OCC (Old Corrugated Containers) Cardboard Bales
OCC (Old Corrugated Containers) bales are compressed cardboard boxes for recycling.
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OCC (Old Corrugated Containers) is the recycling industry term for used corrugated cardboard boxes. OCC bales are compressed bundles of this material, ready for transport to paper mills where it's recycled into new paper products.
OCC is the highest-grade recovered paper product from the brown cardboard stream. It comes from shipping boxes, corrugated packaging, and similar materials. Mills prefer OCC for its long fibers that strengthen recycled paper.
Baling compresses loose cardboard into dense, manageable bundles for efficient transport. Standard bale sizes and weights facilitate handling and pricing. Quality standards specify contamination limits - too much tape, moisture, or foreign material reduces value.
For cardboard generators (retailers, warehouses, manufacturers), understanding the OCC market helps optimize recycling revenue. Clean, dry, well-baled OCC commands best prices. Contaminated or wet material may be rejected or penalized.
What to Look For When Buying
- Contamination level (tape, moisture, foreign materials)
- Bale compression and integrity
- Moisture damage or mold
- Mix of materials (some bales include prohibited items)
- Bale weight and dimensions
Ideal For
- Paper mill feedstock
- Recycling broker inventory
- Companies selling cardboard waste
Buying Tips
- Primarily for paper mills and recycling intermediaries
- Pricing fluctuates with recovered paper markets
- Clean bales command premium prices
- Build relationships with reliable generators
- Consider logistics costs vs. material value
Pricing Expectations
OCC prices fluctuate significantly with market conditions, typically $50-150 per ton.