April 25, 2024

Recycling Innovation: Keeping it All Together

Baling wire is an essential component in the waste recycling industry. Widely used to efficiently secure bundles of recovered scrap materials, readying them for storing, transport, and recycling, baling wire is a necessity; we can’t seem to have enough of it on hand. But with Mid America Paper Recycling’s innovative new ordering system, bale wire is available immediately when you need it.

“We’re making the reordering process easy,” says Don Gaines, Chief Executive Officer of Mid America Paper Recycling. “We are developing a system with our bale wire solutions provider in which a scannable QR (Quick Response) code incorporated in each drop trailer will allow customers to re-order bale wire automatically,” Gaines says. “The goal is to synchronize the QR code to the customer’s exact location and account so the customer can just scan the code, and a shipment of bale wire will soon be on its way.”

Mid America Paper Recycling furnishes various types of baling wire via the easy-to-use reordering system. Using QR codes will allow baling equipment operators to quickly signal Mid America Paper Recycling when they need more baling wire, explains Seth Mote, Regional Sales Manager at Olympic Wire & Equipment.

“There are no forms to fill out, no spreadsheets, and no worries about running out,” Gaines says. “We place a QR code that stores the customer’s balling wire data on each pallet of baling wire so that customers can re-order the wire automatically. The code is placed on the middle box on the bottom layer of a pallet, and can be scanned with a smart phone camera. This way, it will remind the baler operator to reorder when they are close to reaching the last box. The scan connects to a network that alerts the Mid America team to contact us and fill the reorder. From start to finish, it takes less than 30 seconds to initiate the reorder alert.”

This timely communication is especially helpful in preventing a recycling operation from completely running out of wire and facing a potential shutdown. A shutdown could lead to unnecessary and costly expediting fees. “It’s a great concept,” Gaines notes. “It cuts downtime, and keeps everything running according to schedule.”

Versatile and compatible with various types of recycling equipment, including vertical and horizontal balers, auto-tie balers, compactors, conveyors, and other waste management systems, (see Mid America Paper Recycling’s earlier blog entitled “Wired for Baling”), baling wire and ties were originally used in the mid-19^th century to secure bales of hay, straw, and other agricultural materials. Now, bale wire and ties have become such an integral part of the bale bundling process, it must be kept fully stocked in the user’s warehouse. Without compacting loads of recycled material into dense, easily stacked bundles, recyclers might not be able to move their materials easily, safely, and cost-effectively.

Baling helps divert waste material that would otherwise likely end up in a landfill. Made from steel or iron, baling wire needs to be strong and durable to withstand pressure and tension during transport, storage, and handling in scrap yards. It also must withstand rough weather and help ensure that bales can be easily and neatly moved to and from recycling facilities. The wire tightly compresses and secures bales of various waste materials such as paper, cardboard, plastics, metals, and more, into a denser load, preventing the bales from shifting, unraveling, and scattering, which reduces accidents and injuries. Loose or unsecured bales can pose significant hazards to workers and equipment. Using either a horizontal or vertical baler to compact the bales and securing them with bale ties saves time and warehouse space and cuts transportation costs. Properly baling recyclable materials ensures they will contribute directly to landfill diversion.

Wide selection

Mid America Paper Recycling provides a full complement of high-quality baling wire in various gauges, including single- and double-loop bale ties and wire, stainless-steel, high-tensile strength galvanized carrier wire, stump wire, and black annealed auto-tie wire. Fully annealed wire is heat-treated to make it stronger, more break-resistant, and more durable. Galvanized baling wire is coated with zinc, which helps protect it from rust and corrosion over time, and makes it ideal for use in outdoor applications where the wire may be exposed to the elements. The most common gauges are 12- and 13-gauge but 11- and 14-gauge wire are also available. Manual balers use single-loop bale ties, while auto-tie balers take 50- or 100-lb. coils of wire. Two-ram balers require high-tensile baling wire fed from a stem or stump.

Consider your specific application when choosing the type of wire you need. The weight of the bale helps determine the gauge or thickness of the baling wire that best fits the application, and it’s also important to measure the full dimensions of the bale. 

Every bale needs to be secured and compacted with baling wire, which prevents the bale from shifting, reducing

the risk of accidents and injuries during handling and transportation. 

“Mid America Paper Recycling keeps tabs on wire prices, which can fluctuate based on changes in the scrap and wire rod markets,” Gaines points out. “We're a volume purchaser of baling wire and can get the best pricing available for our customers’ needs. We offer a wide selection at the right price. And now, a quick scan of the QR code on each skid will ensure a fresh supply will arrive as soon as possible.”

Consistent, quality baling wire requires manufacturing facilities to produce it using quality measures and monitoring practices, quality procedures, and experience. Trucks shipping the bales are often open flatbeds, so having strong reliable wire helps keep everyone on the road safely and avoids transporting an unstable load and being fined.

To learn more about the baling wire QR code reordering system and baling equipment, contact Mid America Paper Recycling today to address your recycling concerns (773- 890-5454).