Whether a mill size baler is worth it depends on your specific operational needs and workload volume. For many businesses across the UK, using a mill size baler saves massive amounts of workspace and transforms waste into a valuable commodity. Those considering this size of waste baler should enlist the help of an established supplier such as QCR to help you to accurately weigh up the cost vs. benefits.
What is a mill size baler?
A Mill Size Baler is the largest size of Vertical Waste Baler available in the UK. It uses powerful compaction forces to compress cardboard, paper, plastics, textiles and other similar soft recyclable waste materials into dense bales held together by wires. Good quality bales can be sent directly to a recycling mill without the need for further processing.
How much is a Mill Size Baler?
The cost of a baler varies based on condition, size and technical features. In addition to the cost of the machine itself, those considering this type of equipment must also consider the cost of servicing, maintenance and buying the baling wires needed to operate it.
High quality Mill Size Balers are not cheap. To avoid paying more than is necessary, businesses in the UK should seek advice from an experienced baler installer to help them calculate if installing a baler of this size would be beneficial to them. For those on a tight budget, refurbished or used machines are available.
How will a Mill Size Baler benefit my business?
Installing a Mill Size Baler can help an organisation to save money, time and space on recycling waste materials. After the baler is installed, vast quantities of recyclable materials can be baled instead of being thrown away in bins or skips. The costs of this type of machine are more expensive than standard machines, so a cost-benefit analysis is recommended.
What key factors determine the feasibility of mill size baling?
Consider these factors when determining if installing a mill size baler is worthwhile for your business:
Waste volume - Balers of this size need consistently high quantities of waste to justify the investment. Whilst, you can use it for baling multiple types of waste, each different type of waste must be baled separately.
Power supply - Balers of this type are fitted with a 5-pin plug. Check you have the right type of power socket nearby before it's delivered. This is because power is needed to commission the machine.
Floor space - Balers of this type require at least 3m x 3m of space so they can be operated safely. A safety zone should be clearly marked to identify the area around the machine which must be kept clear when it's baling out.
Bale storage space - You will need to ensure you have sufficient space to store your mill size bales at your premises. When calculating feasibility, keep in mind that the largest rebates are available to those that can store the equivalent of a full lorry load of bales.
Training Requirements - Don't forget that all operators must be fully trained to use baling equipment of this size to fulfil your obligations under PUWER workplace legislation. You'll also need to schedule mill size baling refresher training sessions for all users every 3-5 years.
Waste type - When determining suitability, bear in mind that his type of baler may only be used to bale cardboard, paper, plastic, textiles and similar soft materials. You cannot use it for compacting aerosol cans.
Bale collection arrangements - Ensure you have organised for a registered waste carrier to collect your bales at regular intervals. Check that they will provide you with a Waste Transfer Note (WTN) and an invoice for your records.
Bale movement - You'll need to check you have equipment to move the bales which weigh approximately 400-700kg. If you plan to use a forklift, it'll need to comply with LOLER legislation.
Baling wires - You'll need to factor in the cost of buying compatible baling wires for your machine when calculating running costs.
How to calculate the financial viability of a Mill Size Baler
The basic financial viability calculation for a mill size baler requires knowledge of the following values and uses the following formula:
Potential revenue from selling bales: The value of your bales will fluctuate due to global demand. For example the value of cardboard surged significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cost savings achieved by using it: The true cost of operational efficiency gains from using a baler of this size are hard to calculate without arranging for a free machine trial or a short-term hire. For example, the time saved by staff not needing to walk to and from your bin store may lead to increased productivity in other parts of the business.
Machine acquisition costs: New mill size balers can be expensive, so refurbished machines can help reduce the initial outlay. Check the quote closely to ensure the prices you've been quoted will not expire or increase with inflation.
Machine running costs: You'll need to budget for all costs relating to the use of the machine such as baling wires, electricity, servicing and maintenance.
TOP TIP: Booking a machine trial can help to answer how it will work in practice and you'll get accurate figures to find out if it'll be worthwhile.
What is the rebate potential of the bales made in a Mill Size Baler?
Many businesses invest time and resources into this type of baler because of the potential revenue they'll make from selling the bales. The value of the bale will fluctuate due to on market demand. To secure the best returns for mill-size bales you'll need:
Good quality bales free of contaminants (e.g. don't contain food waste)
Full lorry loads (equates to approx. 42 mill size bales on an articulated lorry with a payload of 24 tonnes)
Densely compacted uniform bales secured by wires
Getting started with mill size baling
When investigating this type of waste machinery, we recommend you enlist the support of a professional baler installer certified by SafeContractor™ such as QCR. The QCR team can provide you with free mill size baling advice to help you conduct a cost-benefit analysis before you decide. QCR are Mill Size Baler specialists with over 25 years experience of supplying new and refurbished waste baling equipment so we can share lots of case studies illustrating the use of this type of baler in a business premises.
Written by Neil Holland. Blog updated 28/07/26.
Neil helps businesses to lower their overheads and take control of their recycling with expertly delivered waste baling systems. Neil works with commercial clients across the UK to help them generate an income from selling bales of recyclable waste and reduce emissions to support decarbonisation targets. Book an appointment with Neil on 01242 620903.
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