The Money in Your Cardboard

Did you know those bulky cardboard bales lying around your business could actually be worth some money? Cardboard bales are valuable secondary raw materials that can fetch you money on the global market for wood fiber products. The price of a bale of cardboard, however, is not set in stone; it fluctuates significantly. Over the past five years, the price of a metric ton of cardboard in the U.S. has really swung.

Typically weighing around 660 lbs/300 kg, an average cardboard bale has been valued low AND high in recent years. But it’s not just about the money; there are additional perks to baling cardboard. Apart from the revenues generated, baling cardboard brings about cost savings and environmental benefits. So, it’s a win-win situation!

Now, let’s delve into the factors influencing the price you get for your cardboard bales. Firstly, it depends on what paper mills are willing to pay on a given day, determined by supply and demand. The quality of the cardboard also matters; clean corrugated cardboard fetches a better price. Additionally, paper mills usually buy cardboard from recycling companies, which adds another layer of cost. Despite this, investing in a baler machine can save your business a substantial amount in hauling costs—up to 80% to 90%—as it significantly reduces the volume of cardboard waste. It’s a smart move for your business’s bottom line and the planet!  So if you want to help your business bottom line AND the environment, think about getting a baler for your business as well as scheduling cardboard bale pickup services.