There are several key differences in waste compactor type.
Wet Waste Compactors
This waste compactor machine has a unique scoop action ram which sits above where a standard compactor ram will be. This prevents the ram and other components from sitting in volumes of wet or liquid waste which on a standard machine would cause severe wear and tear. This type of machine is also called ‘self cleaning’ because as the scoop action ram moves it effectively cleans the immediate access area of the machine which otherwise would have a build up of foul smelling waste.
A common problem on a standard waste compactor is that waste can find its way behind the compacting ram. This happens particularly with wet waste which is easily condensed into tight spaces. On a standard model, as the ram returns it can effectively compact waste up against key mechanical components in the front of the machine causing significant damage and cost. A food waste compactor with its scoop action ram solves this issue.
This particular range can also be fitted with perforated floors and drainage taps, allowing for liquids to run off and settle in a trap at the base of the machine. This is a particularly important feature as due to the wet nature of food waste it weighs significantly more than most other waste types. By having this feature, you can release the excess liquids in the machine saving significant tonnage on every collection.
When an average rate per tonne is in excess of £130, this quickly adds up to tens of thousands of pounds in savings.
Wheelie Bin Compactors
This particular range is designed to be safe, fast and easy to use alongside standard wheelie bins as a cost and space saving solution.
Giving typical 90% volume reduction on mixed waste, they will help reduce the number of bins that are filled. This results in fewer bin collections and more space on site.
For added peace of mind, these models are designed to sit the bin off the ground during the compaction cycle to avoid damage to the bin wheels and base. Replacement waste bins and castor wheels are expensive so this is a very welcome feature. The operator is also kept safe with a two hand control.
Screw Compactors
This range has a unique screw action compaction method which is particularly effective at crushing and compacting heavy-duty cardboard and even bales, paper, plastics, one-way pallets, crates and wood, returned goods, dough, foods and other hard to handle waste materials.
It is also particular effective where a measure of product destruction is required, such as preventing defective goods as being in any condition for re-sale.
Drum Compactors
This model compacts light metal and rolling hoop drums into small, pressed units making it the perfect solution for drum recycling. The press is fitted with four replaceable piercing spikes and an integral tray for collecting residual liquids for safe disposal.
Due to an extremely solid machine design (it weighs literally twice as much as some competitor machines) and is ideal for the harshest environments featuring a patented guidance system, guaranteeing a long working life and low lifetime cost.
If you are looking to increase space on site and increase your metal rebates from storing greater tonnage prior to collection, this machine may be the right option.
Suitable for light-weight barrels, steel strapped barrels, washing machine drums, beer kegs etc.
Portable compactors
These models come in a variety of sizes with two options for collection.
The first option is using a rollonoff vehicle and is used for the larger waste compactors, you may have seen this type of machine or a separate bin being ‘rolled on and off’ the floor on collection or delivery when connected to a static compactor.
Rollonoff Portable waste compactors typically requires more headroom and floor space (approximately 23 metres) for the collecting vehicle and compact between 9,000 – 12,000 kgs of general waste.
The second option are skip lift compactors, which are lifted vertically from where they are sat using chains, just like a skip. These models are smaller and take up less floor space and require less headroom. You also do not need as much space for the collecting vehicle or head height. This machine could sit in a parking bay with an adjacent vehicle to collect with ease. A skip lift compactor however, will compact between 3,000 – 6,000 kg of general waste.
Static compactors
This type of rubbish compactor is bolted to the floor, with a mobile bin that is collected either using a skip lift or rollonoff vehicle, subject to space.
The machine is not fully sealed like the above machines and if you are generating any type of wet waste, you may find liquids from the join between the compactor and bin. If not provided with adequate cover, you can also find rain water enters the machine and mixes with waste before finding its way out, causing staining and smells to adjacent flooring.
This option is particularly effective for dry waste types, whether that is general waste or recycling.
They typically cost less as the bin is supplied by your waste management provider and have various options for sizing for small businesses up to large waste stations.
In terms of bin weights, these are comparable to portables between 6,000 – 12,000 kgs.