OCC Pickup Guidelines
Maximize your cardboard recycling revenue with proper bale preparation and efficient pickup strategies
Maximize Your Revenue
Optimize Bale Weight
Target 1,200+ lb bales to maximize trailer utilization and reduce transportation costs per ton.
Keep Material Clean
Clean, dry OCC commands premium pricing. Remove all contaminants before baling.
Plan Full Loads
Coordinate pickups for full trailer loads to maximize efficiency and revenue per pickup.
Consistent Quality
Maintain consistent bale specifications to qualify for long-term contract pricing.
Proper Storage
Store bales in dry, covered areas to prevent moisture damage and quality degradation.
Schedule Strategically
Plan pickups during peak market periods for optimal pricing opportunities.
Bale Specifications
Material Requirements
Quality Standards
- Clean and completely dry
- No food contamination or residue
- No plastic liners or wax coatings
- No liquids or moisture
- Free from metal staples and excessive tape
Binding Requirements
- Machine-tied bales strongly preferred
- Hand-tied bales must be uniform and secure
- Minimum 4 ties per bale
- Steel wire or plastic strapping acceptable
Loading Preferences
No Pallets Preferred
- ✓ Preferred:Bales stacked loose in trailer for maximum capacity
- ⚠ Conditional:Palletized loads accepted only if pre-approved and securely wrapped
- 💡 Benefit:Loose stacking allows 10-15% more bales per trailer, increasing your revenue
Pickup Options & Load Optimization
| Trailer Type | Max Weight | Target Bales | Est. Total Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53' Dry Van | 45,000 lbs | 35-40 bales | 43,000-52,000 lbs | Preferred method - weather protected and secure |
| 48' Flatbed | 48,000 lbs | 38-42 bales | 46,000-54,600 lbs | Used when dock access unavailable - requires tarping |
| Box Truck | 26,000 lbs | 18-25 bales | 22,000-32,500 lbs | For smaller volumes and urban locations |
Optimal Loading Strategy
For maximum efficiency, aim for 36-40 bales at 1,200+ lbs each in a 53' dry van. This optimizes weight distribution while staying within legal limits and maximizing your revenue per pickup.
Pre-Pickup Preparation Checklist
Before Scheduling
Day of Pickup
Common Issues to Avoid
Moisture Damage
Store bales in covered, dry areas. Use tarps if necessary. Moisture can lead to rejection and reduced pricing.
Poor Binding
Ensure bales are tightly bound with adequate ties. Loose bales can break apart during transport.
Contamination
Remove all food waste, plastic, and foreign materials before baling. Even small amounts can affect entire loads.
Inconsistent Weights
Maintain consistent bale weights for efficient loading and better pricing. Weigh bales during production.
Access Problems
Ensure clear pathways for trucks and forklifts. Plan loading areas in advance to avoid delays.
Poor Communication
Provide accurate bale counts and weights when scheduling. Have site contact available during pickup.
Ready to Schedule Your Pickup?
Follow these guidelines to maximize your recycling revenue and ensure smooth, efficient pickups every time.