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The ACM guide to recycling equipment: Understanding the types, functions, and benefits.
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BlogIn a world increasingly focused on sustainability and environmental conservation, recycling plays a crucial role in reducing waste and preserving precious resources. However, effective recycling requires the right tools and equipment to streamline the process and maximize efficiency. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the essential recycling equipment needed to establish and maintain successful recycling programs.
Recycling Balers: Baling Waste for Easy Handling
ACM’s Recycling Balers are essential for compressing your recyclable materials onsite. We help customers compact bales of various materials, such as cardboard, paper, plastics, and metals to make them easier to handle, transport, and store onsite.
There are typically two types of balers to choose from, Vertical Balers and Horizontal Balers. Horizontal Balers are ideal for smaller-scale operations, while Horizontal Balers are more suitable for larger quantities and bulkier material. When choosing to hire a recycling baler, you help your business reduce storage space requirements onsite and transportation costs of the materials, whilst increasing the value of recyclable materials too!
ACM has a variety of vertical and horizontal balers suitable for locations of all sizes, even where space is limited. They can be used for baling cardboard, plastic, paper, and other recyclable materials. Here is a breakdown of ACM’s available baler recycling equipment:
Mid range baler
For businesses and locations that generate lower volume of multiple recyclable waste streams. The Mid Range Balers can support these waste streams and bale material in mid-range balers making recycling easier, and more efficient and increasing the value to reprocessors.
Mill size baler
Produce densely compacted, rectangular bales that are easy to stack and ready to be transported. The Mill Size Baler is suitable for cardboard, plastic, and paper.
Horizontal baler
A great solution for managing very large volumes of recyclable waste. Powered by the latest technology, Horizontal Balers process a variety of materials including plastic bottles, paper and cardboard.
Ancillary Equipment
Next up is Ancillary Equipment. The meaning and usage of Ancillary Equipment can vary depending on the industry, but the definition remains the same; “mechanical equipment used to support or assist a primary item of equipment in meeting its functional duties”.
In the waste and recycling industry, you will usually find items like Mobile Bin Lifts, Conveyors and Polystyrene Densifiers placed under this category.
Waste compactors
Compactors are used to compress and compact recyclable materials, reducing their volume and optimizing storage space. They are commonly used for materials such as general waste, dry mixed recyclables, and food, Compactors come in various sizes and configurations, including stationary compactors for fixed locations and portable compactors for on-the-go recycling needs. By compacting materials, compactors reduce the frequency of waste collection and transportation, saving time and resources.
Here is a list of the available ACM waste compactors and a breakdown of their functions:
Portable waste compactors
Providing a clean, efficient method for collecting and disposing of waste, Portable compactors are 100% leak and odour proof and suitable for general waste, food waste as well as dry recyclables. They are hygienic and safe – being closed containers, they safeguard against fire risk, avoid contamination by waste spillage and stop infestation by insects and vermin.
ACM’s portable waste compactors have a compaction ratio of 6:1, meaning they can be emptied less frequently than conventional waste compactors. Portable waste compactors are usually emptied on a ‘tip and return’ basis. When full, the compactor is collected and taken to the nearest waste disposal site to be emptied.
Static waste compactors
Compacting waste in containers rather than inside the compactor itself, Static compactors are ideal for handling dry mixed recycling, cardboard, plastics and packaging.
ACM’s smallest static waste compactor still offers generous capacity and with an industry-leading compaction force of 34 tonnes, it will hugely reduce the volume of your waste, resulting in fewer collections and lower costs.
Static compactors can be used either as standalone equipment or incorporated into a wide variety of waste-handling systems. Whichever the operating mode, they must be located on a level concrete base.
Specialist waste compactors
For industries that require high-performing compaction for difficult-to-handle waste streams, or need very specific and tailored collections, specialist compacts are a great substitute. Here are the typical items found under this category, along with some of their uses:
Spoon lift compactor
With a low-level filling height, the Spoon Lift Compactor can accept large volumes in one cycle and the design ensures no spillage of material. It is PLC-controlled, with power and controls on both sides and vandal-proof doors. The machine has ‘full’ and ‘pre-full’ lights that are to CHEM specification.
Screw compactor
Ideally suited to high volumes of wood pallets, crates, and cards, with a special in-feed system to avoid bridging of bulky items. The continuous feed and coarse shredding feature ensure maximum container filling and the static version provides a minimal overall footprint. The Screw Compactor has a modern control system, which advises of container filling in 5% increments.
Swept-RAM compactor for food
Fully leak-proof to reduce odours and leakage. The Swept-RAM design eliminates the need for cleaning behind the compaction blade. Hydraulics are mounted high to allow for liquid content and there are controls on both sides with vandal-proof doors. The machine has ‘full’ and ‘pre-full’ lights that are to CHEM specification and it is collected by a standard roll-on-roll-off vehicle.
Split-chamber compactor
The container is separated into 2 different waste streams and the sides of the compactor are open to ensure easy removal of difficult waste types. The Split-Chamber Compactor is ideal for large-volume on-site segregation. It is PLC-controlled, with power and controls on both sides and vandal-proof doors. The machine has ‘full’ and ‘pre-full’ lights that are to CHEM specification and it is collected by a standard roll-on-roll-off vehicle.
To summarise
Investing in the right waste handling and recycling equipment is essential for sites to establish and maintain successful recycling programs. By utilising recycling balers, waste compactors and ancillary equipment, industries can work together with recycling facilities to enhance efficiency, increase material recovery rates, and promote environmental sustainability. With the correct waste handling recycling equipment and innovations, we can work together to create a better future