Choosing a Compactor

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Stationary compactors were first built in the early 1960’s. They were developed to increase the efficiency of waste disposal by reducing the number of trips to the landfill by the waste transporter. These first compactors were very large, heavy and expensive. They were used primarily by large industrial plants.

With the introduction of the various sizes, compaction became available to all types and sizes of commercial, retail and industrial businesses: supermarkets, department stores, hospitals, nursing homes, restaurants, hotels and shopping malls.

Types of Compactors

Horizontal Stationary Compactor “Break-Away”

  1. Waste type: Dry-mixed paper, corrugated, wood, plastic, etc.
  2. Application: Retail/department store, industrial, warehouse.
  3. Examples: 2, 3, 4 cu. yd. stationary, 40 cu. yd. container.

Self-Contained Compactor

  1. Waste type: Wet-garbage, food processing, medical.
  2. Application: Supermarket (produce/meat waste), restaurant, mall, hospital.
  3. Examples: 20, 30, 35 cu. yd. self-contained.

Frontload/Rearload Compactor

  1. Waste type: Primarily wet, garbage, food waste.
  2. Application: Fast food, nursing home, small grocery store.
  3. Examples: 6 cu. yd.

Questions to Ask
Volume of Waste Generated
Will the compactor be adequate to handle the volume generated?
Size of Waste
What are the dimensions of the largest box, bag, etc? Is the clear top opening large enough to accommodate these objects without bridging?
Type of Waste
Dry waste is efficiently compacted by a stationary compactor. Wet waste is best handled by a self-contained, liquid-tight compactor.
Location
Is one central point adequate or should several locations be considered?
Available Space
Is there space for the compactor and collection truck to service the compactor? Are overhead clearances adequate?
Suitable Voltage
Is adequate power available? Three-phase? Single phase?
Peak Loads
Is the compactor adequate to handle the volume of refuse generated at peak loading times?
Ease of Use
Is the compactor conveniently located? What is the loading height? Does it save steps and labor? Is it easy to feed?
Collection Equipment Compatibility
Is the compactor compatible with local waste collection equipment?
Installation
Does installation require a thru-the-wall chute, a doghouse, or a dock-fed hopper? Is the compactor adaptable to these types of installations?
Safety Standards
Does the installation comply with recommended ANSI standards? Is there a 42” high barrier between the user and the charge box? Is there an access interlock switch on chute or hopper doors and gates? Is the deadman button required?

Compaction Ratio

How much will a compactor reduce the volume of solid waste? There are several factors that determine compaction ratio: TYPE OF REFUSE, TOTAL FORCE OF COMPACTION RAM, and TYPE OF COMPACTION CONTAINER.

At the risk of over-simplification, it might be stated that the average compaction ratio for compactible, mixed waste is 4 to 1. For example, you could expect to compact 160 loose cubic yards of mixed waste into one 40 cubic yard container. In general, 4 to 1 could be used as a rule-of-thumb for most applications, but there are MANY EXCEPTIONS. For instance, industrial waste consisting mainly of pallets and heavy boxes might yield only a 2 to 1 compaction ratio. Even climate affects compaction ratio (frozen garbage is more difficult to compact than wet garbage). Consider ALL variables before estimating the compaction ratio for a specific application.

Who Needs a Compactor?

Not all generators of solid waste can justify compaction equipment. A convenience store with one 6 cubic yard container emptied once a week would not need a compactor. Larger volume waste generators are more likely prospects. A generator of 30 to 40 cubic yards of refuse weekly might justify a vertical. One that generates 60 to 150 cubic yards weekly could use a stationary compactor with a detachable container or a self-contained liquid-tight compactor.

Compactor Installation
  1. Concrete Pad Installation - Preferred dimensions of pad are 10’ wide and a length of 5’ greater than the combined length of the compactor and container.

    Examples:
    The pad should be a minimum of 3000 P.S.I. concrete, wire mesh reinforced and 6" thick.
  2. Electrical Installation - A lockable fused disconnect box (customer furnished) must be within sight of the compactor, not to exceed 6' from compactor.

    This equipment conforms to all applicable ANSI Z245.1 Safety Standards.

Compaction Containers
  1. Size: 20 cu. yd. to 40 cu. yd.
  2. Style: Rectangular or Octagon

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