What is the difference between a Baler and a Compactor?
Question: What is the difference between a Baler and a Compactor?
Answer: A Baler is a machine that compresses recyclable materials such as cardboard (OCC), shrink-wrap, foam, plastics, carpet, some aluminum or copper, and other non-ferrous materials. Balers typically are manufactured in two distinct types – vertical and horizontal.
Most balers produce a 1,000 lb, what is called a “mill size” bale of cardboard. Depending on the density of the material, weights might change, but a standard bale is considered 60”X30”X48”. Some larger and some smaller, but a “mill size” bale is what is desired by the recyclers. A good rule of thumb is 100 lbs per cubic yard of material. Therefore a 1,000 lb bale is approximately 10 cubic yards.
A Compactor is generally used for non-recyclables such as trash, pallets, produce, other food items, and other materials destined to be trucked to a land fill. It comes in two distinct types – a stationary and a self-contained.