Vertical Balers

Vertical balers are hand-fed machines that compact recyclable material into bales that are easier to store and move. Bale weights vary depending on the machine and the material being baled, starting at around 50kg on smaller models and running up to mill-size bales weighing around 500–600kg.

Balers should be serviced regularly to keep them operating safely and efficiently. As a general rule, most machines should be serviced every 6–12 months, depending on how heavily they are used. We provide nationwide servicing with certified engineers and offer affordable servicing plans designed to keep equipment running smoothly with regular maintenance. All replacement parts are covered by a manufacturer’s guarantee, and we can support machines regardless of where they were purchased.

These machines are designed with a relatively small footprint and can usually be installed where floor space is limited. They are often placed close to where waste is generated, such as packing areas, stockrooms or warehouse operations, allowing waste to be compacted as it builds up.

For sites with restricted access, some models can be delivered with the hydraulic ram removed and reassembled on site.

They can also be installed outside if needed. Their compact footprint is one of the main advantages over horizontal balers, which require significantly more space.

Our machines are designed with a range of built-in safety features to protect operators. This includes interlocked doors that prevent the machine from operating unless the loading door is fully closed, along with clearly accessible emergency stop controls.

Every machine we sell, hire or install comes with onsite operator training as standard to ensure the equipment is used safely and correctly.

In practice, balers are mainly used for cardboard, paper and plastic packaging, including shrink wrap and other lighter materials that build up during day-to-day operations. Some machines can also compact softer metals such as aluminium cans, depending on the model.

Because they’re simple to use and don’t rely on conveyors or continuous feeding, these machines suit sites where waste is added in smaller amounts rather than all at once.

The main costs include the machine itself, along with consumables such as baler wire or strapping and periodic servicing to keep the equipment operating safely and efficiently. Our smallest Vertical Baler starts from around £15 per week, while our largest Mill-Sized Vertical Baler starts from around £40 per week.

However, the purpose of a baler goes beyond simply reducing waste volume. By compacting materials into dense bales, businesses can significantly reduce the number of bin or skip collections required. Cardboard and plastic bales can also be sold on to recycling plants, which in some cases generate rebates depending on the material and volume.

Many customers find that even when the cost of the machine, consumables and servicing are factored in, a baler can still lead to overall savings. You can explore this further using our Savings Calculator.

These machines are commonly used in industries where packaging waste builds up gradually throughout the day rather than in large, continuous volumes. This includes sectors such as logistics and warehousing, hotels, manufacturing and hospitality.

Sites producing more consistent, high-volume waste streams are often better suited to horizontal balers, which are designed for continuous feeding.

If you're unsure what type of equipment would work best for your site, we can carry out a free full on-site audit to understand how waste is generated and recommend the most suitable solution.

Yes. The LFA 500 and LFA 500HD are capable of producing mill-sized bales, which are the largest bales typically produced.

These bales are tied using baler wire to hold the material together once ejected from the machine. Because mill-sized bales meet the size requirements expected by many recycling processors, they can achieve higher rebate values, as the material often does not require further processing before recycling