An Introduction To Fully Automatic Balers

Fully automatic balers satisfy specific business needs, which is what sets them apart from other baler types, such as vertical balers. A baler is a machine that efficiently compresses waste into a transportable block, known as a bale. These balers differ in that they are specifically designed to handle large volumes and will operate on a continuous basis.

We often get asked about fully automatic balers because they’re incredibly useful, time-saving and used by so many industries. These kinds of balers are found across the retail, manufacturing and food sectors – amongst others. However, you might not know if it’s the right machine for you. Well, you’re in the right place – we’ve answered all your burning baler questions.

• How Do Fully Automatic Balers Work?
• The Benefits of Using a Fully Automatic Baler
• Who Needs Balers?
• Fully Automatic Balers and Sustainability
• Which Baler is Right for Me?

How Do Fully Automatic Balers Work?

Balers can be semi-automatic or fully automatic. 

These baler types are designed to handle large waste loads. Our models vary in length from around 4 – 7m of floor space, they are low maintenance and able to produce bales all day long.

So how do they work?

A fully automatic waste baler senses when it contains enough waste to create a bale, starting automatically. The whole process is automatic, from compressing the waste to the finished bale being tied off. The only staff input needed is to load the waste and remove finished bales from the machine at the end. 

Fully automatic balers are a firm favourite with large organisations that produce a lot of waste because they make baling incredibly simple and efficient in terms of labour. Staff input is absolutely minimal, freeing your employees or colleagues to focus on other activities.

In contrast, a semi-automatic baler requires waste loading and starting when full. It then processes the bales and alerts staff when a bale is complete. Staff will then need to tie off and remove the bales themselves. It’s a little more manpower needed, but still an incredibly simple process. 

Benefits of Using a Fully Automatic Baler

There are many benefits to fully automatic balers. For example, while semi-automatic balers cost less than fully automatic, for clients with very heavy waste usage, the savings in staff time can be an advantage. In fact, investing in a fully automatic baler is guaranteed to pay for itself over time. 

You can also capitalise on the following benefits:

• The savings on staff time are huge – especially when using a fully-automatic baler. 
• There’s the potential for a new revenue stream through the selling of recycled materials.
• Consider the environmental benefits – the more waste recycled, the less is sent to break down in landfill, which also means less landfill tax. 
• Large amounts of waste can be dealt with in one single baling. 
• The robust design makes for a low maintenance machine with a long life.
• They’re low noise, meaning they don’t cause any poor working conditions.
• Properly baled waste has less chance of becoming a hygiene or safety issue.
• These machines are customisable and can be fitted with a bin lifter or bin tipper for added ease of use and labour savings.

Who Needs a Baler?

Fully automatic balers are great for organisations that produce a lot of waste, typically two tonnes a day or more. Organisations producing less than this may want to consider a vertical baler instead.

Balers are used for a huge range of materials which are recyclable, including cardboard waste, polythene, PET bottles and shredded paper. Some recycling centres actually pay for these materials, so baling can create an additional revenue stream for many organisations.

For this reason, they’re beneficial for almost any industry that produces large amounts of waste. 

Fully Automatic Balers and Sustainability

Sustainability is such an important consideration, especially when dealing with waste. Waste handling processes should be as sustainable as possible and balers really contribute to this. 

Many people aren’t aware that many materials, including PET and polystyrene, can be recycled. Businesses that utilise a baler are now a step closer to achieving their environmental goals and enjoy additional revenues, where in the past they were paying for waste to be removed.

Which Baler is Right for Me?

To determine what’s the right type of baler for you, you must consider the following: 

• How much waste do you produce? Large waste amounts mean large machines are needed. 
• What type of waste is it? A vertical baler is perfect for cardboard of polythene waste streams, whereas a fully automatic baler handles these and more.  
• What staff labour is available? Less staff labour means that larger amounts of waste tend to build up. You need a machine that keeps your waste streams from becoming bottlenecks. 
• What is your budget?
• What floor space is available? Vertical balers are perfect for smaller floor spaces, whereas fully automatic balers need more room. 

Here at Greenbank, we consider all of these points in a complimentary waste audit. We’ll carry out a cost analysis, looking at the price of the machine against the revenue you could earn from recycling materials. We always give you the full facts so you can make the decision that works best for you.

If you’ve read this blog and come to the conclusion you need a baler, but not one that’s as big as the fully automatic baler types due to a smaller waste stream, why not look at our vertical baler options?

In our vertical baler brochure, you can explore the models we have available and their specifications. In doing this, you’ll be one step closer to choosing the right vertical baler and one step closer to a better waste management practice overall.

Just click the link below to download your brochure now.