At Black River Trading, safety doesn’t stop at the baler. Once materials are processed, how bales are stacked, stored, and handled plays a huge role in keeping your team safe and your recyclables in top condition.

A well-managed bale storage area helps prevent contamination, protects against fire hazards, and keeps valuable commodities secure. Bales can weigh more than 2,000 pounds, so proper stacking, lighting, and housekeeping aren’t optional — they’re essential.

Here are a few key reminders for safe and efficient bale storage:

• Maintain at least 18 inches of clearance between the top bale and sprinkler heads or ceilings.
• Stack bales straight and restack any that lean — unstable stacks are dangerous.
• Keep horizontal baler bales under four high, and vertical (downstroke) bales under three high.
• Inspect for loose wires and contamination regularly.
• Train forklift operators to handle and move bales safely and minimize unnecessary movement.

Taking time to stack correctly protects your team, your equipment, and your product value — helping ensure your operation runs safely and smoothly from start to shipment.

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