Cardboard Bales Specifications

Complete OCC grades, specifications, loading quantities, and market standards for recycled cardboard bales.

OCC GradesLoading QuantitiesMarket Standards

Cardboard bales are compressed blocks of corrugated cardboard and other paper materials processed for recycling. These bales are created by compacting loose cardboard waste into dense, manageable units that are easier to transport, store, and process in recycling facilities. The quality and grade of these bales significantly impact their market value and end-use applications.

Standard Bale Specifications

Bale TypeDimensionsWeightDensityGradeNotes
Standard OCC Bale48×40×48 inches1,200-1,500 lbs16-20 lbs/cu ftOCC-11 (Mixed)Most common bale size
Large OCC Bale60×48×48 inches1,800-2,200 lbs18-22 lbs/cu ftOCC-11 (Mixed)High-volume operations
High-Grade OCC48×40×48 inches1,100-1,400 lbs15-18 lbs/cu ftOCC-12 (Sorted)Premium quality material
Mixed Paper Bale48×40×36 inches800-1,200 lbs12-16 lbs/cu ftMixed Paper #8Lower grade mixed materials

OCC Grade Classifications

OCC-11 (Mixed OCC)

Base market price

Mixed old corrugated containers

Specifications

  • •Prohibitive materials: <1%
  • •Outthrows: <5%
  • •Moisture content: <12%
  • •No excessive amounts of wax, plastic, or metal

Applications

  • •Corrugated box manufacturing
  • •Paperboard production
  • •General recycling
Contamination Level: Up to 5% allowable outthrows

OCC-12 (Sorted OCC)

Premium over OCC-11 ($10-30/ton)

Sorted old corrugated containers

Specifications

  • •Prohibitive materials: <0.5%
  • •Outthrows: <3%
  • •Moisture content: <10%
  • •Sorted and clean material only

Applications

  • •High-grade corrugated manufacturing
  • •Export markets
  • •Premium paperboard
Contamination Level: Up to 3% allowable outthrows

Mixed Paper #8

Discount to OCC-11 ($20-50/ton)

Mixed paper and cardboard

Specifications

  • •Prohibitive materials: <2%
  • •Outthrows: <10%
  • •Moisture content: <15%
  • •Mixed paper types acceptable

Applications

  • •Lower-grade paper products
  • •Newsprint manufacturing
  • •Tissue paper production
Contamination Level: Up to 10% allowable outthrows

Truckload Quantities

Bale TypeQuantityTotal WeightTrailer TypeNotes
Standard OCC (1,200-1,500 lbs)22-28 bales26,400-42,000 lbs53' dry vanWeight limited, not space limited
Large OCC (1,800-2,200 lbs)15-19 bales27,000-41,800 lbs53' dry vanFewer bales due to higher weight
Mixed Paper (800-1,200 lbs)28-42 bales22,400-50,400 lbs53' dry vanCan fit more due to lower density

Market Value Factors

Contamination Level

High Impact

Cleaner material commands premium pricing

Details

  • •Food contamination reduces value significantly
  • •Plastic and metal contamination affects processing
  • •Wax-coated boxes have limited markets
  • •Moisture damage can make material unusable

Bale Quality

Medium Impact

Well-formed bales are easier to handle and process

Details

  • •Tight, uniform bales preferred
  • •Proper wire tension prevents breakage
  • •Consistent size aids transportation
  • •Dry storage prevents deterioration

Market Demand

High Impact

Fluctuates based on manufacturing demand and exports

Details

  • •China import policies affect pricing
  • •Domestic mill capacity influences demand
  • •Seasonal variations in consumption
  • •Economic conditions impact manufacturing

Transportation Costs

Medium Impact

Distance to processing facilities affects net pricing

Details

  • •Local mills provide best pricing
  • •Export terminals require trucking costs
  • •Fuel prices impact transportation
  • •Backhaul opportunities can reduce costs

Handling & Transportation Requirements

Storage

  • ✓Keep bales dry and covered
  • ✓Store on pallets or raised surface
  • ✓Maintain good air circulation
  • ✓Protect from weather exposure
  • ✓Prevent contamination from other materials

Loading

  • ✓Use forklift with appropriate capacity
  • ✓Check wire integrity before lifting
  • ✓Load heavier bales on bottom
  • ✓Secure load to prevent shifting
  • ✓Distribute weight evenly in trailer

Transportation

  • ✓Use dry van or covered trailer
  • ✓Ensure proper load securement
  • ✓Avoid overloading axles
  • ✓Plan for weight distribution
  • ✓Consider moisture protection

Key Facts for Cardboard Bale Trading

Grade Impact on Value

OCC-12 (sorted) commands $10-30/ton premium over OCC-11 (mixed). Mixed Paper #8 typically trades $20-50/ton below OCC-11 due to lower quality.

Weight vs. Space

Cardboard bales are typically weight-limited, not space-limited. Standard bales at 1,200-1,500 lbs reach truck weight capacity with 22-28 bales.

Contamination Costs

Contamination above acceptable levels can result in rejection or significant price deductions. Food contamination is particularly problematic.

⚠️ IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER

All cardboard bales are sold AS-IS with NO WARRANTIES, guarantees, or representations of any kind. Quality, contamination levels, and moisture content may vary significantly. Grade classifications are LOOSELY DEFINED and subjective - what one facility considers OCC-11, another may not. Market prices fluctuate based on demand, contamination, and global trade conditions. Buyers are solely responsible for inspection, testing, and suitability determination for their intended applications.