Metal recycling and processing scrap metal using a scrap metal baler is an essential part of the sustainable waste management and circular economy. 

Here's a comprehensive overview of the process:

What Is a Scrap Metal Baler?

A scrap metal baler is a heavy-duty machine that compresses loose scrap metal into dense, manageable bales. This makes transportation, storage, and resale more efficient.

- Types: Horizontal and vertical balers (vertical are common for metal).

- Capacity: Ranges from 1 to 20+ tons per bale.

- Materials Processed: Aluminum, copper, steel, stainless steel, brass, etc.

Metal Recycling Processing with a Baler – Step-by-Step

1. Collection & Sorting

- Gather scrap metal from industrial sites, demolition, automotive, or household sources.

- Sort metals by type (e.g., ferrous vs. non-ferrous) using magnets, visual inspection, or spectrometers.

- Remove contaminants (plastic, rubber, dirt).

2. Preparation

- Cut or shred large pieces (e.g., car frames, appliances) using shears or shredders.

- Flatten or break down items to fit into the baler.

3. Baling Process

- Feed prepared scrap into the baler.

- Hydraulic pressure compacts the metal into tight rectangular bales (often 3–5 ft long).

- Steel ties or wire bundles secure the bale.

Benefits: Reduces volume by up to 80%, improves handling, lowers shipping costs.

4. Storage & Transportation

- Store bales in dry areas to prevent corrosion.

- Transport to recycling facilities via truck or rail.

5. Melting & Refining

At the recycling plant:

- Bales are melted in furnaces (electric arc or induction).

- Impurities are removed through fluxing or refining.

- Molten metal is cast into ingots or other forms for reuse.

Benefits of Using a Scrap Metal Baler

- Cost Savings: Lower transport and storage fees.

- Higher Value: Dense bales command better prices at recyclers.

- Environmental Impact: Saves energy (~74% less than primary production), reduces landfill use.

- Space Efficiency: Maximizes warehouse space.

Key Considerations

- Baler Size: Match capacity to your scrap volume (small shops vs. industrial plants).

- Maintenance: Regular hydraulic fluid checks, wear parts replacement.

- Safety: Use guards, follow lockout/tagout procedures.

- Regulations: Comply with local environmental and safety laws.

Pro Tips

- Use metal detectors before baling to avoid damaging equipment.

- Clean metal thoroughly—contaminants reduce value.

- Partner with certified recyclers to ensure ethical and efficient processing.

Market Outlook

The global scrap metal recycling market is growing rapidly (projected to exceed $400 billion by 2030). With rising demand for sustainable raw materials, balers play a vital role in turning waste into valuable resources.

Let me know if you need help choosing a baler model, calculating ROI, or designing a scrap metal recycling workflow!

Parameter

If you have any special requirements, we will customize according to your special needs.

Product Show

Advantage

> World famous brand of Siemens PLC to promise you run the machine without any worry.    

> Can press varous of metal scraps, non metal scraps, stainless steel scrap, metal chips etc...    

> 24 hours reply, video, phone call, email support, if any question, we response at first time.    

> Schneider electrical components prolong the service life of the machine.    

> Remote Control is optional, can archive automatic operation without worker.    

> Adopts china famous pump to keep baler machine run smoothly.    

> Output capacity can be up to 20-30bales per hour, more efficient.    

> One Button automatic PLC Control, just need to push one button, you can operate the machine continuously.    

Application

The baler machine can press below materials:

Aluminum cans tins	Light Metal Scrap	Copper Tube/Pipes	Coppe Wire Scrap
Aluminum Extrusion Profiles	Stainless Steel Scrap	Lead Strips	Aluminum Shavings

FAQ

> What grade of steel does the Hydraulic Aluminum Can Baler use on the baler? 

We use China Standard grate steel Q235 to assemble the main frame of the baler machine, and we also can make the machine per your requirement.    

> Can I get a local engineer for Movable Scrap Metal Baling Press installation? 

As for the installation, you can find a local enginner to install the machine, we will make detail marks on the machine, and we have video and user manaual for the machine, you just need to install the machine per the marks and user manual, that is Ok; Further more, we can send our engineer to your plance to help you to install the machine, you just need to pay salary for our engineers, and you can contact with us any time if any problems, our after sale team will give you suitable solutions accordingly.    

> How much pressing force of Heavy Metal Scrap Press Machine? 

The pressing force of the baler machine is different depends on which model will you need, if you have small capacity, and small bale size and bale weight, then small baler is Ok for you, and the pressing force is small accordingly, such as 100tons or 125tons.    

> How much is the shipping cost of Scrap Baling Press Machines For Steel Scrap? 

The shipping cost is varying over time,and different models of baler machine will need different containers to hold, if peak season and bigger models, the shipping cost will be higher, and on the contrary, the cost will be lower.    

> What is cooling system of Non Ferrous Metal Scrap Compression Baler Machine? 

Normally speaking, we have types of cooling system, one is water cooling, this cooling system is economical and easy to achive cooling effect, and another type is industrial chiller    

> How much would Automatic Baler Stainless Steel scrap press , its installation, and training cost me? 

The price of baler machine is different according to different bale size, bale weight and output capacity as for the installation, training cost, the machine is very easy, just put it on horizontal ground, adding hydraulic oil, connect to power supply, then operate per user manuals.    

> What is wall thickness of Scrap Metal Compactor Baling Machine? 

The wall thickness of the baler is different, big pressure force will use more thick wall thickness, and will use small thickness with small pressure force accordingly, for example, 100tons pressure force will use 12mm, and 315tons will use 25mm.    

> What is pressing force of France Scrap metal Baler Press? 

The pressing force of the briquetting or baler machine is different depends on different models, smaller machine has small pressing force, and bigger machines has big pressing force; and it is also determined by the material charastics and bale or briquette density.    

> How much price of Aluminum Can Hydraulic Press? Price of the baler machine is different, depends on how big of the machine is, but we can give you a word that our price of the machine is lower with high quality.