How to Make Money from Cardboard Waste

If your business generates a lot of cardboard waste, investing in a cardboard baler is one of the simplest ways to minimize waste volume and save money on disposal fees when compared to using DMR (dry mixed recyclable bins) or skips.

Cardboard waste been baled in a mill size baler machine can be sold to recycling companies, creating a new revenue stream and converting what was previously a liability into cash. In this article, we will explore how you can make money from your cardboard waste and the other benefits of acquiring a cardboard baler for your organisation.

How to make money from my cardboard waste

Cardboard waste is valuable. Registered waste carriers make money from cardboard by separating it from the other types of waste they collect from businesses and organisations across the UK. Once they have collected lots of cardboard, they bale it at their own premises into mill sized bales and then sell it onto a Recycler to be processed into new material. Individual businesses can replicate this process by installing their own Mill Size Waste Baler and selling the bales directly to a Recycler. 

How do I make a mill size bale?

You need a special type of baler to make a mill sized bale of cardboard. Most businesses opt for a vertical mill size baler because they require less space than the horizontal equivalent. Whatever machine you choose, it must consistently produce bales of 100cm x 120cm x 80cm and weigh no less than 400kg.

How much is a bale worth?

Bale value is dependant on a number of factors including the quantity you produce, bale size, bale quality, global demand, and your location. Mill sized bales of cardboard achieve the highest prices. Smaller bales are less valuable because they must be re-baled before they can be processed at a recycling mill. 

Can my business benefit from a cardboard baler?

You'll need to consider the initial cost of the machine, ongoing maintenance and operational costs to get an accurate picture on your forecasted investment return. Enlisting the help of a cardboard baler specialist such as QCR can help you calculate if a baler will be a worthwhile invesment for your business.

TOP TIP: Book a free cardboard waste consultation with QCR to find out the value of your waste cardboard.

Is it easy to bale cardboard?

The short answer is yes. However, there are some caveats. For hassle-free baling you need to ensure that the baler is compliant with the latest safety standards, is correctly maintained and your team have been properly trained to use it. Baler rental package are available that combine all these elements under a fixed monthly plan.

How much does baling equipment cost?

New, used and refurbished baling equipment is available. Many businesses choose to hire instead of purchasing a baling equipment so the savings generated each month can be used to offset the monthly hire cost.

The benefits of a cardboard baler

1. Reduced Waste Removal Fees

Typically 2-3 bins of cardboard can be compacted in a medium sized cardboard baler to produce a single bale. Cardboard recycling companies in most parts of the UK will collect bales of cardboard for free or for a nominal charge. Mill sized bales of cardboard offer rebate potential.

2. Free Up Workspace

A baler will mechanically flatten boxes in bulk and also minimise air pockets to produce a dense bundle of cardboard. As a result of this compaction process, businesses can reduce the number of commercial wheelie bins they need for the temproary storage of recycling waste freeing up workspace.

3. Reduced Disruption

Compacted cardboard can be collected and transported more efficiently than loose material because it has been condensed and secured. As a result, fewer waste collection vehicles are needed to transport your business waste helping to reduce disruption to your operations and your neighbours from visiting vehicles.

4. Compliance with Simpler Recycling Regulations 

New recycling rules in England implemented in 2025 by the UK Government placed a greater responsibility for businesses implement procedures to ringfence uncontaminated cardboard waste for recycling. Balers can help businesses to comply with these new regulations because they encourage employees to separate and segregate different types of recyclable materials from non-recyclable 'black bin' waste.

What are the Laws on Waste Cardboard?

All businesses in the UK are legally required to safely store and responsibly dispose of their cardboard waste. As a result, all businesses must decide upon the most suitable way to fulfil their recycling obligations and maintain accurate records to demonstrate their compliance.

Shop Cardboard Balers with QCR

If you're thinking about installing a waste baler in your business, QCR has a variety of baler rental and purchase options. Their friendly waste professionals can assist you in finding the ideal baler to match your particular operating needs at a competitive price.

Purchasing a waste baler not only lowers waste-related costs but also reflects your dedication to environmental responsibility. So, let us assist you in assessing your business's particular needs and picking the baler that best fits your waste management objectives.

Article updated: 02/02/2026