Waste handling in manufacturing
This page explores how optimised waste handling can improve workflow, reduce risk and costs, and enhance overall efficiency in the production sector.
Manufacturing Waste Solutions
As a manufacturer, you can reduce costs, save space, and boost efficiency by integrating Mil-tek’s sector-specific balers and compactors directly into your production workflow.
✅ Get expert advice on the right baler(s) for your production → Talk to a Mil-tek consultant
✅ Explore models for cardboard, plastic, polystyrene and more → Browse all balers and compactors
The hidden cost of packaging waste in manufacturing
Packaging waste like cardboard, plastic film, and EPS builds up fast in manufacturing. Without compacting it at the source, it clutters workflows, increases handling, and drives up costs.
📌 Did you know?
Handling waste can cost up to 10 x more than disposal!
How can manufacturers reduce waste
Lean principles have long been a cornerstone of modern manufacturing. By focusing on efficiency, flow, and continuous improvement, Lean helps businesses stay competitive while delivering high-quality output with less waste. And waste, in the Lean sense, comes in many forms—not just lost time or overproduction, but also the physical by-products of daily operations.
Applying a Lean approach to waste handling means treating it as part of your value stream—not as an afterthought. Balers, compactors, and smart placement of waste-handling equipment can reduce clutter, cut down on unnecessary movement, and support a cleaner, more organized production environment.
Key ways to put this into practice include:
- Regular waste audits
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Setting clear waste reduction goals
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Assigning responsibility
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Training staff on best practices
- Installing waste-minimizing equipment in key locations
Waste Management Solutions for the Manufacturing Industry
Book a free waste audit with us to determine the ideal solution for your facility.
Or explore baler solutions for common manufacturing waste materials below.
Cardboard waste in production
Cardboard waste clogs manufacturing efficiency. Mil-tek balers – from the compact A305 to the high-volume E819 – cut the clutter, automate the process, and reclaim your space.
View all cardboard balers
or specific industry recommendations below:
A305 Vertical Baler
Usage:
Cardboard & Plastic
Power:
Pneumatic, 4 tonnes pressing force
Key Attributes:
- • Up to 175 kg bales
- • 90 % compaction
- • 0.85 m² footprint
- • Automated bale-out
A509 Vertical Baler
Usage:
Cardboard & Plastic
Power:
Pneumatic, 4 tonnes pressing force
Key Attributes:
- • Up to 300 kg bales
- • 90 % compaction
- • 1.5 m² footprint
- • Adjustable bale size
E819 Horizontal Baler
Usage:
Cardboard & Plastic
Power:
Electric, 25 tonnes pressing force
Key Attributes:
- • Up to 400 kg bales
- • 90 % compaction
- • 5 m² footprint
- • Continuous filling / automatic start
Plastic waste in production
Soft plastic waste is a constant in manufacturing, from stretch film to plastic wrap and bags. Mil-tek provides powerful solutions for soft plastic waste, with balers built to handle everyday demand and shrink volume by up to 90%.
View all plastic balers
or specific industry recommendations below:
A406 Vertical Baler
Usage:
Plastic & Cardboard
Power:
Pneumatic, 8 tonnes pressing force
Key Attributes:
- • Up to 225 kg bales
- • 90 % compaction
- • 1 m² footprint
- • Automated bale-out
E619 Vertical Baler
Usage:
Plastic & Cardboard
Power:
Electric, 25 tonnes pressing force
Key Attributes:
- • Up to 400 kg bales
- • 90 % compaction
- • Low height
- • No hydraulics
H600 Vertical Baler
Usage:
Plastic & Cardboard
Power:
Hydraulic, 60 tonnes pressing force
Key Attributes:
- • Up to 500 kg bales
- • 90 % compaction
- • Mill size bales
- • Automatic door operation / bale ejection
Polystyrene waste in production
EPS is widely used in manufacturing for protective packaging. Mil-tek’s EPS1000 and larger EPS2000 compactors turn bulky EPS waste into dense blocks, cutting down storage needs and disposal costs.
View polystyrene compactors
or specific industry recommendations below:
EPS1000 Compactor
Usage:
Polystyrene
Power:
Electric, 3 × 400 V, 1.8 kW
Key Attributes:
- • Volume reduction 40:1
- • Makes dense blocks of up to 300 kg
- • Compacts up to 15 kg./hour
- • Sell blocks to recyclers
EPS2000 Compactor
Usage:
Polystyrene
Power:
Electric, 3 × 400 V, 1.8 kW
Key Attributes:
- • Volume reduction 40:1
- • Makes dense blocks of up to 300 kg
- • Compacts up to 70 kg./hour
- • Sell blocks to recyclers
Food production waste
In hygiene-critical food production, waste needs clean, safe handling. Mil-tek’s stainless steel, oil-free balers – such as the 2205S and 2306S – compact cardboard and plastic without compromising sanitation.
View specific industry recommendations below:
2205S Baler
Usage:
Cardboard & Plastic
Power:
Pneumatic, 2 tonnes pressing force
Key Attributes:
- • Up to 120 kg bales
- • 90 % compaction
- • Stainless steel & no hydraulics
- • Small footprint
2306S Baler
Usage:
Cardboard & Plastic
Power:
Pneumatic, 8 tonnes pressing force
Key Attributes:
- • Up to 250 kg bales
- • 90 % compaction
- • Stainless steel & no hydraulics
- • Automated bale-out
By baling your manufacturing waste, you turn it into compact, stackable, and recyclable bales – reducing storage needs, saving time, and lowering transport expenses.
Let’s design your waste solution!
Book a free site survey and discover smarter waste solutions for your manufacturing facility.
We can help you integrate Lean practices beyond the production line
While Lean methodology is well embedded on the production floor, waste handling is often still disconnected from the continuous improvement mindset.
By integrating balers and compacting waste at the source, you can:
- Eliminate “waste walking” and double-handling
- Keep doors closed to reduce airborne contamination
- Shorten disposal time and free up staff hours
- Boost productivity and improve operational efficiency
- Minimise forklift traffic and reduce manual transport risks
TIP!
Reduce dust build-up in rip-and-tip areas with our dust extraction solution, designed to fit directly on your baler.
Get in touch 📞
We’re ready to help your manufacturing business
manage waste more efficiently!
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