Waste Compactors

Waste Compactors Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a waste compactor?

  A waste compactor is a combination of a machine and container used to compress volumes of waste on site.

  It’s typically used when a producer has too much waste or too little space for standard wheelie bins.

  By using a waste compactor, a typical organisation can save from hundreds to thousands of pounds every month compared to using bins or skips.

• What waste can go in a refuse compactor?

  All types of waste and rubbish can be disposed of into a compactor with the only exception being those that are regulated such as hazardous waste. When a waste type is not suitable for a compactor, it is typically the case when co-mingled with other waste types.

  Most commonly, a waste compactor is used for general waste streams. You can however use this type of machine as a cardboard compactor and for other singular waste and recycling streams where alternative solutions are not more appropriate such as when using a baling machine.

  You may opt for a compactor rather than a baler in instances where the business prefers not to commit any labour to feeding a machine and instead would prefer to tip a bin and walk away.

  You could alternatively, use a channel baler with a large hopper and photocell to constantly process volumes of recyclables without needing to assign labour to operating the machine.

• How do I save money by compacting waste?

  When waste is disposed of into a bin or skip in its loose and uncompacted state, the bin will commonly have significant ‘void space’.

  Where it is uncompacted, the total weight of a typical skip with general waste could be as low as several hundred kilograms (kg). The smallest waste compactor comparatively will store at least 3,000 kg and the largest can normally comfortably compact betwen 9 – 12,000 kilograms.

  By storing more waste in a refuse compactor, the number of collections is significantly reduced. You also avoid obscure costs with a transparent rate per tonne and transport fee (where wheelie bins typically have a huge cost per tonne disposal rate when calculating the average weight of a bin).

  The waste industry also operates on a per tonne basis so this is the most transparent way to manage your waste budget.

  When handling greater tonnage you can also obtain direct access to waste handling stations, rather than using a waste compactor vehicle on a route, providing even greater savings.

• What size waste compactor do I need?

  The size of compactor you require very much depends on:

  -The type of waste produced

  -The volume of waste produced

  -The available space on site

  -Available headroom and accessibility

  -Power availability

  -Typical waste spend & available budget

  Compact and Bale will provide full guidance on the best options based on each business or site. Our team will take into account any client requirements and the above particulars when proposing machinery to ensure all objectives are met.

• What are the different types of commercial waste compactor?

  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.

• How do we dispose of the waste in a compactor?

  This is an easy process and most waste management companies will have access to the necessary skip or rollonoff lorry to facilitate collecting your compactor.

  Our waste collections team can offer a competitive rate per tonne and collection fee on your general waste anywhere in the UK.

  If you are looking to process singular recyling streams such as cardboard or plastic, we also offer very competitive rebates exampled below.

  Rates are per tonne as of April 2022

  • Buying Cardboard up to £130
  • Buying Plastics up to £300
  • Buying Papers (such as sorted office paper) up to £200
  • Buying Metals up to £250
  • Buying Polystyrene  up to £550

  You can contact the team to facilitate any type of collection on 01732 85 22 44 or collections@compactandbale.com

• What maintenance is required for a refuse compactor?

  Our business has been trading since 2000 and with a long history comes experience and reach. Our team has grown significantly over this period from a small office to a large production workshop with a highly skilled team of engineers.

  Servicing

  Our engineers are based around the UK in the South, Midlands and North providing regular compactor servicing to all our clients.

  Servicing is typically carried out every six months and all our customers have an account to access all their maintenance records.

  In some instances, servicing may be scheduled more regularly dependent on the size of the compactor, how much it is used and which type of materials it processes.

  Breakdowns

  In the unlikely event that your commercial waste compactor breaks down, we operate a standard 24 hour call out time to attend and carry out repairs.

  Our compactor repair service team are experienced with repairing all manner of typical faults including those that are very much unexpected.

  The good news is, as suppliers of high quality commercial compactors, these instances are very much a rare occurrence.

  Maintenance Plans

  If you are looking to hire a waste compactor then you are fully covered for both periodical servicing and breakdowns.

  All repairs include compactor parts unless the damage is as a result of user error or negligence.

  If you are looking to outright purchase a rubbish compactor, then we have a number of plans providing excellent cover which are bespoke to each type of machine.