Trash Compactors: Working, Types, Application And Advantages

What are Trash Compactors?

Once a compactor is at a specified load, it proceeds to compress the material into a denser state by removing air, liquid, and moisture.

The primary purpose of a compactor is to reduce waste volume in a container, thus increasing the amount of trash that can be stored and moving toward more efficient transportation per load.

The compaction process involves:

• Collecting materials, either mechanically or manually
• Turning on the compactor when the specified load is reached.
• Loading and moving the compacted waste to clear the compactor.

When waste is compacted, it reduces both the volume and occupancy of the waste, which makes it easier and more cost-efficient to handle.

Trash compactors are a sustainable waste management method to ensure that waste is removed cleanly and safely. Compacting reduces the waste volume and mass, which reduces the space taken up in landfills.

How a Trash Compactor Works?

All varieties of compactors have one main purpose, they compact waste material into a compact form for proper disposal or recycling. based on this purpose, manufacturers have identified and developed multiple designs and methods that are customized to accommodate a specific type of material and application.

The compression process uses a ram powered by either a hydraulic or pneumatic motor. The size, force, and power of the system are determined based on the material being compacted and the size of the compression chamber.

Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU)

The Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU) supplies the hydraulic power for the compactor and consists of an electric motor, pump, hydraulic directional valve, pressure control valve, and tank. To eliminate the potential for electrical shock, the power unit is located separate from the compactor box.

Ram Design

The ram is the component of a trash compactor that compresses the waste material. The compression of the ram is initiated by a hydraulic motor that delivers fluid under pressure, which moves the ram.

When viewed in basic terms, the ram of a trash compactor is similar to the piston in an automotive engine. It is attached to a shaft that can vary in size according to the trash compactor and the waste container compartment size.

The ram is actuated by many methods which may be an operator’s own on/off switch or may have an automatic switch that is activated after a set load level is reached on the compactor.

The size, weight, and shape of the ram is specified according to the compactor model. The hydraulic motors are used because they apply a very effective compressive force.

Rams can be either vertically bi-directional or horizontal (bi-directional). Rams are located inside the waste chamber and generally move along some kind of guide, which may have lubrication for smoothness and ease of operation. The ram moves very quietly and efficiently.

Compression Chamber

The waste collected is done so in the compression chamber where the ram compacts the collected waste. The compression chamber is also where the most substantial ram type operates. It is the largest feature in a trash compactor, and it is reached through a hopper in larger models, or the compartment itself in smaller models.

The ram behaves like a piston that moves within the walls of the compression chamber. Out of all the components of a trash compactor, the compression chamber performs or withstands the most abuse, as it is built with walls of steel for strength.

Although it is built to be durable, hazards exist for not only construction failure but also for the waste materials it can handle. Waste materials not to be handled are, but not limited to; hazardous chemicals, aerosol containers, explosive materials, certain food, materials that omit strong smells, as well as noxious fumes and even toxic vapors.

Hydraulic Pump

The hydraulic pump provides the force and power to compress the trash with the ram. The pump contains hydraulic fluid that pushes a piston that in turn pushes the ram.

When enough pressure builds up on the surface of the ram, when the trash is being compressed into the container, the piston will retract, which pulls the ram back to allow more trash to be loaded in the chamber.

Control Panel

The control panel of a compactor contains several switches and buttons needed for safe and efficient operations.

The main functions of the control panel are more than just the on/off switch, which is a hydraulic power unit that is integrated into the control station.

The control station can be mounted inside or outside depending on how the compactor is fed. Some control panels are shaped like a box, while many will use a separate remote button station.

Most industrial compactors are designed for access with a key, to control the functions of the compactor. The operator will gain access with the proper key, and then can power the compactor on or off.

Most control panels contain three indicator lights; red light means the compactor is full and must be emptied, green light means the ram is in motion, and the yellow light in some flush models means that it is performing a cleaning or deodorizing cycle.

Safety is important when operating a trash compactor. Operators must be trained by qualified personnel and must only operate the machine after their performance has been observed. The control panel is the final measure to ensure employee safety.

A key safety feature on all large compactors is the emergency stop button, which will stop the compactor’s operation, at any cycle stage.

This is especially important for large industrial compactors such as pre-crushers, self-contained and stationary compactors that process large loads of waste and apply significant compaction force.

What are the types of trash compactors?

In today’s industrial settings, it is very common to find an industrial trash compactor in support of the increasing demands and changing regulations for pollution and waste management.

Manufacturing industries, in fact, produce various types of waste, each one requiring special consideration in the process. The amount and type of waste dictates the type of compactor required. Essentially, there is a compactor that is designed to suit every type of waste.

Categories of Waste:

• Wet Waste– Food, hygiene products, wet wrappers, wet packaging, used tissues, and used paper towels.
• Dry Waste– Recyclables, including paper, cardboard, plastic, aluminum, textile, and rubber.
• Bulky Waste– Large waste like pallets, drums, refrigerators, TV’s, couches, and tables.

Common categories of compactors include:

• Self-Contained – Compactors that will break down wet waste, or trash that is containing liquid.
• Stationary Compactors – Stationary compactors that handle dry waste, and may be used for cardboard and crushing cardboard to be shipped to a recycler. Stationary compactors are also available in many designs across various types and lots/Installed based on the waste accumulated and bulky waste. Stationary compactors can also offer a variety of different feeding designs.  When you purchase a stationary compactor, the sales rep will provide an enormous amount of help and support to find the right machine for the application.
• Auger Compactors – An auger compactor is used for compaction of bulky waste material.

#1. Auger Compactor.

An auger compactor has an auger in the feeder, or waste collection compartment, which is rotating.  As the operator feeds waste into the collection compartment, the auger crushes and moves the waste into a secondary container.

These compactors are extremely powerful and heavy-duty, and they can handle large items like a pre-crusher compactor.

Auger compactors are ideal for dry waste and are well-suited for a variety of industrial and commercial applications.

The motion of the auger allows for a compacting and volume reduction of bulky waste material. An auger compactor can reduce size significantly however, an auger compactor should only be used for dry material and not for wet, food waste.

#2. Bag Compactor.

A bag compactor is designed to compact bags into a removable bin. Bag compactors provide dust control, given the dust created from compacting plastic and paper bags.

Bags are placed inside the bag compactor which also contains a system to pull in any dust or contamination that may be generated.

The bags compacted into a removable bin can be lined with a bag for easy transfer into a dumpster. Bag compactors come in sizes of 50 gallons, 100 gallons or 150 gallons.

#3. Chute Fed Compactors.

Chute-fed compactors are used in multi-storied buildings, hospitals and hotels, with a front or rear load container that is either 2 or 3 yards. These compactors come with a chute hopper that allows the waste to load directly into the compaction chamber.

The compactor has a sensor that continuously monitors the level of waste and the sensor sends a signal to the ram to initiate the compression cycle, while a green alert light indicates to the operator that the compactor is full, and needs to be unloaded.

A chute-fed compactor type is also an adaptable feeding option type of compaction, and can be used with both wet and dry compactors.

#4. Portable Trash Compactor.

Portable trash compactors are intended for indoor environments and are generally smaller than stationary, vertical or self-contained units. A portable trash compactor can handle up to 1,000 gallons of waste, and can be moved from one position to another as necessary.

Portable compactors store the compacted waste and incorporate a cart which maintains the compacted material. The compacted material is housed in a block inside the cart (located in the floor of the compactor) which can then be used to easily remove the compacted waste.

The waste enters through a door on the front of the machine by latch. The compactor pushes the material directly into the cart.

#5. Pre-Crusher Compactor.

A pre-crusher is a customized type of compactor that reduces size first, then volume. The pre-crusher is designed to minimise waste before compaction, like furniture, drums and pallets etc.

The primary exercise is to reduce volume by crushing bulky waste. This is required so that large items can be compacted more thoroughly. If the waste was not pre-crushed, the available space will not be fully utilized there will automatically be gaps and voids because of large items.

Pre-crusher compactors are well suited for heavy-duty activities and are suitable for heavier environments occupied by construction, or for industrial manufacturing.

Furthermore, pre-crushers can destroy commercially viable products and materials. All the value of whatever is being crushed is extinguished through the crushing process and cannot be reused or sold.

#6. Self-Contained Compactors.

Self-contained compactors are for wet waste and waste that creates liquids. This compactor, in one unit combines compaction mechanism with a container that can also be transported for disposal purposes at a landfill.

The unit has a sealed nature, and removing the waste product does so cleanly. Once full the whole unit, compactor, and container go to the landfill to be unloaded.

A self-contained compactor has a separate power source pack that is not physically attached to the compactor or container, and works on a remote system, and can be placed in various locations. The most common setup is usually located next to the compactor.

When the waste is wet and added to the compactor, the ram compresses it to a volume that is 75% less than its original volume.

The compactor’s container design contains the waste and does not leak. They are designed be liquid-tight for worker safety and environmental protection purposes.

#7. Stationary Compactors.

Stationary compactors are designed for mid to large volume dry waste materials. Stationary compactors are installed permanently at a fixed site and are lifted off and emptied at a landfill in a separate container.

Often used in environments like department stores, warehouse, and distribution centers, as well as production plants, these compactors can be designed to allow for waste disposal from hand loading, carts, and conveyors.

Sales representatives generally provide suggestions for the best location, design, and configuration for the stationary compactors.

These compactors specifically have their uses for bundling dry waste. They are great for dry waste items including cardboard, mixed paper, plastic, and textiles which are recycled.

#8. Vertical Compactors.

The Vertical Compactor is a small, compact unit that compacts waste vertically into a container that is the same approximate size as a dumpster and can be emptied by a collection truck.

Due to its small footprint, it can be used in places that are confined for space. Loading can occur from the front and back of the compactor.

Designed to be a hand-fed compactor, the Vertical Compactor can compact wet and dry waste in low to medium volume.

May have an indicator light that activates when the container is filled to 80% capacity to notify that it needs to be emptied.

Depending on the design, the Vertical Compactor may allow different containers to be used to allow switches to a new container once old container is full.

Application Of Trash Compactors

Many industries use compactors and each industry relies on compactors to compact different types of waste.

Almost every type of business generates waste that requires to be managed and disposed of properly. As the size and volume increase, so does the need for waste management devices like compactors.

#1. Commercial Uses

Compactors are used widely in the retail, restaurant and hotel sectors that produce a variety of waste products which includes packaging for products, boxes and leftover food.

Historically, for commercial businesses, a big issue was rodent and pest infestation due to waste build-up.

Having compactors available have eliminated the problem by minimizing the waste footprint and reducing waste left unprocessed.

Commercial compactors usually are vertical units that can be installed indoors or outdoors depending on the circumstances.

Each vertical compactors comes in different sizes, for placement in walk areas or outside as sufficient spaces for placement exists in the rear of a facility or behind a building for example.

#2. Uses in the Healthcare Industry

The waste produced in the health care and medical sectors are unique to those occupations – no one wants to deal with potential waste risks and hazards.

The process of disposing of medical instruments or tools must be managed carefully in order to protect the waste management support personnel from contaminated needles, swabs and other used equipment.

These are usually tightly controlled with a warning system designed into the waste containers to warn of a hazardous waste condition.

Medical waste compactors have been specifically designed and built taking all features of containment, storage and secure transportation to prevent the exposure of the waste produced to the general public.

These specifications will generally be approved by health professionals and/or the local health department.

#3. Industrial Compactors

Industrial compactors can be considerably larger and also processing significantly more waste material. Emphasis for contemporary industrial operations is on the collection of recyclable and reusable sorts of materials.

One of the most common ways to participate in the recycling effort is by using the single stream self-contained compactor policy that has one container for recyclable material and a separate container for landfill materials.

For example, all paper, aluminum, plastics go in the one container and all landfill waste, including post-consumer waste and food waste, is disposed of in the second landfill container.

Within industrial settings a variety of compactors can be found with some preference for stationary compactors and self-contained compactors.

#4. Uses in Schools.

Schools are facing an increasing necessity to recycle all sorts of materials – paper, furniture, plastic bags, toner cartridges, computers and electronic waste in an effort to minimize landfill waste and reduce pollution to the environment.

An option for recycling in schools which may be has readily spent well illustrates is the indoor hopper. Indoor hoppers can be found in high-traffic areas to encourage recycling in schools, such as corridors or hallways.

Indoor mobile hoppers are equipped with casters for easy mobility within the facility and can load from the front or rear for easy access; once full, can be wheeled to the area designated by a hauler to unload the materials.

The examples of compactor use noted above are only a small sample of the many applications of compactors.

There are many sizes and types of compactors – for example, airports generally rely on compactors for waste and maintain cleanliness of surface areas on the concourse or gates.

The food business often relies on self-contained compactors, to minimize waste, volume and minimize rodent and pest infestations.

In essence, if there is waste of any type, regardless of size, there are compactors of all types functioning to minimize the waste volume and reduce the environmental footprint of waste production.

Advantages Of A Trash Compactor

Waste disposal is a key area in any business entity, big or small. Successful waste disposal is becoming increasingly important in light of the sustainability movement, and poor practices will jeopardize a business and could even close its doors.

The trash compactor is one of the most widely available and easiest systems for waste disposal, available in a variety of dimensions, designs and configurations. Buying and maintaining a trash compactor will have many benefits for a business no matter the size.

Operational Costs

Reducing operating costs to create an efficient waste disposal strategy can make a big difference in a business.

The amount of money saved in landfill sites by compacting waste, garbage and refuse will minimize the number of pickups and minimize the space required for the bins or containers, and this also saves money. There will be no need for standard garbage bags or anything like it.

By reducing and consolidating the waste ultimately means the business’s waste footprint is reduced, as we need to take less trips to the landfill and it costs relatively less money for trash pickup and labor.

Efficiencies of the Compactor

In an efficient business the time saved eliminating waste disposal is a plus in today’s busy world. A compactor system can provide a pathway to solve all waste disposal problems while keeping the costs down to a minimum for waste disposal.

This enables the business to get rid of wasted time on waste disposal, and help you think of waste disposal as a smart business choice.

Extra Space

The physical footprint of your business can be a concern, as larger footprints also come with increased costs.

Trash compactors help you reduce your footprint by decreasing the volume of bulky and space-consuming waste. It also makes it easier and more manageable to handle larger waste items while ultimately decreasing the space they take up.

Easy to Use

Compactors are easy to install and easy to use. After installation, it can be turned on with a simple push of a button to compress, crush, and flatten waste. Even though using a compactor is straightforward, it is intended to be used by trained personnel.

Compactor Safety

Waste problems can create many dangers, such as toxic and hazardous effects. Waste that is left unattended can rot, smell bad, and create risk. Using a trash compactor confines these smells and directly compresses the waste.

There are strict restrictions on what waste can be put into trash compactors. You cannot put in toxic chemicals, explosives, or other items that generate bad vapors or smells.

Appearance of a Compactor

Trash management through traditional means often leads to garbage overruns and bad business appearance. Instead of overflowing trash that can be tough to get rid of, compactors can create a tidy attractive looking site.

Public Relations

Public awareness of environmental practices has dramatically improved, and businesses that do something to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability generally receive public favor.

Environmental stewardship is now a key factor relating to a company’s image. In the United States, obvious signs that companies waste management, recycling programs have taken shape, and companies are beginning to develop “corporate sustainability” programs.

These elements can be a significant part of forming a positive public image as well as possibly gaining customer approval.

Adequately including a compactor waste management system and sustainable leadership initiatives for a company can lead to an emerging public image associated with these environmental ideas.

Environmental Impact

When establishing a compactor system, those benefits listed above are all important however, the issue of environmental awareness will be the most significant.

Living out the “Going Green” concept that some forward-thinking companies have embraced may also offer a vital part of the sustainability mission by reducing waste in landfills and increasing recycling activity.

A trash compactor can effectively decrease the volume of waste going to landfills, and aid in the ability to separate recyclables, as an important partner in the fight to minimize environmental impacts, and in containing contaminant safety.