Trash Compactors

Taking out the garbage has never been a pleasant task and there have been few innovations to make it any nicer. One of them however was the invention of the trash compactor. Trash compactors are metal containers that have a plunger forced down into it by a strong electrical motor. This plunger usually is set between 2,000 to 5,000 pounds per square inch of force and mashes the debris into a more solid mass. Studies show that the average trash compactor can reduce the volume of trash by as much as 75% which saves a great deal of space in the landfills. Compacting your trash also cuts down on the amount of trash that may be left laying around the dumpster areas of businesses like groceries and restaurants where vermin or scavengers can spread it around and create unsanitary conditions.

The Whirlpool Company has the honor of introducing the first home trash compactors for kitchen use. Almost all of the home trash compactors now utilize a bag on the inside that makes removal to the trash collection areas easier and safer. Since compacting glass may leave shards that can pierce the bag it is recommended to always wear heavy gloves, carry the bag from the top and not let it contact your body. Jenn-Air, Broan and Whirlpool produce some of the strongest trash compactor bags. These trash compactor bags are made from much heavier, reinforced plastic than your average kitchen trash bag as they must also withstand the pressure of the compaction process.

Because of the pressure involved, it is advised to never place aerosol cans, flammable liquids or rags soaked in these substances into a trash compactor. Routine cleaning of your trash compactor will help keep it in good working order but one should always make sure the unit is unplugged before cleaning the inside of the appliance.

The smallest trash compactors are about 12 inches deep and are made for use in recreational vehicles (RV's). There are portable trash compactors made that can be moved from place to place in workspaces and warehouses as well as the huge dumpster type trash compactors that have to be removed with a lift truck when they are full.

While it is possible for the experienced handyman to do repairs on their trash compactor and replace worn or broken parts, a good understanding of electrical wiring is needed. Anyone who is not sure of their expertise should hire a trained repairman to prevent damage to the equipment or create a dangerous situation because of the high pressures involved.