Step 1:

Read some of the basics:

Balers and Recycling

Baler Use and Reference Guide

Balers Application Guide

Recycling Start-Up Considerations (40 Point Checklist)

Recycling 10 Easy Steps for Getting Started

Cardboard Recycling

Scrap Index  - Be familiar with the 'going rate' of recyclables

Waste Materials (Recyclables) - Typical Weights Loose versus Compacted / Baled

Typical Industry Specific Waste Profiles  by Facility Type & Material Type Percentages

Step 2:

Decide on the size Baler you will need based upon the above links and other factors such as:

• Box / Cardboard sizes (and other material characteristics) being disposed of (The materials should be able to fit easily into the Feed Opening of the baler or much time will be spent breaking the boxes down to fit into the Baler

• Volume of recyclables (For example, determine the amount of loose recyclables per day, week or month being disposed of versus the number of bales that will result with the different size balers.

• Budget

• Desired / Required Bale Weights (sometimes dictated by the person or company who will be picking up and hauling your recyclables).

• Evaluate the Material Handling Equipment that is available for moving the bales to a temporary storage area for pick-up. For example, if you only have a pallet jack that is 20 years old and can only lift about 200 pounds (and you are not going to be upgrading this equipment), you do not want bale weights that are 1,000 pounds.  

• Evaluate the intended placement location of the Baler in relation to the Baler Footprint. In addition to the Baler Footprint there should be a 2 foot buffer (away from walls) on the back and sides and a larger buffer in the front where the bales will be removed. (In addition, in order for the Baler Set-Up to take place there will need to be a wall disconnect with a 'pigtail' running from the wall disconnect, all of which meets local code.)

• Evaluate the Storage Space that is available while awaiting pick-up of the baled recyclables.

• Evaluate the Container requirements and locations for collecting the recyclables as well as the sorting details etc.

Step 3:

Decide on the Baler Features and Options that will best suit your needs:

• Does your building have 3 Phase or Single Phase Electrical or both?

• Does the recyclable material have memory (such as plastics) that might be better served by a Baler with a longer stroke (which helps to remove the memory). 

• Do you want the Baler door to be hinged on the left side with the controls on the right (Standard arrangement) or do you need the Baler door to be hinged on the right with the controls on the left.

• Have you checked door clearances etc to make sure that the Baler (upon arrival) will fit through all of the doorways etc in order to be utilized in its intended location.

• Will Your Baler be used indoors or outdoors (requiring a Weatherproofing Package). Also, if the Baler is to be placed outdoors such as under a roof, will the Baler be exposed to very cold temperatures that might require a heater option. 

• Be sure to explain your situation in detail so that the person recommending a specific Baler can be armed with the right information

Step 4:

Choose the Right Supplier:

• We have one company in particular that we would highly recommend. Call us to find out who that would be for your Baler & Recycling needs:-)