Recycling equipment isn’t limited to MRFs. Today, printers, box plants, distribution centers, and industrial manufacturers all operate balers, conveyors, and compactors as part of their daily operations.

With that comes real safety risk.

1. Exposure to Sharp and Hazardous Materials

Even in controlled facilities, OCC loads, packaging waste, and mixed material streams can include sharp metal, broken pallets, banding, and contaminants.

2. Moving Vehicles and Improperly Secured Bales

Forklifts transporting 1-ton bales create crushing risks if stacking or securing practices are weak.

3. Moving Machinery and Lockout Failures

Balers, conveyors, and auto-tie systems require proper lockout-tagout before servicing. Shortcuts here can be catastrophic.

4. Airborne Dust and Contaminants

Dust, paper fiber, and airborne debris impact respiratory health in enclosed industrial settings.

5. Repetitive Motion and Operator Fatigue

Sorting, loading, and tying can create long-term strain injuries without proper ergonomics and rotation.

Facilities that reduce incidents don’t just react — they build inspection standards, enforce training, and document performance.

That’s where structured equipment oversight makes a difference.