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How Wickes Processes 3,309 Tonnes of Cardboard and Plastic Waste Each Year


At A Glance

Customer: Wickes National Distribution Centre

Industry: Retail Distribution & Warehousing
Location: Northampton

Annual Recyclable Material Processed:

  • 2,462 tonnes of cardboard
  • 847 tonnes of plastic packaging
  • 3,309 tonnes in total

Solution Installed:

Key Benefits

  • Efficient processing of high volumes of recyclable materials
  • Reduced manual handling requirements
  • Improved storage efficiency
  • Consistent bale quality
  • Predictable operating costs
  • Over 10 years of successful partnership

Project Overview

Managing large volumes of cardboard and plastic waste is a challenge faced by warehouses, distribution centres and retailers across the UK.

At the Wickes National Distribution Centre in Northampton, 3,309 tonnes of recyclable material were processed during 2025, including 2,462 tonnes of cardboard and 847 tonnes of plastic packaging.

To support its busy operation, Wickes required a reliable recycling solution capable of processing large volumes of material efficiently while helping maintain day to day operational performance.

Working in partnership with Wickes for more than a decade, Mardon Recycling Machinery supplied a fully automated waste handling solution designed to improve recycling efficiency, simplify waste management and support long term operational requirements.

The Business Challenge

Large distribution centres generate significant volumes of recyclable packaging waste every day.

For Wickes, the key challenges included:

  • Managing high volumes of cardboard and plastic packaging
  • Reducing the amount of space occupied by recyclable waste
  • Improving waste handling efficiency
  • Maintaining reliable operations with minimal disruption
  • Ensuring equipment remained fully supported long term

As recyclable material volumes grow, businesses often look for ways to improve storage efficiency, streamline waste handling and create a more effective recycling process.

The Solution

To support its recycling operation, Wickes installed two RamPack Fully Automatic Balers with integrated conveyor systems.

The equipment was supplied through Mardon’s all inclusive rental agreement, including installation, training, servicing, maintenance and breakdown support.

The Results

In 2025, the Wickes National Distribution Centre processed:

  • 2,462 tonnes of cardboard
  • 847 tonnes of plastic packaging
  • 3,309 tonnes of recyclable material

The system continues to support efficient waste handling while helping Wickes manage large volumes of recyclable material.

Watch the full footage from our recent site visit and see exactly how the operation runs: Come Onsite With Us as We Visit @Wickes National Distribution Centre 🎥 

How Can Business Reduce Cardboard and Plastic Waste Volume?

Many businesses struggle with the amount of space occupied by loose cardboard and plastic packaging. Compacting recyclable materials into dense bales using cardboard balers and plastic balers can help improve storage efficiency, reduce handling requirements and create a more organised recycling process.

Can Businesses Make Money From Cardboard Recycling?

Many businesses are unaware that cardboard and plastic can have value when recycled. Clean, dense bales are often easier to store, transport and process than loose materials, helping businesses improve recycling efficiency and maximise the value of recyclable waste, depending on market conditions and material quality.

Looking to Improve Your Recycling Operation?

Whether you operate a warehouse, distribution centre, manufacturing facility or retail operation, Mardon Recycling Machinery can help you reduce waste volume, improve recycling efficiency and create a more effective waste management process.

Contact our team today to arrange a free site survey and discover how the right recycling solution could help your business save space, time and money.

Contact our team today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can a business reduce cardboard waste volume?

Cardboard can be compacted into dense bales, reducing storage requirements and improving waste handling efficiency.

Is cardboard waste worth money?

Many recycling companies pay for clean, baled cardboard and plastic. Values vary depending on material quality, quantity and market conditions.

How do warehouses recycle large amounts of cardboard?

Many warehouses use balers and conveyor-fed systems to compact cardboard and plastic into dense bales for easier storage, transport and recycling.

Should I rent or buy a waste baler?

The right option depends on your waste volumes, budget and operational requirements. Mardon offers purchase, hire and rental options to suit different business needs.

What industries use fully automatic balers?

Fully automatic balers are commonly used in distribution, warehousing, retail, manufacturing, logistics and recycling operations.

YOUR WASTE – OUR SOLUTIONS!

  • 20 YEARS OF EXPERT INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE
  • ACCESSORIES, CONSUMABLES, AND STOCK PARTS, YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP
  • INSTALLATION, COMMISSION AND OPERATOR TRAINING
  • SERVICING & MAINTENANCE PACKAGES AVAILABLE
  • PROJECT CONSULTATION & MANAGEMENT WITH LIFETIME SUPPORT
  • NATIONWIDE ENGINEERS FOR A QUICK RESPONSE TIME