Horizontal baler or vertical baler – which one is right for you?

Uncover the unique advantages of each type of machinery outlined below.guiding you towards the best fit for your operational needs.

Horizontal baler with cardboard and vertical B4 baler in front

Different machines for different needs

Depending on your industry and waste volume, the right machinery is critical for operational efficiency.

Every business generates waste differently. Industries like logistics, public sector, retail and manufacturing all face unique challenges when it comes to handling cardboard, soft plastic, shrink wrap, and other recyclables. The question isn’t whether you need a baler — it’s which type suits your needs best.

Vertical and horizontal balers both compact waste into dense, uniform bales, optimising transport and reducing storage space. However, the right choice depends on waste volume, staff capacity, workflow, and the physical layout of your site.

Vertical baler: compact machine with high performance

Vertical balers are a space-saving and cost-efficient solution for companies handling moderate to high volumes of recyclables. Waste is loaded manually into the top of the chamber and compressed from above, making these machines ideal for cardboard, soft plastic, paper and similar fractions.

Benefits of vertical balers:

Compact design – fits easily into storage rooms, backrooms or production areas
Wide model range – from 30 kg to 600+ kg bale weight
Lower upfront investment compared to horizontal models
Easy to operate and install – plug-and-play functionality
Minimal training required – ideal for retail and staff-operated areas
Available with different door types for optimised loading

Horizontal baler: high-Volume waste compaction

Horizontal balers are designed for larger businesses with continuous waste production. These machines allow for automatic or semi-automatic loading via conveyor belts or tipping systems, and are ideal for businesses looking to automate their waste handling processes and reduce labour costs.

Benefits of horizontal balers:

Suitable for high waste volumes – ideal from 2 tons/day and up
Higher throughput with continuous loading and short cycle times
Can be integrated with loading systems (conveyor, ramp, pneumatic, etc.)
Produces mill-size bales up to 700–800 kg
Available with auto-tie or manual-tie systems
Reduces handling time and improves efficiency in larger operations

Types of waste handled by vertical and horizontal balers

Both vertical and horizontal balers can handle a wide range of recyclable materials:

Cardboard (OCC)
Paper and newsprint
Soft plastics and shrink wrap
Hard plastics (selected models)
PET bottles
Aluminium and tin cans
EPS (on specialised models)
Textiles and clothing

Horizontal balers are especially well suited for large volumes of cardboard, soft plastic and mixed recyclables. Vertical balers are highly flexible and available in many sizes to suit different material types and quantities.

Vertical balers

We offer a wide range of balers to suit different waste handling requirements. Whether you need a compact model for limited space or a larger machine for high volumes, there are options with various door types, loading methods, and configurations to match your workflow.

Horizontal balers

Our horizontal balers are designed for continuous waste streams and larger volumes. They offer efficient compaction with minimal manual handling – ideal for operations that require automation and high throughput.

How to choose the right waste baler

Choosing the right baler starts with understanding your business needs. Waste volume, waste type, available space and internal logistics all play a crucial role in determining whether a vertical or horizontal baler will offer the best value and efficiency.

Consider your waste volume and material type

A small retail shop generating 100–300 kg of cardboard per week may only need a compact vertical model like the B4 or B5 Wide. However, a central warehouse handling several tons of cardboard and shrink wrap daily will benefit more from a large vertical baler like the B50 XL SD or a horizontal solution with automated loading.
To find the best fit, think about what materials you handle most and how much waste you produce.

What is my average daily/weekly/monthly volume
Do I handle bulky or lightweight materials?
Will waste be loaded by hand or mechanically?

Budget, floor space, and staff capacity

Vertical balers generally have a lower purchase cost and require less space. They are easy to install and can be operated by regular staff with minimal training. If you are short on space or looking for a plug-and-play solution, vertical balers are often the better choice.

Horizontal balers, while more expensive and larger, can significantly reduce labour costs and speed up processing. They’re ideal when you need continuous compaction or want to reduce loading time and manual effort.

Key factors to evaluate:

Available floor space and ceiling height
Whether staff can manually tie and eject bales
Existing infrastructure: loading ramps, forklifts, conveyors

Find a reliable baler supplier

With Bramidan as your partner, you get more than just a machine. We assist you in assessing your waste setup, selecting the right baler model and configuration, and integrating smart solutions like BRA-IN to optimise your operations.

Our services include:

Personalised evaluation of your waste handling needs
On-site testing before purchase
Guidance on model, bale size and door type
Digital monitoring and optimisation via our BRA-IN IoT platform

Ready to improve your waste management? Contact us to arrange a consultation or free on-site trial.

See how our vertical and horizontal balers work

Bramidan B20 baler in use for compacting cardboard thumbnail

VERTICAL BALERS

Watch how our B-series balers work

Balers in the B-series have cylinders on top and are made for basic compaction like cardboard, paper and soft plastic.

Bramidan X-series baler compacting cardboard with low noise thumbnail

VERTICAL BALERS

Watch how our X-series balers works

Balers in the X-series have cross cylinders inside for strong compaction of several recyclable waste fractions.

Horizontal balers

Watch how our HPK balers works

Our HPK balers are ideal for continuous, high-volume waste handling. They feature automatic feeding and horizontal tying for efficient, nonstop operation.

Horizontal balers

Watch how our CC50 & CC40 balers works

The CC50 has a manual-tie and built-in tipping system, while the CC40 model, has a fully-automatic bale ejection system. Both machines handle large waste volumes with ease.

FAQ: Most common questions & answers

What is the biggest difference between vertical and horizontal balers?

Vertical balers are compact, affordable, and ideal for manual operations and moderate volumes of waste such as cardboard and plastic. They compress material from top to bottom and take up minimal space, making them easy to install—especially for smaller businesses or sites with limited space.

Horizontal balers are built to manage larger quantities of waste and offer greater automation. They compress from the side and can be combined with conveyors, shredders, and other automated systems, reducing manual labour and improving operational efficiency. However, they require more space and a higher investment.

What about maintenance and servicing?

Regular maintenance is minimal and typically involves checking oil levels, cleaning sensors, and inspecting strapping. With BRA-IN remote monitoring, many potential issues can be detected early and resolved without the need for on-site technician visits.

Can I use the same machine for cardboard and plastic?

Yes, you can easily use the same machine for both cardboard and plastic, but not at the same time. We recommend that you sort your waste and make separate bales. Use recycling racks to sort and collect soft plastic waste while you compact cardboard. When you have collected enough bags of plastic, compact a bale.

How much space does a baler require?

A small baler like the B4 or B5 Wide requires around 1–1.5 m² of floor space. Larger balers like the B30 W or X50 typically require 3–5 m², plus space in front for bale ejection and pallet access. Always consider ceiling height and access for loading and unloading.

Can I upgrade from a vertical to a horizontal baler later?

Absolutely. Many businesses start with one or more vertical balers and later upgrade to a horizontal baler or compactor as waste volumes grow. Bramidan can help scale your setup as your business evolves.