A Brief History of the First Recycling Baler

Hydraulic balers were a valuable invention that grew from the needs of farmers into industrial waste reduction solutions for businesses, retail establishments, and manufacturing facilities over time. Baler history starts with a need to compact and store agricultural products.

The First Hydraulic Baler

The first recycling baler was born from hay balers used in the farming industry since the 1930s. Automatic hay balers were designed to help compress hay into easily transportable bales. Baling hay also helped to reduce the amount of space required to store it and made stacking of bales easier.

From these early hay balers, different types of machines were developed to determine how hay was baled. Some balers roll the hay into circular shapes and then secure it in place using twine or netting. Other balers cut and compress the hay into rectangular shapes, after which it is also secured together using twine or netting.

Changing Needs Changed Baler History

As the efficiency of farming improved, thanks to various machines and equipment, there was a decline in the number of farmers. For equipment manufacturers, this meant fewer farmers purchasing equipment.

Since most equipment was designed to last for years, it also meant existing farmers would not be investing in equipment as often. As a result, farm equipment and machine manufacturers started to look for other uses and industries they could enter to ensure their future success.

Introducing Industrial Waste Balers

One such industry was waste management. Traditionally, trash was picked up and required large amounts of space for disposal. In the 1940s, the first waste balers were created based on hay balers for the purpose of industrial waste reduction.

Compacting certain types of waste into bundles that took up less space made disposal easier. During this same time, the trash compactor was also created for use in waste collection vehicles and at facilities to help compact other types of waste.

In the 1970s and 1980s, as awareness for the environment started to grow, waste management brokers started to adapt waste balers for recycling purposes, and the recycling baler was born. Initially, the primary use of recycling balers was for cardboard that could be compacted, cut, and broken down into bundled bales.

Modern Recycling Balers Reduce Operational Costs for Business

Today, there are several different types of recycling balers and compactors businesses can use to help protect our environment. Global Trash Solutions offers modern, safe, energy-efficient recycling balers and industrial waste management solutions for all sizes and types of facilities. To learn more about recycling solutions for your business, contact GTS to arrange a waste and recycling consultation and bring down the costs of recycling or even turn your waste materials into a revenue stream today!