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Looking for an effective way to handle your cardboard waste? MHM UK LTD offers high-quality cardboard balers and compactors designed to suit businesses of all sizes. Whether you're a small company or a large organization, our vertical and horizontal balers help streamline your waste management process, reduce storage space, and lower transportation costs.
Our machines use advanced hydraulic or pneumatic technology to compact cardboard waste into tightly bound, space-efficient bales. We have been approved by ApprovedBusinessUK.
MHM500 Vertical Baler
Versatile plastic waste baler for small to medium businesses. Compacts cardboard and plastic into easy-to-handle bales. Compact design suits indoor or outdoor use.
Difference Between Cardboard Balers and Compactors
Many UK businesses search for both cardboard balers and cardboard compactors, but these are different machines with distinct advantages. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right solution for your waste management needs.
What is a Cardboard Baler?
A cardboard baler compresses cardboard waste and secures it with plastic strapping or steel wire to create tight, stackable bales. Each bale typically weighs between 60-600kg depending on the machine size. The tied bales can be easily stacked, stored, and collected by recycling companies.
What is a Cardboard Compactor?
A cardboard compactor (also called a waste compactor) crushes cardboard and other waste materials into a large container or skip. The compressed material remains loose inside the container without being tied into bales. Compactors are typically used for mixed waste streams rather than cardboard-only recycling.
Key Differences: Baler vs Compactor
Why Choose a Cardboard Baler Over a Compactor?
1. Revenue Generation: Recycling companies pay significantly more for baled cardboard (£60-£100/tonne) compared to loose compacted cardboard (£0-£20/tonne). For most businesses, this revenue offsets the equipment cost within 12-24 months.
2. Space Efficiency: Bales can be stacked vertically, using minimal floor space. Compactors require dedicated space for large containers that cannot be stacked.
3. Collection Flexibility: Bales can be stored for days or weeks until you have a full load. Compactor containers need regular emptying by waste management companies on fixed schedules.
4. Lower Operating Costs: No skip rental fees (saving £150-£300/month). Bales are often collected free by recyclers who pay you for the material.
5. Cleaner Operation: Baled cardboard is contained and tidy. Compactors can have odour issues if mixed waste is included.
When Might You Need a Compactor Instead?
Cardboard compactors are only recommended if:
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You produce 10+ tonnes of mixed waste daily (not just cardboard)
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You need to compact general waste, food waste, and cardboard together
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You have a very high waste volume that a baler cannot handle
However, for cardboard-only recycling, a baler is always the more cost-effective and profitable choice for UK businesses.
Why choose a Cardboard baler from MHM?
Investing in such machine is a strategic move to reduce overhead costs and improve operational efficiency. Here’s how our balers can benefit your business:
Cost Savings:
Replacing multiple cardboard bins with a single baler can lead to significant reductions in waste collection costs. The baled cardboard can be easily stacked and collected by local recyclers, cutting down on the need for frequent bin emptying. Most often than not you can get a rebate for baled cardboard which adds to cost effectiveness of these machines.
Space Efficiency:
Cardboard balers occupy the same or less space than traditional waste bins, freeing up valuable space in your facility. The reduced need for bin storage can even create opportunities to repurpose areas for other uses.
Environmental Responsibility:
Baling cardboard reduces the need for high-emission refuse trucks to collect your waste frequently. By baling your cardboard, you can significantly cut down on your CO2 emissions, contributing to your business's green credentials.
Check out our other machines, like baler 40, 500HD vertical baler, MHM TC60 & TRC60 VERTICAL BALER, MHM TC200 & TRC200 Multi-Chamber Baler.
How Does a Cardboard Baler Work?
Here’s a quick overview of how the baling process works using a vertical baler:
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Load the Cardboard: Place the cardboard material inside the baler.
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Activate the Pressing Plate: Close the baler door and initiate the compression process.
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Bale Completion Notification: The baler will alert you once the bale is fully compacted and the door is safe to open.
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Secure the Bale: Tie the bale strapping to keep the bale intact and open the door.
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Eject the Bale: Release and remove the compacted bale from the machine.
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Prepare for the Next Bale: Reload the baler with bale strapping and start the process again.
How Much Can You Actually Save? Real Examples
Our customers across the UK see measurable cost savings within months of installation. Here are real-world scenarios based on typical businesses:
Small Café/Restaurant (MHM 60 Baler)
Before baler:
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2 cardboard bin collections per week: £120/month
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Staff time breaking down boxes: 2 hours/week
After installing MHM 60:
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1 bale collection per fortnight: £30/month
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Cardboard rebate: £40/month
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Monthly saving: £130 | ROI: 22 months
Medium Supermarket (MHM 200 Baler)
Before baler:
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Daily cardboard collections: £240/month
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Manual box flattening: 5 hours/week staff time
After installing MHM 200:
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Weekly bale collection: £60/month
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Cardboard rebate: £100/month
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Monthly saving: £280 | ROI: 20 months
Large Warehouse (MHM 500 Mill-Size Baler)
Before baler:
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Twice-weekly skip collections: £400/month
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Skip rental: £100/month
After installing MHM 500:
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Weekly bale collection: £80/month
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Cardboard rebate: £220/month (mill-size bales)
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Monthly saving: £640 | ROI: 16 months
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the difference between a cardboard baler and a compactor?
A: A baler creates tied, stackable bales that generate revenue (£60-£100/tonne). A compactor crushes waste into a loose container without ties, generating little to no revenue. For cardboard-only waste, balers are always more cost-effective. See our detailed comparison above.
Q: How much cardboard do I need to justify a baler?
A: If you produce 20kg+ of cardboard per day (approximately 3-4 large boxes), a baler will pay for itself within 18-24 months. Even small cafés and shops benefit from our MHM 60 model.
Q: Can I bale other materials besides cardboard?
A: Yes! Our balers also handle plastic film, shrink wrap, paper, and soft plastics. However, for best rebate value, separate cardboard from plastic when baling.
Q: How much space does a cardboard baler need?
A: Our smallest MHM 60 needs just 0.65m² floor space (same as a filing cabinet). Medium models need 1-1.5m². Large mill-size balers need approximately 2m². All models fit through standard doorways.
Q: Can the baler be installed outside?
A: Yes. All our larger models (MHM 200, 500, XL50, JS2000) can be installed outdoors. We recommend a simple weather cover for control panels. The MHM 60 is best suited for indoor use.
Q: How long does it take to make a bale?
A: Cycle time is 30-45 seconds per compression. A full bale typically requires 10-20 compressions depending on model and cardboard type. Total time: 20-40 minutes per bale for most users.
Q: What type of cardboard can be baled?
A: All types: corrugated boxes, single-wall boxes, double-wall boxes, cardboard sheets. The cardboard must be clean and dry. Remove tape, labels, and plastic wrapping for best rebate value.
Q: How much does a cardboard baler cost?
A: Purchase prices range from £2,000 (MHM 60) to £15,000 (MHM JS2000 fully-automatic). We also offer rental from £15/week including delivery, installation, training, and maintenance.
Q: Who will collect my baled cardboard?
A: We introduce you to our network of UK recycling companies who collect bales free of charge and pay rebates of £60-£100 per tonne based on cardboard quality and bale size.
Q: What maintenance is required?
A: Minimal. Monthly visual inspection and quarterly lubrication. We offer service contracts with 6-month professional inspections. Average maintenance cost: £200-£400 per year depending on usage.
Q: Is training included?
A: Yes. Full operator training is included with every installation. Training covers safe operation, bale strapping techniques, troubleshooting, and health & safety compliance. Training certificates provided.
Q: What warranty do you offer?
A: 12-month parts and labour warranty on all new machines. Extended warranties available. Nationwide breakdown support with typical response time of 24-48 hours.