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: Streamline production with balers and compactors
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
In manufacturing environments, packaging waste – such as cardboard, stretch wrap, plastic film or EPS – accumulates fast. Without proper compaction at the source, these materials can disrupt workflows, require excessive handling, and lead to high waste collection costs.
📌 Did you know?
Handling packaging waste can cost up to 10 x more than disposal alone!
With Mil-tek’s tailored solutions, you can reduce this cost burden through on-the-spot compaction, eliminating unnecessary internal movement.
Match the right solution
to your material stream
No matter your industry or scale, Mil-tek offers baling and compacting solutions that align with your waste management strategy and sustainability goals. Designed to support operations of all sizes – from small assembly lines to high-volume production sites – our solutions integrate seamlessly into your workflow. Built for efficiency, they help you minimize waste, optimize space, and streamline processes across your facility.
Book a free waste audit with us to determine the ideal solution for your waste streams, or get inspiration here:
Cardboard waste in production:
Most manufacturing facilities deal with high volumes of cardboard packaging.
For space-efficient compaction, A205 or A305 pneumatic balers are ideal for small to medium volumes.
For larger-scale operations, the A509 offers higher capacity with bale-out automation, and the E819 horizontal baler offers a continuous filling solution with automatic start.
A305
Vertical Baler
Usability:
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
Usability:
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
Usability:
Cardboard & Plastic
Power:
Electric, 25 tonnes pressing force
Key Attributes:
- • Up to 400 kg bales
- • 90 % compaction
- • 5 m² footprint
- • Continuous filling / automatic start
Polystyrene waste in production:
EPS is used frequently in manufacturing as protective packaging.
The EPS2000 compactor compresses this bulky waste material into dense blocks, significantly lowering storage space needs and disposal costs.
Food production waste:
Food production generates a wide range of dry, compactable waste, from packaging materials to general processing byproducts.
To manage this effectively while maintaining strict hygiene standards, Mil-tek offers stainless steel balers like the 2205S and 2306S. These oil-free, vertical balers are ideal for food environments, helping prevent cross-contamination while delivering efficient, space-saving waste compaction.
By baling your manufacturing waste, you turn it into compact, stackable, and recyclable bales – reducing storage needs and lowering transport expenses.
Let’s design your waste solution!
Request an on-site assessment
of your manufacturing business
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 placing compactors and balers right at the waste source, you can:
- Eliminate “waste walking” and double-handling
- Keep doors closed and reduce airborne contamination
- Shorten disposal time and boost productivity
- Minimise forklift traffic and manual transport risks
This approach supports 5S, Kaizen, and Value Stream Mapping – all key Lean tools used to reduce motion, waiting, and over-processing.
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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