How Much Does a Bale of Cardboard Weigh?

Stacks of cardboard bales.

The weight of a bale of cardboard is influenced by its size and density. Bales of cardboard are a common sight in recycling facilities and industries where large amounts of cardboard waste are generated. Understanding the weight of these bales is crucial for logistics, storage, and transportation. But the weight will also depend on what equipment is being used.

On average, a standard mill-sized bale measures approximately 1.5 metres in length, 1 metre in width, and 0.8 metres in height. Bales such as these typically weigh between 400 and 500 kilograms. The variation in weight can be attributed to the density and type of cardboard being baled, as well as the efficiency of the baling process. Higher density bales are more compact and therefore heavier, making them more efficient for transport and storage. The best way to do this is through the use of balers, which come in a variety of sizes, able to hold a variety of materials.

Stacks of cardboard bales.

In contrast, smaller bales produced by vertical balers, commonly used in smaller operations or facilities with less cardboard waste, weigh significantly less. Vertical balers are ideal for businesses that generate smaller volumes of cardboard, as they produce manageable bale sizes that are easier to handle and transport, yet still offer bang for buck. Take the BP18 baler for example: this heavy-duty baler processes cardboard in as little as 34 seconds, producing bales of up to 280kg (small fry in comparison to a machine like the GigaBaler, which can produce bales of up to 550kg).

The weight of the cardboard bales you might produce is an important factor to consider for several reasons. For recycling companies, knowing the weight helps in calculating the volume of recyclable material being processed, which can also determine how much you will be able to sell them for. For businesses, understanding the weight of their cardboard waste can assist in managing waste disposal costs and logistics. If you are unsure where to start when it comes to what type of baler you should invest in for your business, talk to us today and we can offer advice and tips to best suit your needs.