Compactors & balers
If you fill bins with cardboard every day, a baler turns it into tidy bales and fewer pickups. Compactors do the same for garbage. Both cost real money — and can pay back when volume is high.
What they cost
Indicative, before tax, dated and sourced. Confirm with the supplier.
| Product or service | Size | Price (CAD, before tax) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compactor rental | Compactor + container | $750 | Seen Oct 19, 2026 steinbach.ca (2026) |
| Vertical hydraulic cardboard baler, 5 HP (600V 3-phase) | 1 cu yd chamber | $4,750 | Seen Oct 19, 2026 lenmark.com |
Which size?
The right machine depends on your weekly volume, the floor space and the power you have. Ask suppliers for a payback estimate based on your actual pickups.
| Size | Holds roughly | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical baler | Fits a back room | Retail stores, restaurants, small grocers |
| Horizontal baler | Continuous high volume | Distribution centres, big-box |
| Stationary compactor | Pairs with a roll-off | Dry waste at malls, plants |
| Self-contained compactor | Sealed unit | Wet waste at grocers, hospitals |
Before you sign anything
Do the payback maths. Count today's pickups and their cost. A baler or compactor earns its keep by cutting those, and baled cardboard may be picked up for less or sold.
Buy, lease or rent. Buying suits steady long-term volume. Leasing spreads the cost and often bundles maintenance. Rental works for seasonal peaks.
Safety and training. Balers need staff training and lockout procedures. Ask what training and documentation come with the machine.
Ask for: purchase or lease price, installation, electrical requirements, maintenance plan, warranty, bale size and weight, and who collects the bales.
Suppliers listed for this bin type: GFL Environmental, Emterra Group, Waste Connections of Canada, Lenmark.
Questions people ask
Is a cardboard baler worth it for a small store?
If you fill more than one bin of cardboard a week, it can be. Compare the machine's cost with what you spend on cardboard pickups over three years.
Can I lease a baler instead of buying one?
Yes. Many suppliers lease or rent balers and compactors, often with maintenance included. Ask for both prices in one request.
What is the difference between a baler and a compactor?
A baler presses one material — usually cardboard — into bales for recycling. A compactor crushes mixed waste into a container that is hauled away.