Cardboard makes up the largest share of material processed at our recycling center. It adds up to more than half of everything we collect and ship to recycling mills. Because of this, keeping our cardboard baler running efficiently is essential to maintaining a smooth and effective recycling operation.
Recently, we completed several important upgrades to our baler that will improve both efficiency and reliability.
One of the biggest improvements was the installation of an ejector base pedal. This upgrade allows staff to more easily and safely eject finished cardboard bales from the machine, speeding up the process and reducing the physical effort required to move each bale.
We also completed mechanical improvements to the baler itself. The hydraulic cylinder was repaired, and the hydraulic oil was replaced, helping ensure the machine continues to operate smoothly and consistently. These updates will help extend the life of the equipment while minimizing downtime.
None of these improvements would have been possible without support from the Winneshiek County Area Solid Waste Agency. The Agency awarded a $5,002.78 grant, which funded a significant portion of the project costs.
We are extremely grateful for their continued support of recycling infrastructure in our community. Investments like this help ensure we can continue processing large volumes of cardboard efficiently and keep valuable materials out of the landfill.
