to ensure the weight of the bales produced are an asset rather than a liability.
What Determines the Weight of a Bale?
- Bale Dimensions: In general, the larger the bale, the higher the bale weight
- Bale Density: Put simply, the higher the density, the heavier the bale will be
- Moisture Content: Baling damp cardboard material makes heavier bales than dry material
- Machine Operator: A well-trained baler operator is essential for producing evenly weighted bales
How Does Weight Effect the Value of a Cardboard Bale?
What is the Average Weight of a Cardboard Bale?
The average weight of a cardboard bale is dependent on the model of Cardboard Baler used to make it. Small bales of cardboard can weigh as little as 40kg whereas larger mill size balers can produce bales with average weights of 500kg. Most businesses do not need to know the exact weight bale produced therefore they do not need to source a machine an integrated bale scale.
What is the Average Price for a Cardboard Bale?
Like any commodity, the price of baled waste cardboard will rise and fall due to global demand. In early 2026, the value of baled cardboard fluctuates around £40-£150 per tonne. The value of a cardboard bale can be impacted by other factors including moisture content, quality (such as the presence of contamination), quantity and your location.
How does Bale Weight impact on Health & Safety at Work?
Bale weight is an important consideration for those responsible for health and safety at work. The HSE states that employers must protect their workers from the risk of injury from baling waste therefore a full risk assessment should be undertaken prior to producing a bale of any weight. Training is essential for all employees prior to using a baler. Some of the key risks identified relating to bale weight include:
- BALER SAFETY ZONE: A zone around a baler, known as the "safety zone" should be maintained when a baler is in operation to protect employees from heavy bales being ejected from the machine.
- BALE MOVEMENT: Appropriate equipment should be used to move bales. While there is no legal maximum lifting weight, exceeding recognised ergomonic limits drastically increases the risk of personal injury.
- BALE HANDLING: Bales of cardboard can weigh from 20kg - 650kg therefore you need to supply appropriate lifting aids to help employees move heavy bales safely.
Can Wet Cardboard be Added to Increase Bale Heaviness?
Wet cardboard within a bale is undesirable because the moisture can lead to mildew or mold growth which prevents it from being recycled. Wet, heavy bales of cardboard are also more difficult to transport because they have a higher risk of falling apart and damaging equipment. As a result, it’s important to keep cardboard bales away from any water sources and covered from the elements to prevent them from becoming a liability. Waste segregation training sessions are essential to all employees to highlight the need to remove wet cardboard waste prior to baling.
Shopping Cardboard Balers at QCR
With a wealth of awards and accreditations, as well as over 25 years of experience, QCR is a leading supplier of recycling equipment across the UK. From Recycling balers to heavy-duty cardboard shredders, we have everything your business needs for its waste solutions and more. From healthcare to education, hospitality to office buildings, we have solutions for all kinds of businesses.
Got a question regarding our services or one of our products? Get in touch with our team of experts via email or telephone and we’ll get back to you right away.
Updated 01/06/2026
