Baling Wire for Recycling: Cardboard, Plastic & Metal Baling
16 September 20262 min read
Recycling facilities use baling wire to bind cardboard, plastic and scrap metal bales. A guide to wire diameter selection by material, baler compatibility and tips to improve baling efficiency.
In recycling facilities, cardboard, plastic, paper and scrap metal are compressed in baling presses and bound with baling wire to make handling and storage easier. As in agriculture, soft black annealed wire is used here, because the wire must twist and knot inside the press without snapping. Choosing the right diameter for the material and press type is the key to bales that hold and lines that don't stop.
Which materials are baled?
- Cardboard (OCC): The most common recycling bale. Pressed at high density, it needs a strong tie.
- Plastic (PET, film, HDPE): High springback tendency; the wire must resist this tension.
- Paper and newsprint: Lighter than cardboard; a medium diameter is enough.
- Scrap metal and cans: Sharp edges stress the wire; a thicker, stronger wire is preferred.
Baling wire diameter selection for recycling
| Material | Recommended diameter | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Paper, light cardboard | 2.50 - 3.00 mm | Medium-density bales |
| Cardboard (OCC), plastic | 3.00 - 3.50 mm | High density, springback |
| Scrap metal, heavy bales | 3.50 - 4.00 mm | Sharp edges, high tension |
The exact diameter depends on your baler's specification. For quantity estimates, see our black annealed baling wire guide.
Automatic or manual baling?
Automatic horizontal balers require ordered-wound, low-friction wire; if the wire jams, the line stops. Vertical/manual balers usually tie by hand, where easy bending matters. In both cases the wire must be soft annealed.
Oiled or unoiled?
For automatic balers and humid environments, oiled baling wire is preferred: the oil film reduces friction and delays rust.
Frequently asked questions
Which wire is used in recycling?
Soft black annealed steel wire. It must be annealed so it can twist and knot inside the press.
What diameter of wire for baling cardboard?
3.00-3.50 mm is commonly used; the upper value for high-density bales and springy material.
Is recycling baling wire the same as agricultural baling wire?
It is from the same family, but diameter selection can differ because material density and press tension vary.
AFA Çelik baling wire
AFA Çelik manufactures oiled baling wire for recycling and agriculture in Adana, Türkiye, with a 1.80-4.00 mm range and ordered winding compatible with all presses. Request a quote or contact us.
