Trash Compactors
Trash compactors, also know as garbage compactors or waste compactors, are used to compact waste material in order to reduce the size of waste material for better transportation and space efficiency. The typical trash compactor can reduce the volume of waste materials by 75%. Widely used in both commercial and industrial applications, trash compactors typically compact waste materials to be sent to landfills but can also be used for recycling purposes. Trash compactors can handle most waste materials safely, such as plastic, cardboard boxes, corrugated paper and general trash. However, exceptions exist and include aerosol cans, oily rags, flammable or explosive materials and poisonous materials. A broad range of industries benefit from the use of trash compactors, including food processing, marine, electronics, material handling, aerospace and pharmaceutical.
Trash compactors are composed of three main components: a trash container, a motor and a flat steel press. Trash containers are typically metal baskets that are located at the bottom of the trash compactor. The motor, which is generally powered by hydraulics, can be located at either the top or bottom. Steel presses are available in differing forces from 2000 to 5000 pounds and are stored in the top of the unit. Once the compaction process is initiated, the motor slowly lowers the press by rotating either a belt-and-pulley system or a set of reduction gears. The press is then lowered into the trash and exerts an intense force on the waste materials, which results in compression. When the pressure from the press reaches its programmed set point, the motor will reverse and raise the press back to its original position. Commercial trash compactors typically use bins or bags to store the newly compressed materials, while industrial trash compactors produce bales from the compressed waste materials.
As recycling becomes more central to industrial and manufacturing processes, trash compactors will continue to play a role in the process as well. For high waste-producing industries, such as plastic manufacturing and grocery stores, the choice of compacting waste materials for recycling is a matter of cost economy. Waste must be disposed of whether it is recycled or not, but using compactors to reduce waste bulk cuts down on carbon emissions, and recycling used materials for profit or for material recuperation provides an ROI on waste which would not have existed otherwise. There are many other advantages to using trash compactors for either waste transportation or recycling purposes. Trash compactors reduce the frequency of waste removal, eliminate overflowing waste containers, provide hygienic environments and improve facility housekeeping. However, there are a few drawbacks to trash balers such as mixing trash types and initial investments.