Recycling Equipment for Sale
Why Invest in Recycling Equipment?
Whether you run a retail distribution center, a manufacturing plant, or a logistics operation, managing recyclable materials efficiently can unlock tremendous operational and financial benefits. Investing in commercial recycling equipment helps businesses take control of their waste stream, reduce hauling costs, and meet increasingly stringent sustainability standards.
As landfill fees rise and recycling rebates fluctuate, businesses across industries are recognizing the need for efficient, scalable solutions. Recycling equipment like cardboard balers, compactors, shredders, and conveyor systems are now essential for any facility aiming to reduce landfill waste and capture revenue from recyclables. When paired with the right accessories—like bale wire and bins—these tools form the backbone of a smart, scalable waste management strategy.
Done right, the integration of recycling systems into your operations can lead to measurable cost savings, improved safety, stronger environmental compliance, and new revenue from recovered materials. But to achieve these results, it’s essential to understand your options, choose the right equipment, and work with a provider that can support your growth over time.
What Types of Recycling Equipment Are Available?
The type of recycling equipment your business needs depends on the volume and variety of recyclable material your facility generates. Most commercial operations dealing with cardboard, plastics, or general packaging waste can benefit from a combination of balers, compactors, and accessories tailored to their material stream.
Cardboard Balers
Cardboard balers compress corrugated cardboard (OCC) into compact, stackable bales. This reduces storage needs and makes transportation and resale more efficient. They're ideal for warehouses, distribution centers, grocery stores, and retail chains generating high volumes of cardboard.
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Bale Wire & Recycling Accessories
Bale wire is used to secure compressed materials into bales, ensuring they stay intact during storage and transport. Other accessories, like safety guards and machine upgrades, help maintain equipment performance and workplace safety.
The key is having a setup that minimizes manual handling while maximizing throughput. Your equipment lineup should evolve with your waste stream—and choosing scalable, reliable machines from the outset will save you time and money as your needs grow.
New vs. Used Recycling Equipment: What’s Best for Your Business?
Budget is a significant factor in any recycling program upgrade. While new equipment offers the latest in safety features, energy efficiency, and automation, used equipment may appeal to businesses looking for a more affordable upfront investment.
New machines typically come with warranties, tech support, and longer expected lifespans, all of which can lower your risk and long-term service costs. Used equipment, while potentially more affordable initially, may require more maintenance and limit your access to modern upgrades or parts.
When investing in recycling equipment, one of the first decisions you'll face is whether to purchase new or used. Each option has its own set of advantages depending on your budget, facility demands, and long-term goals. The table below outlines the key differences to help you determine which route is the best fit for your operation.
Choosing the Right Equipment for Your Material Stream
Choosing the right equipment depends on your primary waste materials and how much you process daily. A small retail store might use a basic cardboard compactor, while a distribution center managing tons of OCC per day will require a heavy-duty cardboard compactor machine and high-capacity cardboard baler.
For operations handling multiple material types—such as cardboard, shrink wrap, plastic containers, and aluminum cans—having a modular system with balers, compactors, and conveyors allows for efficient sorting and processing. If you’re focused specifically on cardboard box recycling, your setup should prioritize bale quality, storage space, and access to buyers.
It’s also critical to evaluate throughput. Machines built for low-volume environments can wear out quickly in high-demand settings. A scalable solution allows your recycling program to grow alongside your business.
New Recycling Equipment
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Comes with manufacturer warranties and tech support
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Features the latest safety technology and energy-efficient systems
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Longer expected lifespan and reduced risk of downtime
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Access to the latest models and custom configurations
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Higher initial investment, but better long-term ROI
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Ideal for high-output facilities that prioritize reliability
Used Recycling Equipment
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Lower upfront cost, ideal for tight budgets
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May lack modern safety features or automation
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May require more frequent repairs and part replacements
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Limited availability and fewer customization options
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Cost-effective for low-volume or short-term needs
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Best suited for secondary locations or backup equipment
Understanding Equipment Costs & ROI
The cost of recycling equipment varies based on machine type, size, automation level, and material compatibility. A vertical baler may cost a few thousand dollars, while large horizontal balers or integrated conveyor systems can run into the tens of thousands. Compactors, shredders, and specialty systems fall somewhere in between.
That said, it’s not just the equipment price that matters—it’s the total return on investment. Consider the money saved by reducing hauling frequency, increasing load weights, and decreasing the number of dumpsters needed on-site. Add to that the potential revenue from selling baled cardboard, plastics, or aluminum at market rates.
When viewed through this lens, equipment that pays for itself in one to two years isn’t uncommon—especially for operations generating significant volumes of recyclable material. It’s not just about reducing waste; it’s about recapturing value.
Financing, Leasing & Buying Options
If buying equipment outright isn’t ideal for your current cash flow, leasing can offer a flexible alternative. Leasing allows you to spread costs over time while still reaping the benefits of modern, efficient machines.
Businesses often choose leasing when:
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Capital budgets are limited
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They want to test new equipment before fully committing
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They expect their facility needs to change or expand
Whether you lease or buy, it’s important to work with a provider who offers transparent pricing, maintenance plans, and options that support both your short-term needs and long-term goals
Recycling Equipment Maintenance & Servicing
If you're producing baled cardboard and wondering what to do with it, the good news is there are many options. Local recyclers, waste management providers, and specialized brokerage services often purchase baled cardboard directly from businesses.
FV Recycling offers a full-service approach to buying and brokering cardboard bales. We handle everything from on-site pickup and transportation to connecting your business with competitive buyers in the recycling market. Whether you’re producing a few bales a week or managing a high-volume program, we can streamline the process and turn your cardboard waste into a revenue stream.
Our bale route hauling services ensure timely pickups, and our brokerage team works to get you the best value based on current market trends. With FV Recycling, selling your bales is simple, efficient, and profitable.
Installation, Setup & Training
Investing in recycling equipment—whether it’s a cardboard compactor, baler, or shredder—is just the first step. To get the most out of your equipment, proper installation and training are essential. FV Recycling offers a turnkey setup and onboarding process that ensures your system is fully operational, safe, and integrated into your workflow from day one.
It starts with a detailed site assessment to determine the optimal location for your equipment. We evaluate your layout for space requirements, electrical or hydraulic access, material flow, and clearance—ensuring your new baler, compactor, or conveyor system fits seamlessly into your operation.
Once delivered, our technicians handle the full setup. Each machine is securely anchored, powered, and calibrated to match your specific recycling needs. If you’re replacing outdated systems, we’ll assist with safe removal and ensure your facility is updated to current safety standards.
Training is a key part of our process. We provide hands-on instruction so your team can confidently operate and maintain the equipment. From proper loading techniques and emergency stops to troubleshooting and routine maintenance, we equip your staff with the knowledge to minimize downtime and extend the life of your investment.
At FV Recycling, installation is more than just delivery—it’s a complete service experience designed to help you get the most from your recycling equipment for sale investment.
Support Equipment & Accessories
While balers, compactors, and shredders do the heavy lifting, it’s the support equipment that keeps your recycling operation running efficiently day to day. Overlooking these essentials can result in delays, safety issues, and reduced bale value.
Bale wire—especially high-quality cardboard baler wire—is vital for securing finished bales for transport and resale. FV Recycling supplies durable, galvanized baler wire in multiple gauges to match your machinery, including options for auto-tie systems in high-volume setups. If you're searching for baler wire near me, our supply programs make restocking simple and seamless.
Collection bins and staging containers reduce material handling and help maintain a clean, organized workspace. From compact tip carts to large roll-off containers, we tailor solutions to your facility layout and recycling flow.
For mixed material operations, sorting tables and conveyor accessories boost efficiency and help produce cleaner, more profitable bales. And while often overlooked, everyday tools—like wire cutters, baling hooks, and PPE—play a key role in maintaining safe, consistent productivity.
With FV Recycling, you don’t just get recycling equipment for sale—you get a complete solution, backed by reliable accessories and inventory support that keeps your system running at full capacity.
Why Buy Recycling Equipment from FV Recycling?
At FV Recycling, we believe in creating long-term partnerships with our customers. We’re not just selling machines—we’re offering a complete recycling solution backed by nationwide support, expert consulting, and a team that’s committed to your success.
Whether you need a single baler or a fully integrated recycling system, we guide you through every step—from needs assessment and financing to installation and servicing. Our goal is to help you reduce waste, improve efficiency, and unlock value from your recyclables.
Visit our lease, sell, and buy equipment page or connect with us today to find out how FV Recycling can equip your business for a cleaner, more profitable future.