A Guide to Understanding Industrial Compactors

trash compactor

With trends toward greener and more environmentally friendly practices rapidly on the rise, a broad range of commercial operations is embracing waste compactor equipment to meet their evolving waste management needs.

The need for waste management and disposal now impacts so many different sectors of the business community. Beyond the traditional needs of manufacturing and light industry, hospitals and healthcare services as well as the hospitality industry are finding cause to source and install trash compactors.

Here is a guide to the basic types of compactor available and their general applications.

Selecting a waste compactor

When it comes to the selection and purchase of a compactor unit for the business, it will be of great benefit to have an understanding of the different configurations available. Compactors will typically come in a range of shapes and sizes, and selection will also depend upon the volume of waste that they will be expected to process.

A look at the compactor recycling equipment available on the market will further assist in selecting the most efficient compactor for the specific needs of the business in question.

What does a waste compactor do?

The waste compactor can be considered as the first point of the recycling process. Put simply, it prepares a range of recyclable waste products for removal to a purpose-built recycling process facility.

The compactor does just what its name suggests – via a mechanical pressure process, it compacts separated waste into a reduced size in preparation for collection.

Bear in mind that the compactor will not sort different types of waste like a recycling plant process; rather, it relies on the user to feed a specific type of waste product into it.

‘Ground fed’ compactors

The ground-fed-style compactor is a self-contained unit and is typically located outside. It can occupy a large space horizontally and must be considered as a fixed, non-movable installation. This means that some forethought must be given to its location, ensuring it is accessible for waste disposal and any maintenance actions. Proximity to an external power outlet may also need to be considered.

Vertical-style compactors

Similar in operation and location to the ground-fed unit, the vertical style compactor has its compaction unit positioned vertically as opposed to the horizontal layout of the former type.

This configuration may be the preferred choice if space is at a premium, as it will fit a smaller space comparative to the ground-fed unit.

Indoor compactors

Businesses such as gymnasiums and leisure centers may benefit from an indoor installation. These units are typically smaller in size and processing ability in comparison to their bulkier outdoor counterparts.

With a range of models and configurations available, a broad range of commercial operations can now benefit from a purpose-installed waste recycling compactor unit.

Portable and freestanding units

As the name suggests, the portable unit is designed to be moveable and is typically equipped with trolley wheels to permit relocation. This may be preferential for businesses such as retail and grocery stores or hospitals, where waste is generated in a number of locations or work areas and a portable arrangement adds more value.

It should be borne in mind that portable units may still be reasonably heavy and may require some forethought when being moved.

Other forms of fixed installation freestanding units are also available, which may often be configured for applications such as ‘high rise’ or multi-story buildings.