Main Takeaway: Baled cardboard is a modestly valued commodity whose price fluctuates with fiber markets, supply–demand dynamics, bale quality, and regional factors. As of August 2025, U.S. scrap‐yard prices average about $66.67 per ton, yielding roughly $22 per 660 lb bale. Prices can range from $40 to $95 per ton (≈$13–$31 per bale), while U.K. rates span £50–£150 per ton. Understanding these ranges, bale weights, quality grades, and timing can help sellers and buyers optimize revenue and costs.
1. Bale Weight and Units of Measure
A standard “mill‐size” bale produced by a vertical baler typically measures 60″×30″×48″ and weighs 800–1,000 lb (≈0.36–0.45 ton). Medium‐size bales (47.2″×31.5″×31.5″) weigh ≈660 lb (0.33 ton) [Recycling.com]. Small balers may yield bales as light as 30 kg; industrial balers produce up to 750 kg or more.
- 1 ton = 2,000 lb.
- Bale weight in tons = bale weight (lb) ÷ 2,000 lb/ton.
Example: A 660 lb bale = 660 lb ÷ 2,000 lb/ton = 0.33 ton.
2. U.S. Pricing (August 2025)
| Price Metric | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD per ton of baled cardboard | $40 | $66.67 | $95 |
| Value per 660 lb (0.33 ton) bale | $13.20 | $22.00 | $31.35 |
Source: ScrapMonster (updated 04-Aug-2025)
- Low–High Range: $40–$95 per ton
- Average: $66.67 per ton
- Per‐bale Value (660 lb):
- Low: 0.33 ton×$40 = $13.20
- Avg: 0.33 ton×$66.67 = $22.00
- High: 0.33 ton×$95 = $31.35
Regional Variations
Prices vary city by city; e.g., in California cities:
- Fontana: $40/ton
- Monrovia: $65/ton
- Perris: $95/ton
Local logistics, transportation, and mill proximity drive these differences.
3. Historical and Global Price Fluctuations
- 2018–2022 U.S. Range: $20–$210 per ton [Recycling.com]
- European Markets:
- U.K.: £50–£150 per ton for clean cardboard bales [Business Waste].
- Canada (Brampton): $140 per ton listing (Aug 2025) [Recycler’s World].
Global demand cycles—especially import/export policies, pulp prices, and manufacturing shifts—cause significant volatility.
4. Factors Influencing Bale Price
- Quality & Purity: Clean, sorted corrugated cardboard (OCC) commands premiums.
- Contamination: Tape, food-soiled material, mixed fiber reduce value.
- Bale Density: Denser, well‐tied bales lower transport costs and increase per‐bale yield.
- Volume & Contract: Bulk deliveries and long‐term contracts often secure better rates.
- Seasonal Demand: Holiday shipping peaks can raise prices; off‐peak periods see declines.
- Regional Logistics: Transportation distance and fuel costs adjust net payouts.
- Global Fiber Markets: International paper mill demand and raw pulp competition.
5. Strategies to Maximize Value
- Optimize Bale Quality: Remove non‐cardboard contaminants; maintain consistent bale density.
- Aggregate Volumes: Coordinate with nearby generators to achieve truckload quantities (20–25 tons).
- Monitor Market Trends: Track commodity indexes (e.g., Recycler’s World, FibreBox Index) to time sales.
- Negotiate Local Rates: Compare multiple recyclers and negotiate better per‐ton prices based on volume.
- Consider On‐site Balers: For high‐volume generators, baler investment can reduce hauling costs and generate revenue.
6. Calculating Your Bale Worth Today
- Determine Bale Weight: Weigh representative sample bales.
- Convert to Tons: Divide weight (lb) by 2,000.
- Find Local Price: Obtain current $/ton quote from recyclers.
- Compute Value: Tons × $/ton = $ per bale.
Illustration:
- Bale = 900 lb = 0.45 ton.
- Local rate = $80 per ton.
- Bale value = 0.45 × $80 = $36.
Conclusion
Baled cardboard remains a modest but important revenue stream for waste generators and recyclers. As of August 2025, U.S. average scrap‐yard prices are around $66.67 per ton (≈$22 per 660 lb bale), with USD 40–95 per ton typical. U.K. and Canadian markets show comparable ranges. By understanding bale weights, monitoring fiber markets, and optimizing bale quality and volume, sellers can maximize returns, while buyers benefit from consistent fiber supplies for paper manufacturing.
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