60% lower waste costs: How Scanmetals optimised big bag handling

Scanmetals, a leader in recovering metals from waste-to-energy bottom ash, was facing increasing challenges in managing large volumes of used big bags. Their existing setup occupied valuable space, required frequent waste collections, and drove up operational costs.

By introducing a Mil-tek A305 baler, big bags are now compacted directly at the point of use. This reduces volume immediately, lowers collection costs by 60%, frees up floor space, and improves overall efficiency – achieving a return on investment in just over a year.

Recovering value from waste streams

Scanmetals operates at the cutting edge of metal recovery, extracting reusable materials from bottom ash produced by waste-to-energy plants.

Using advanced dry processing and sorting technologies, the company ensures that valuable metals are returned to the production cycle, contributing to a more resource-efficient and circular approach.

Ongoing optimisation of processes, waste reduction, and operational performance is a key priority across all facilities.

Increasing waste volumes impacting space and costs

The recovery process involves handling large quantities of big bags on a daily basis. These quickly built up and were previously managed using external waste containers.

This approach led to several issues: production areas became congested, waste collections increased, internal traffic grew, and disposal costs continued to escalate.

To maintain productivity without disrupting operations, Scanmetals required a more efficient and scalable solution.

Waste-filled big bags on the floor near a red truck

Bringing compaction into the production flow

Scanmetals resolved these challenges by installing the A305 baler.

This solution enables big bags to be compacted directly where they are used, turning bulky waste into dense, manageable bales.

By reducing volume at the source, the need for external containers was minimised, and the frequency of waste collections was significantly reduced – giving the company greater control over its waste handling.

Worker loading an empty big bag into a baler

Proven savings

The results were immediate and impactful. Waste handling costs were reduced by around 60%, and the investment in the baler was recovered in just over a year.

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Improved workflows and smarter use of space

With compaction integrated into production areas, Scanmetals regained valuable floor space and improved operational flow across the site.

Employees now experience a more efficient working environment, with less manual handling and fewer disruptions related to waste management.

The result is a cleaner, safer, and more productive facility.

Baler positioned against a wall in an industrial environment

From waste challenge to circular solution

Beyond operational gains, Scanmetals is taking steps towards closing the loop on big bag usage by enabling them to be recycled into new bags.

The A305 baler has turned a logistical challenge into a sustainable solution, combining cost savings with responsible resource management and supporting long-term circular economy ambitions.