Winter conditions introduce challenges that many recycling operations underestimate. Cold temperatures affect hydraulic systems, electrical components, lubricants, material behavior, and operator safety.

Common winter-related issues include:

• Slower hydraulic response times
• Increased wear on pumps, valves, and seals
• Brittle baling wire and inconsistent tying
• Frozen or compacted material feeding poorly
• Increased slip, trip, and fall hazards

Ignoring these factors often leads to downtime at the worst possible time of year. Preparing equipment for winter operation is not about overhauling systems—it’s about understanding how cold affects performance and making smart adjustments.

At BRT, we routinely help customers evaluate how their existing recycling equipment will perform through winter and whether upgrades, service, or replacement equipment makes sense.