How much do bales of plastic weigh?

The weight of a bale of plastic depends on the size of the baler you use. The weight can go up to 1000 lb, with the average weight being around 500 pounds. These bales measure approximately 30 x 48 x 60 inches.

Learn about plastic bales and what affects their weight. Partner with Baling Wire Direct for premium US-made baling wire for recycling plastic.

How does bale size affect weight?

The bale weight of plastic is based on size and density. Here is a comparison of common plastic bale categories:

Bale size	Bale dimensions (inches)	Bale weight
Small	24 x 25 x 30	85–100 lb (38–45 kg)
Medium	30 x 48 x 60	around 500 lb (226 kg)
Large	Varies	around 1000 lb (453 kg)

About vertical plastic balers

Vertical baler machines produce lighter bales for low- and medium-volume plastic recycling operations. These machines use vertical hydraulic presses to compress plastic into bales. Their chambers and presses are smaller than in horizontal balers and produce small, light bales.

About horizontal plastic balers

Horizontal balers are industrial baling machines that handle high volumes and generate larger bales (up to about 2,200 lb). The high press force of horizontal balers compacts plastic bales, which maximizes density and reduces transportation costs.

Horizontal, automatic two-ram balers create the densest, heaviest bales and are the go-to choice for heavy plastic bales. Automated baling systems apply consistent pressure (e.g., 110,000 lb press force) to produce bales with minimal air gaps.

Does all plastic weigh the same?

Plastic weight varies based on the types of materials, structure, and contamination. Here’s how these factors influence the weight of bulk plastic waste:

• Types of plastics: Materials such as PET and ABS plastics are denser and heavier than lightweight polythene film (e.g., dry-cleaning bags).
• Form and structure:Rigid plastics, such as hard-sided plastic containers or industrial plastic pipes, contain more material per unit, which increases weight. Soft plastic items such as grocery bags, plastic foils, and plastic wraps, are thin and flexible, which reduces weight despite their volume.
• Additives and fillers: Some plastics contain colorants, UV stabilizers, or glass fibers (common in detergent bottles), which add mass. Recycled plastic may also include filler materials that alter density.
• Contamination: Residual liquids in soft drinks bottles, adhesive labels on plastic bottles, or dirt trapped in plastic film wrapping add unexpected weight. Non-plastic components, like pump dispensers on detergent bottles, further skew measurements.

For accurate weight measurements and maximum recycling value, store plastic in dry, covered areas and remove contaminants before baling.

What gauge baling wire is best for plastic?

The baling wire gauge you should use for baling plastic depends on two factors:

1. Number of wires your baler uses (typically 3 or 4).
2. Bale weight (heavier bales require stronger wire).

The combined load strength of all bale wires must exceed the plastic bale’s weight to prevent breakage. Thinner wire is cheaper, so businesses should go with the thinnest baling wire that can safely support their bales. For example, a 1,200-lb bale made by a 3-wire baler could use an 11 gauge wire since:

3 (# of wires) x 735 (load strength of 11 gauge black annealed stem wire) = 2,205 lb

Always follow your baler manufacturer’s wire recommendations, and contact us for specific wire selection assistance. For more information on this topic, check out our guide to baling plastic.

Recommended wire gauge by bale weight:

Bale weight	3-wire baler	4-wire baler
Under 500 lb	12 gauge	13 gauge
500-1,000 lb	11 gauge	12 gauge
1,000-1,500 lb	10 gauge	11 gauge
1,500-2,200 lb	9 gauge	10 gauge

What type of baling wire is best for baling plastic?

For most plastic bales, uncoated, bright baling wire and black annealed baling wire are the most cost-effective choices.

Black annealed wire

Black annealed baling wire is often used for high-density bales that require flexibility, or bales that are stored short-term or indoors. We offer black annealed wire in box and stem varieties. The benefits of black annealed wire for baling plastic include:

• High tensile strength: Secures dense bales, such as plastic film and PET bottles, without snapping.
• Elongation properties: Stretches up to 25% to accommodate shifting plastic materials as bales settle.
• Automatic baler compatibility: Feeds smoothly in high-volume machines (use box or stem black annealed wire).

Bright wire

We also offer bright baling wire as single loop and double loop bale ties. Here’s why you should use bright bale ties to bale plastic:

• Economical: Uncoated steel wire is the cheapest option.
• Indoor use: Sufficient for dry environments, where plastic bales should be kept.
• Aesthetics: Some operations prefer bright baling wire for client-facing applications.

Single loop bale ties can be tied to different lengths to accommodate for different bale sizes. They work with horizontal and vertical manual plastic baler machines. Double loop bale ties are pre-cut to length. The double loop configuration accelerates the tying process.

Match your baling wire to your baler’s specifications and storage needs. For automatic systems, test black annealed options first—their cost-efficiency and flexibility make them a recycler favorite.

High-tensile galvanized wire

Certain types of plastic are expansive after baling. High-tensile wire offers significantly more load strength than regular wire. It withstands extreme outward pressure from expanding materials.

Since plastic degrades slowly, plastic bales are often stored outside for longer periods. Galvanized wire features a thick zinc coat that resists constant exposure to water and other corrosive elements.

We carry hi-tensile galvanized stem wire for high-throughput auto-balers. Choose between a simple Class 1 or more resilient Class 3 galvanization based on the level of resistance you need.

Choose Baling Wire Direct

We’ve got the wire you need to maintain safe and efficient plastic baling operations for the recycling industry and beyond. We source steel from family-owned mills and use time-tested manufacturing techniques to deliver the best baling wire products on Earth.