What is the Correct Spelling Baling Wire or Bailing Wire?

The correct spelling is baling wire, although if you search for bailing wire online, you'll get near enough the same results. This is because the two spellings have become somewhat (incorrectly) interchangeable, and many companies still refer to it as bailing wire. Baling and bailing are known as homophones, two words that have separate meanings, yet they sound exactly the same. Bear in mind, however, that currently, Google will suggest the correction of baling wire if you search instead for bailing wire. There is also no difference in the product that the words are describing, so one type of wire will not differ in function from another simply because of the name. The term bailing usually refers to either the releasing of a prisoner on bail, bailing out a bank or an institution (providing it with money to keep it afloat), or to leaving an area (informally). Baling, on the other hand, often refers to the bundling of goods, the primary function of what baling wire is used for. As a noun, a bale describes a tightly packed bundle of materials like hay, cardboard, or scrap metal. To find out more, you can check out this blog post on bailing wire vs baling wire.

Do You Have a Wire Gauge Chart to Choose the Correct Size?

Gauge refers to the thickness of a wire. Gauges operate on an inverse scale, which means the smaller the gauge number, the larger the circumference of the wire. Typically, baling wire starts at around 9 gauge, and can go all the way up to the incredibly thin 35-gauge variety. Choosing the right type of baling wire can be tough if you don’t know what to look for, yet it’s essential if you want to ensure maximum quality and functionality. You can find a reliable wire gauge chart by clicking here. You can find a wide range of different gauge baling wire online, but if you’re not sure which one will work best, don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer of your baling machine; they should be able to give you advice on which size go for. For paper, it’s worth going for a lighter gauge, like a 14, but for tougher materials like plastics, you’ll probably need to go as low as 12. It’s worth noting that the properties of the wire can differ based on whether they’re galvanized or annealed, even if they’re the same gauge. Remember that it’s crucial to check your baler’s specifications before you start using the wire, as it may have limitations as to what gauge you can use.

Which Wire is Best for Cardboard Baling?

Generally, you'll want to use either an 11, 12, or 13 gauge wire for baling cardboard. The 11 gauge wire is the thickest and, therefore, more suited to packing denser bales. It is important to consider your baler, however, as this will likely determine the type of wire that you'll need. This can differ between make and model, and there will likely be a users manual that will have the right info. If not, you could always call up the manufacturer and ask them directly. You wouldn't want to risk damaging your baler by using the wrong materials with it. For example, a smaller vertical baler that generates smaller bales may need a smaller gauge, like a 14. In contrast, a horizontal baler that operates at a larger scale may require an 11, even though you're baling the same material. Cardboard baling wire is usually very tough, no matter the gauge, so the main point to concern yourself with is whether or not your chosen type of wire is compatible with the machine you're using. It's worth noting that this can vary extensively, so make sure you find the right wire for your specific machine and the type of material you hope to bale.

What is baling wire used for?

Baling wire is used to secure waste and scrap materials into neatly manageable bundles, making them easier to transport. It's perfect for aiding waste management in the recycling industry, and cutting down on wastage in general, no matter the area of work that you're in. Baling wire can come in many different forms, for example, galvanized baling wire is exceptionally strong and durable, and it's able to withstand the harsh conditions of the recycling process with ease. Galvanized baling wire is strong enough to survive being submerged into a molten liquid for some time, making it suitable for the galvanization of other types of metal. Black annealed baling wire is developed using the annealing process, a cycle of carefully measured heating and cooling, which is what gives it the increased level of ductility and elongation. Baling wire can be threaded through a baling machine to secure the scrap or waste material, or it can be tied by hand, as it's incredibly ductile, making it an extremely versatile material and an essential one in the recycling and agriculture industries. Baling wire has long been regarded as a fix-all type of material, so it's always handy to have some around the workspace.

Why is it called baling wire?

It's called baling wire because it refers to the job it's used for, securing bales of scrap material like hay and cardboard. The word bale might have its roots in the old Germanic language, relating to ball. Bales are the bundles of material compressed in a baling machine, and the wire is what binds this material together, holding it in place for easier maneuverability. Baling wire has been used extensively since the 1800s (this is likely when the term began gaining widespread popularity), but it's come a long way since then in both form and function. From humble origins, baling wire has become a critical material in the recycling and agricultural industries, largely due to the phenomenal rise of modern machinery like advanced baling machines and tractors.The words baling wire are often interchanged (incorrectly) with bailing wire, yet searching for either term on Google will likely still send you to the right place. By galvanizing either stainless steel or iron wire, manufacturers can make baling wire tougher than ever before. This process involves submerging the wire in a molten metal coating (usually zinc) in order to make it more durable and corrosion resistant. Baling wire can also be developed using the annealing process, which is when the wire is exposed to a cycle of heating and cooling over time.

What kind of wire is baling wire?

Baling wire is ultra-strong, highly durable, galvanized steel or iron wire. The galvanization process refers to the act of hot dipping (submerging) stainless steel or iron wire in a bath of molten zinc.The resulting metallurgical reaction causes the zinc to bond with the steel, creating a protective coating, enabling it to withstand erosion with ease. This process enables the baling wire to become exceptionally resilient and able to resist even the harshest weather and wear and tear for extensive periods of time. You can also find baling wire in the form of black annealed wire, an incredibly sturdy and versatile material that's created using a meticulous cycle of heating and cooling, causing it to increase in ductility for maximum ease of use. You can find out more about the properties of this wire here. Due to its many unique properties, including its ability to stand up to harsh conditions, baling wire is essential in the recycling and agricultural industries, and it's generally found in any type of baling application, include office recycling. Its main purpose is to secure bales (compact bundles of waste and scrap material) and hold them in place, making them easier to store, handle and transport, greatly aiding the waste management process.

How much does a bale of plastic sell for?

A 1,000-lb plastic bale sells for about $46–$440 depending on polymer type and grade. PET bales average 4.7¢/lb ($47 per bale), while natural HDPE average 44–48¢/lb ($440–$480 per bale). Mixed or contaminated plastic bales often sell near break-even due to sorting costs and processing challenges.

We'll break down current market rates for different plastic types, contamination penalties, and how quality baling wire protects your margins through better bale integrity.

Plastic bale prices by polymer

Plastic bale pricing is best understood by polymer type since some plastics are significantly more valuable than others.

Polymer	Price per lb*	Mill-size bale (1,600 lb)	Notes
HDPE	$0.44–$0.48	$704–$768	Color sorting, natural vastly outperforms colored
Grade A plastic film	$0.18	$288	Film grade depends on cleanliness and thickness
PP	$0.055–$0.06	$88–$96	Single-resin purity required for premium pricing
PET	$0.046–$0.07	$74–$112	Label removal and cap sorting improve grades
Colored HDPE	$0.02–$0.03	$32–$48	Processing costs limit value vs natural HDPE
Mixed/contaminated plastic	Break-even to $0.02	$0–$32	Heavy contamination triggers severe penalties

*Average prices as of 2025

Sources

Clean vs contaminated plastic bales

Clean, sorted plastic bales and mixed/contaminated bales occupy different market tiers:

Clean, sorted polymer bales (PET, natural HDPE, PP) command premium pricing when sorted by resin type, color, and contamination level. Mills pay top dollar for consistent feedstock.
Mixed plastic bales or contaminated loads face severe price penalties or outright rejection. Sorting costs, processing losses, and quality risks push these bales toward break-even pricing.

Contamination levels and sorting quality largely determine whether your recyclable plastics hit premium pricing or get discounted heavily.

How you can improve the value of your plastic bales

Following best practices helps you avoid penalties, rejections, or unnecessary operating costs.

Bale density and integrity: Dense, stable bales reduce freight costs per ton and minimize handling damage.
Moisture content: Excessive moisture reduces net weight and can cause storage issues. Store materials and bales in a covered, humidity-controlled area.
Contamination levels: Clean bales with <2% contamination perform best; >10% contamination faces 50–90% penalties. Calculate the cost of increased sorting against potential deductions to maximize bale purity.

Wire gauge requirements by bale weight

Your baling wire's load strength must exceed the total bale weight to prevent breakage during handling and transport. Use our baling wire gauge guide and consult your baler compatibility requirements.

Plastic bale weight	3-wire baler	4-wire baler
Under 800 lb	12 gauge	13 gauge
800–1,200 lb	11 gauge	12 gauge
1,200–1,600 lb (mill-size)	10 gauge	11 gauge
Over 1,600 lb	9 gauge	10 gauge

Best wire types for plastic baling

Bale plastic with wire that is compatible with your baling machine, strong enough for your bale weight, and properly coated to resist corrosion during storage and transportation.

Black annealed wire

Black annealed wire excels for plastic baling operations. The annealing process improves ductility and allows up to 25% elongation to accommodate plastic materials as they shift and settle during compression and transport. Use black annealed wire for high-volume operations with automatic balers.

Available in box wire for lower-volume facilities or stem wire for high-throughput operations.

Galvanized wire

Galvanized wire provides superior corrosion resistance for plastic bales stored outdoors or in humid conditions for extended periods before processing. The galvanization process coats the wire in protective zinc, extending its lifespan.

Plastic recycling operations choose galvanized wire for longevity, especially when bales await optimal market timing or consolidated transportation. We offer standard Class 1 and premium Class 3 galvanization for maximum protection.

High-tensile wire

High-tensile wire handles the demanding compression forces in two-ram balers and other heavy-duty applications. Made from high-carbon steel, this wire delivers exceptional tensile strength for dense plastic bales that require maximum holding power.

Bale ties

Bale ties work with manual horizontal and vertical balers. They provide flexibility for operations with varying bale sizes.

We carry:

Bright double loop bale ties: They are the most cost-effective option for short-term storage in climate-controlled facilities. The uncoated finish provides excellent strength at the lowest price point.
Galvanized single loop bale ties and double loop bale ties: They’re best for outdoor storage or extended holding periods. The galvanized coating resists rust and corrosion, protecting bale integrity when market conditions delay sales.
Black annealed single loop bale ties: They offer superior flexibility for plastic materials that settle after compression. The enhanced elongation properties accommodate material shifting while maintaining secure binding.

We recommend 12 gauge single loop galvanized bale ties for operations that plan to store bales before transit.

How quality wire protects plastic bale margins

Many plastic bale deductions stem from structural failures during storage and transport. High-quality baling wire helps:

Maintain bale density: prevents loosening that reduces weight efficiency and increases freight costs per ton
Minimize breakage and rehandling: reduces rehandling charges, material loss, and buyer penalties
Preserve contamination grades: prevents foreign materials from entering during handling by maintaining compaction
Optimize freight utilization: better container loading efficiency through consistent shapes
Reduce handling damage: withstand multiple handling cycles through better tensile strength

Learn more about the downsides of low-quality baling wire.

How to avoid price penalties

Plastic buyers routinely apply deductions that cut into your margins. Most penalties stem from avoidable baling and handling issues. Here are some of the common penalties and how you can avoid them:

Contamination penalties: Properly sort out non-plastic materials, labels, and caps.
Moisture deductions: Control water content during plastic storage and processing.
Mixed polymer discounts: Separate different plastic types during collection and baling.
Broken bale charges: Use appropriate wire gauge for bale weight to prevent structural failure.
Off-spec rejections: Follow buyer specifications for bale density and contamination limits.
Freight inefficiency: Dense, stable bales maximize transportation value.

Investing in quality wire prevents most structural issues that trigger buyer penalties, protecting your realized margins on every bale.

Buy the best wire for plastic bales

At Baling Wire Direct, we manufacture premium baling wire using 100% American steel from family-owned mills. Every wire undergoes rigorous quality control testing and exceeds ASTM standards. Our products deliver the strength, consistency, and reliability that plastic recyclers depend on to maintain bale integrity and maximize returns.

When your operation demands wire that won't break under pressure, choose the proven performance of American manufacturing.