Insightz

How Commercial Trash Compactors Improve Sanitation

Digital drawing of a commercial trash compactor, outlines in light green. Sparkles are on either side. ZTERS logo in bottom right.

For facilities and job-sites that generate high volumes of waste like grocery stores, stadiums, apartment buildings, and warehouses, a standard dumpster doesn’t always cut it. That’s where commercial trash compactors come into play. These heavy duty machines compact waste in watertight units, making disposal more manageable.

Trash compactors don’t only make waste disposal more convenient, they also present a number of advantages when it comes to sanitation and hygiene on your site. 

We’re covering 8 ways that compactors improve sanitation.

How Do Commercial Trash Compactors Work?

Here’s a quick and (not so) dirty rundown of how these commercial waste compactors work to help you understand the process:

  1. Loading: Trash is placed into the compactor’s chamber. This can be done manually or through a chute, depending on the design of the compactor.
  2. Closing the Door: The door or lid of the compactor is closed. Many compactors have safety mechanisms to ensure the door is securely locked before the compaction process begins.
  3. Activating the Compactor: The user activates the compactor, usually by pressing a button or turning a key. This starts the compaction cycle.
  4. Compaction Process: Inside the machine, a hydraulic or pneumatic ram pushes a large steel plate (called the compaction plate or ram) down onto the trash. The pressure exerted by the ram crushes and compresses the waste, reducing its volume significantly.
  5. Ejecting the Compacted Waste: After the compaction cycle is complete, the machine will either automatically eject the compacted waste into a bin or the user will need to remove it manually. Some compactors produce compacted waste in the form of bales or blocks, which can be easily handled and transported.
  6. Repetition: The process can be repeated as necessary, with the compactor being loaded and activated multiple times until the waste bin or container is full.

Now, as with any other piece of machinery, compactors sometimes experience issues. Check out our post on how to troubleshoot an industrial compactor if you find yourself in this situation.

Different Types of Compactors

Because the needs of different businesses vary, there are a number of different types of compactors available. The most popular types include:

  • Self-contained compactors: designed to hold wet waste, which makes them useful for locations disposing of food.
  • Vertical compactor: also known as a front-loaded compactor, can be easily emptied using a front-loading truck and is great for areas with limited space.
  • Stationary compactor: compresses dry materials like plastic and cardboard, typically bolted to the ground and useful at sites like hospitals and grocery stores. 

Wondering which option is right for you? Check out our blog post on the best industrial compactor for your needs.

8 Ways Compactors Improve Sanitation

1. They Reduce Waste Volume

By compressing waste into smaller, more manageable sizes, commercial trash compactors reduce the volume of trash. This leads to less clutter and fewer overflowing bins, creating a cleaner and more organized work environment.

2. Compactors Minimize Pest Infestations

Compacted waste is contained more effectively than loose trash. This containment reduces the attraction for pests such as rodents, insects, and birds, which are commonly drawn to open trash bins. Fewer pests mean a significant decrease in potential health hazards associated with them.

3. They Decrease Odors

Trash compactors seal waste more tightly, which helps to minimize the release of unpleasant odors. By reducing the exposure of organic waste to air, the decomposition process is slowed, resulting in less foul-smelling trash. This is particularly important in food-related industries and any jobsite where waste can quickly become malodorous.

4. They Enhance Waste Handling and Disposal

With waste being compacted, the frequency of waste collection can be reduced. This means fewer instances of waste piling up, which any business owner knows can cause a major disruption to your operations. This not only keeps the jobsite cleaner but also reduces the risk of accidental spills and waste scatter, which can create unsanitary conditions.

5. They Improve Worker Health and Safety

A cleaner job-site directly impacts worker health and safety. With less waste around, there is a lower risk of accidents such as trips, slips, and falls. On top of that, the reduced likelihood of a pest infestation and less odors contribute to a more pleasant and healthier working environment.

6. They Make Waste Segregation and Management Efficient

Some commercial trash compactors come with features that allow for the segregation of different types of waste. This capability ensures that hazardous materials are handled appropriately, preventing contamination and maintaining higher sanitation standards.

7. Compactors Prevent Contamination

Commercial trash compactors reduce the risk of environmental contamination by compacting and containing waste properly. This is particularly important for sites handling hazardous or sensitive materials, where proper waste management is crucial for maintaining site cleanliness and safety.

8. They Help Encourage Proper Waste Disposal Practices

The use of commercial trash compactors promotes a culture of proper waste disposal among employees. Knowing that waste will be compacted and managed efficiently encourages workers to be more conscientious about how they dispose of trash, contributing to overall jobsite cleanliness.

With all of this said, it’s important to ensure that your workers know how to properly operate a trash compactor—or understand that the machine is only to be operated by authorized users. Next to sanitation, safety is of utmost importance.

Give ZTERS Commercial Waste Services a Call

If you’re looking to make waste disposal on your job-site more efficient, get in touch with ZTERS Commercial Waste Services. At ZTERS, our commercial waste compactors help you:

  • Monitor compactor volume remotely
  • Securely manage usage
  • Create accurate billback reporting for shared environments
  • Accurately report waste/recycling volumes to meet sustainability goals
  • Get real-time reporting and status updates
  • Avoid having to reach out for service

We can set you up with a waste audit to analyze your output and help you optimize your waste stream. Give us a call to learn more about how we can help make your life easier.

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