Compactors 101: Your Guide to Understanding Compactor Configuration Types

When it comes to selecting the best trash compactor for your business, you need to understand the various configuration types available. Trash compactors come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Each one is designed to help compact waste. This, in turn, helps you dispose of larger volumes of waste. Compactors also help you have fewer trash pickups so you are able to reduce your waste management costs.

Self-Contained Compactors

Self-contained compactors typically sit on the ground and are also known as “ground fed” compactors. Waste is deposited directly through the opening on the side of the compactor. Waste may need to be lifted to deposit into the opening.

These models are typically found outdoors behind a business. They may be fenced in to keep others from accessing and using the compactor. This setup is an affordable solution that is quick and easy to implement.

Self-contained compactors are a great choice for restaurants and other such businesses that have liquid and food waste. Odors are contained within the compactor. Plus, they are sealed to prevent liquids from leaking out and onto the ground.

Vertical Compactors

Vertical compactors are similar to self-contained compactors, except the compactor press is vertical instead of horizontal. The compactor can be loaded from the ground, off a dock, or through a wall with an optional chute-fed system add-on.

The primary benefit of a vertical compactor solution is it will fit into a smaller space than a self-contained compactor. For instance, you might have limited space in the alleyway behind your business for a compactor.

A self-contained model would block most of the alley, making it difficult for you to get deliveries. With a vertical compactor configuration, you still have sufficient space for delivery trucks to make deliveries.

Freestanding Compactors

This type of compactor configuration includes several different sizes of compactors. Their key feature is they are easily portable so they can be moved around as needed from one location to another, although you do need the right equipment to lift and move the compactor.

A stationary compactor is one such configuration. This compactor allows for ground loading and compacts waste into a separately attached waste receptacle. They are well-suited for businesses that generate a large volume of waste, including retail stores, hospitals, industrial plants, and grocery stores.

Another freestanding configuration is an apartment compactor. The compactor fits into tight spaces. It can be configured as a front or rear load model. A chute can be attached to the top for easy depositing of waste from a high-rise building. This style also works well for office buildings, hotels, and hospitals with limited trash compactor space.

Indoor Trash Compactors

An indoor trash compactor is designed to fit inside your business. It is used to compact waste down into “cubes” that are easily transported to your dumpster using the included lift cart. The compaction ratio is fifteen bags of trash to one compacted cube of trash. This type of trash compactor solution is perfect for fast food restaurants, schools, hotels, full-service restaurants, small retail operations, cruise ships, and casinos.

Aside from these standard trash compactor options, custom configurations are also available. Sometimes you may have specific needs that require a specific compactor setup to suit your needs. At Global Trash Solutions, we can work with you to develop the most effective compactor solution to fit your specific business, needs, and budget.

We can also help you discover different methods you can use to help reduce your waste management costs with our waste consulting and brokering services. To learn more about our trash compactor solutions, waste consulting, brokering, or commercial compactor and baler repair services, please feel free to call us at 866-760-8194 today!