Small vs. Large Balers

Selecting the right baler for your waste handling needs can have a significant impact on your operational efficiency, floor space and overall waste management costs.

How To Choose The Right Baler

Whether you run a convenience store or a large-scale distribution center, the size of your baler — and the size of the bales it produces — should reflect the volume of recyclable material you generate.

When selecting a baler, the primary consideration is your daily or monthly waste volume. Small balers are ideal for limited space and smaller waste volumes, while larger balers handle bulkier materials and higher throughput.

Other factors to consider:

Available space and access (low ceiling, narrow doors etc)
Type and size of waste materials (e.g., large cardboard boxes, soft plastic)
Logistics and handling equipment (manual handling vs. pallet jack or forklift)
Budget and long-term waste goals

Which Baler Fits Your Business Size and Industry?

Your industry, waste type, and available space all affect which baler is right for you. Smaller businesses often prioritize a compact footprint and manual handling, while larger facilities may require automated solutions to handle higher waste volumes efficiently. Operational setup, internal logistics, and the type of recyclable material also play a key role when selecting the most suitable baler for your company.

Small Vertical Balers: Compact and Easy to Use

For companies with limited space or lower waste volumes, small vertical balers offer a compact footprint without compromising performance. These models are easy to position and operate, making them ideal for small businesses aiming to improve waste handling and reduce collection costs.

Vertical Baler

B4 Baler

Bale weight (cardboard): 85–130 lbs
Bale weight (plastic): 110–155 lbs
Compact footprint – ideal for small storage areas
Easy manual handling – no forklift required
Low noise level (<60 dB) for comfortable operation

Vertical baler

B5 Wide Baler

Wide feed opening for larger cardboard boxes
Bale weight (cardboard): 175–245 lbs
Bale weight (plastic): 200–290 lbs
Automatic bale ejection
Space-saving vertical design

Vertical baler

X10 HD baler

High press force of 10 tons
Bale weight: 155–245 lbs
Available with single or three-phase power
Ideal for businesses needing stronger compaction

Medium and Large Vertical Balers

Medium and large balers are designed to meet the demands of larger retail operations, warehouses, manufacturing sites, and distribution centres. These balers create heavier, more compact bales that reduce transportation frequency and associated costs.

Why Choose a Larger Baler?

Fewer bales to handle – save time on tying, storage, and transport
Higher bale weights – lower frequency of pick-ups
Reduced transport costs and CO₂ emissions
More efficient logistics – bales stack neatly on pallets

Vertical baler

Baler B20

Bale weight: 440–660 lbs
Front-loading strapping rolls for space-saving installation
Bales fit standard EUR-pallets

Vertical baler

B6030 Baler

Bale weight: 880–1,210 lbs
Wide chamber and feed opening for easy loading
High compaction with vertical design
Available with sliding door (SD) for easy operation

Vertical baler

Baler X6030 LP

Bale weight: 800–1,300 lbs
Wide filling opening and heavy-duty design
Handles bulky materials with ease

vertical baler

Baler X50 HD

Bale weight: 750–1,000 lbs (cardboard), 850–1,200 lbs (plastic)
High press force for efficient and quick compaction
Most material types are compacted easily
Minimal material expansion between press cycles

Vertical baler

Baler B7242 SD

Bale weight: 1,550–1,850 lbs
Extra-large chamber and filling opening
Designed for high-volume operations
Compatible with automatic or semi-automatic ejection

Integration Into Existing Workflows

Waste balers are most effective when they seamlessly fit into your daily operations. Whether your team handles waste manually or uses pallet jacks and forklifts, choosing a baler that integrates easily into your workflow helps minimize disruptions and maximise productivity.

For example, low-profile balers like the X30 LP are ideal for locations with limited ceiling height, while front-loading models with strapping access at the front – like the B20 – can be placed close to a wall to save space. For high-throughput environments, large vertical balers like the X50 can be placed near packaging stations or waste collection zones, reducing internal transport and handling time.

By aligning your baler selection with your team’s daily processes, you reduce unnecessary steps, cut down on labour, and make it easier to keep waste areas clean and organised.

Not sure which baler is right for you?

If you’re still unsure which baler best fits your needs, our experts are ready to help. Bramidan offers a wide range of balers tailored to every business size and waste type – and with over 150,000 machines installed worldwide, we know how to match you with the right solution.

We always take into account your waste volume, space constraints, budget and operational needs to recommend the perfect baler for your business. Whether you need a small baler for light packaging waste or a heavy-duty model for high-volume operations, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

FAQ: Most Common Questions & Answers

What Is the Difference Between a Small and a Large Baler?

Small balers are compact, easy to install, and often require no mechanical handling. Large balers take up more space but produce heavier bales—reducing pickups and making handling easier in larger setups.

What Materials Can Be Compressed?

You can compact a surprising number of different types of waste in a vertical baler.

We offer machines to bale:

Cardboard and paper
Shrink wrap and plastic packaging
Plastic PET bottles
Plastic trays and containers
Aluminum and tin cans
Fibrous materials, e.g., cotton and wool
Drums and barrels
Expanded plastic (EPS)
General production waste
Shredded waste

Contact a member of our sales team to discuss a baler solution for your specific waste type.

How Much Space Does a Baler Require?

A small machine like the B4 or B5 Wide only needs 1–1.5 m². Larger models like the B30 W or X50 require 3–5 m², plus space in front for bale ejection and pallet access. Don’t forget to consider ceiling height and access conditions.

Is It Difficult to Operate a Baler?

No. Bramidan balers are easy and safe to use. Your team will receive thorough training during installation, and features like automatic bale ejection and user-friendly control panels make daily operation simple.

What About Maintenance and Servicing?

Regular maintenance is minimal and typically involves checking oil levels, cleaning sensors, and inspecting strapping. With BRA-IN remote monitoring, many potential issues can be detected early and resolved without the need for on-site technician visits.

Is it possible to handle bales without fork lifts and ramps?

Yes, it is unnecessary to use a forklift to remove finsihed bales form our B3 and B4 small footprint balers. If needed, we can adjust the machine to make smaller bales which are no heavier than 55 – 65 lbs.