01242 620903Vertical vs Horizontal Balers: Which One Do I Need?
7th Sep 2023
When it comes to choosing a waste baler for your business, you'll encounter two main options: vertical balers and horizontal balers. In this article, we will explore the key differences between these two types of balers and help you determine which one is the right fit for your business.
Why choose a Vertical Baler?
Vertical waste balers are the preferred choice for businesses or operations with low-medium waste generation levels. Although they're still installed at larger businesses who don’t have the space, throughput or budget for a horizontal machine.
Why choose a Horizontal Baler?
The USP of horizontal balers is their advanced technology and ability to handle high waste throughputs. Unlike their vertical equivalents, horizontal balers can be linked with a conveyor belt or bin-lifting system making them the preferred choice for those that want to minimise waste handling.
How your business sector can effect your choice
Choosing between a horizontal or vertical baler depends largely on the needs of your workplace. Whereas vertical balers can be successfully installed in all sectors, horizontal machines only have a limited number of applications in which they will achieve a positive ROI (return on investment)
Hospitality (hotels, restaurants, holiday parks)
Hospitality businesses typically choose vertical balers because they don't produce enough material to justify the cost of a horizontal machine. The small footprint of a vertical baling machine makes it suitable for installing back of house in pubs, hotels and restaurants.
Warehouses
Since both vertical and horizontal balers help businesses to manage commercial waste more efficiently than bins, warehouses should compare the throughput of each before deciding between the two.
Education, student accommodation and residential housing providers
Vertical balers are sufficient for education and accommodation providers which typically only need a solution for compacting small to medium amounts of waste cardboard. Vertical machines require a trained operator which makes them only suitable for premises which have onsite staff.
Large logistics and distribution centres
Typically sites that operate 24/7 need an industrial-grade horizontal baler to match. However, for a small waste stream a vertical baler could be sufficient therefore it's best to get site-specific recommendations.
Vertical Baler vs. Horizontal: A Quick Comparison
Use our chart to compare both classifications of baler at a glance:
|
|
Vertical |
Horizontal |
|---|---|---|
|
Electric Supply |
13A, 16A or 3-Phase |
3-Phase 32A or 63A |
|
Pneumatic operation |
Selected models |
Not available |
|
Typical bale weight |
20kg-500kg |
350kg-900kg |
|
Door design |
Hinged or sliding |
Sliding |
|
Purchase & hire costs |
Low |
High |
|
Bale tie method |
Banding or Wires |
Wires only |
WHEN VERTICAL BALES ARE THE RIGHT CHOICE
- For producing small bales: The compaction chamber of a vertical baler is typically much smaller than the chamber of a horizontal machine as a result the bales produced are more manageable. For example the bale size made using a QCR 102 vertical waste baler can be as small as 65cm³.
- Workplaces with a supply of compressed air: Pneumatic vertical balers are suitable for premises which already have an air compressor installed. There is no horizontal pneumatic baler equivalent.
- Installation within urban areas: Vertical balers can be delivered on a smaller lorry than horizontals need making them more suitable for inner city locations with strict vehicle emissions and safety regulations.
CONCLUSION
In the vertical vs horizontal baler debate, the choice ultimately depends on your business's size, waste volume, and budget. Small businesses with limited waste generation may be able to spend as little as £16 per week to hire a vertical baler. In contrast, larger organisations with high waste volumes can benefit from the superior efficiency and productivity of a horizontal baler.
How businesses benefit from choosing a baler instead of bins
If you're still deciding on which baler you need, you'll be glad to know when compared to using bins for recycling, balers offer the following benefits:
Reduced Waste Costs & Landfill Waste:
Investing in a waste baler lowers disposal costs by compressing waste into manageable bales, reducing volume and landfill fees. This eco-friendly approach minimizes environmental impact by sending less waste to landfills.
Save Space:
Waste balers save valuable space in your facility when compared to using standard bin and skips. This is because compacted bales of recyclable materials take up less room than loose materials, optimizing storage.
Improved Site Hygiene:
Baled waste reduced the likelihood of clutter-related accidents and reduces the risk of pests. Additionally, compacted waste is less prone to ignition, contributing to fire prevention
Reduced Manual Handling:
The process of baling mechanises the process of squashing waste materials which complies with the obligations set out by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) for a UK business to avoid hazardous manual handling of waste where reasonably practical.
Explore QCR’s Wide Range of Baler Machines
If you're considering installing a waste baler in your business, QCR offers a wide range of baler rental and purchase options. Their team of approachable waste experts can help you find the perfect baler to meet your specific operational needs, at a competitive cost. Browse our Recycling Equipment today.
Updated 26/06/26
