Frequently Asked Questions
Browse through some of the frequent questions people ask. Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Drop us a line.
General Questions about Mil-tek Balers & Compactors
How do I decide which machine model I need?
A Mil-tek consultant will guide you in making this decision. What you need to know is the approximate amount of e.g. cardboard you generate every day, in what stream and in what sizes it comes. In addition to this you should know how much space you have available for a machine. This basic information combined with your business set-up forms the basis for evaluating which machine model you need.
Where should I install my machine?
Your internal working processes and the data available on your waste streams will provide you with that answer. Together with Mil-tek, we will ensure you find the optimal spot in your workplace.
Is it possible to install a baler outdoors?
Yes it is. Mil-tek balers have smaller footprints than most baling and compacting machines, making them ideal for indoor installation. What’s key is that the machine is placed close to the source of waste for efficient disposal.
If you opt to place your machine it should be under a roof or some form of cover as cold and wet weather conditions can influence the performance of the machine over time.
What kind of AC outlet do I need?
Mil-tek balers are pneumatic, so no electrical power is needed to power the machines directly. If you already have an existing airline you can simply plug into this. If you do not have an airline, a supplied compressor requires a standard AC outlet i.e. not a 3-phase.
How much noise does a Mil-tek baler make?
As they are air-powered rather than hydraulic, Mil-tek balers and compactors are extremely quiet – less than 70 dB (A).
How often should a baler be serviced?
It is recommended that you have your baler serviced on an annual basis in order to ensure it is operating correctly and safely. Balers serviced annually by Mil-tek technicians will often last well beyond an estimated 10 year lifespan.
What skills or training is required to operate a Mil-tek baler?
Mil-tek balers are designed with simplicity and user safety at the forefront. An qualified Mil-tek technician will train a key staff member so that he or she understands how the baler works, and ensure that they can in turn train other staff members. The training is simple and quick and means staff of all levels can safely operate a Mil-tek baler.
Can I rent a baler?
Yes, Mil-tek has a rental and service programs, allowing you to rent a baler on a flexible basis. Continue here for more information on baler rental.
Questions about Mil-tek Cardboard & Plastic Balers
How do I make sure that my bales are as dense and as heavy as possible?
A useful trick is to empty your baler first thing in the morning. By leaving the waste to compact overnight, a baler will use pneumatic technology to slowly press out any remaining air, without using further energy. This low energy, constant pressure technology is unique to pneumatic machines.
Who collects my cardboard and plastic bales?
Mil-tek will assist in finding a local recycler to collect your cardboard and plastic bales.
What is the difference between a standard and a HD model?
Standard and HD are similar in size and carbon footprint, but the HD (Heavy Duty) handles higher volumes and produces denser bales. What’s worth understanding is the approximate amount of cardboard or plastic waste you generate on a daily basis. This basic information combined with your business set-up forms the basis for evaluating which model machine is most suitable.
Can I bale cardboard and plastic in the same machine?
Yes, you can, although we for obvious reasons we do not recommend you do both at the same time. If you have a steady mix of both, Mil-tek also supplies a Plastic Bag Stand allowing you to store plastic neatly while you build a cardboard bale, or vice versa. Once you are ready, you can then make a plastic bale. You can buy plastic bag stands here.
Questions about Mil-tek General Waste Compactors
Can I place a Mil-tek X-Press Compactor inside my kitchen where food is being prepared?
Yes, you can. The Mil-tek X-Press is air-powered, meaning that not only is there no risk of contamination from oil, it is also extremely quiet. As there can be local rules and legislation on this topic, always discuss with you Mil-tek consultant, as he will let you know what is possible.
How will this affect my existing bins and waste containers?
The X-Press Compactor range of machines are designed to neatly replace a standard drum-size waste container. This is mounted on a wheeled trolley facilitating simple changing and transport.
Can my compacted waste be collected / disposed of as normal?
Yes, it can, but with a compaction rate of 10:1, it is likely that you will have significantly fewer collections and/or landfill trips.
What is the difference in the various XP compactor models?
Each XP compactor has unique features that make it suitable for different working environments. The XP100S has an extremely small footprint and is stainless steel, so can easily be installed in tight, compact locations.
The XP200S is larger in size and volume, and more suited to hygienic environments due to the stainless steel.
The XP300 sits on a fixed frame, making it more ideal for unstable (e.g. offshore) environments.
Questions about Mil-tek EPS Compactors
What exactly does the Mil-tek EPS compactor do?
EPS6 is approximately 98% air. The Mil-tek EPS compactor shreds the polystyrene into fine grains. These are then melted to remove the air and significantly reduce the size. The EPS is then compacted in dense, manageable briquettes.
And I can earn money from this?
Yes, you can. Dense, compacted polystyrene can be recycled into almost any plastic based product: mobile phones, speakers, televisions, DVDs etc. It is much cheaper than manufacturing ‘new’ plastic, making it a popular commodity.
What kind of polystyrene can I shred?
EPS6 is the most popular and most commonly used for of polystyrene, and the only kind of polystyrene that can be recycled in a Mil-tek EPS compactor. All packaging should be clearly marked so if you are in doubt, ask.
How do I decide between an EPS1000 Polystyrene Compactor and an EPS2000?
Mil-tek consultant will guide you in making this decision. The EPS1000 Polystyrene Compactor and EPS2000 are different in size and carbon footprint, – the EPS2000 is designed to handle higher volumes of EPS and run continuously throughout the day.
Why should I not just include polystyrene with my general waste?
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is inert and does not de-compose; once it enters landfill it will stay there forever. By compacting and recycling polystyrene, you can reduce your existing waste costs by up to 80%, by avoiding unnecessary transport costs and reducing bins and lifts required. You can also generate money by doing this as polystyrene is a great waste source that can be recycled with great success.
How do I find someone to buy my compacted EPS?
Ask someone who knows: Mil-tek assist companies all over the world in doing exactly this, and your consultant will ensure you find a local recycler willing to take this off your hands for a reasonable price.
Questions about Mil-tek Can Crushers
What about contamination from paint?
All Mil-tek machines are coated with a high quality, anti-corrosion powdered enamel finish to protect the surfaces. For customers with specialist requirements, Mil-tek also supplies a stainless steel version of the can crusher.
What kind of cans can I put in the Mil-tek Can Crusher?
All kinds – tins, cans, paint cans, oil drums, and all kinds of hazardous and non/hazardous containers except pressurised aerosol cans.
Who collects my compacted metal?
Ask someone who knows: Mil-tek assist companies all over the world in doing exactly this, and your consultant will ensure you find a local recycler willing to take this off your hands for a reasonable price.
Questions about Mil-tek Consumables & Banding
Does Mil-tek manufacture it’s own balers banding?
Yes we do. Our baler banding is manufactured on site at Mil-tek HQ in Denmark. It allows us to stictly control quality as well as providing the most competitive price.
How competitive is Mil-tek on price?
Confidently. If you can find equivalent banding cheaper, we’ll happily match it.
What size banding should I use for my baler?
Consult the specifications on the webshop page to ensure you’re using the correct size.
What accessories are available for balers and compactors?
Lots. A safety knife for banding, heavy duty plastic bags, bag stands, as well as accessories for waste compactors. Browse the range of products you can use to enhance your baler.
Questions about Mil-tek Compressors
Do I need a compressor to run a Miltek baler?
Many of the Mil-tek machines are pneumatic (air-powered). For this, you will need a supply of compressed air. Many organisations have one of these, and if that is the case then your baler or compactor can be powered from this directly.
But the Mil-tek range also includes electric and hydraulic machines, depending on the needs and physical surroundings we will help you decide what solution is the best fit.
What kind of compressor should I use?
Mil-tek has spent years figuring out this question so that you don’t have to. We have established partnerships with leading manufacturers of compressors to offer a range of options that have been developed specifically for Mil-tek balers and compactors.
Didn’t find your answer?
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