Compactor – efficient handling of large amounts of waste

In this article, you will get a practical guide to compactors, where we go through how they work, the benefits they provide, and how to choose the right solution for your business. 
You will also gain insight into the difference between stationary and mobile compactors and when a compactor can be the best choice for your waste management.

• What is a compactor
• How a compactor works
• The difference between stationary and mobile compactors
• Benefits and economy
• Compactor vs. baler
• When the solution makes sense

Here follows an explanation of the compactor process:

Waste is filled into the loading opening
Filling can occur in several ways. It can be filled manually – either from ground level or from a ramp.
One can also use mini bins to internally collect and transport the waste, and with the help of an integrated emptying system on the compactor – or an emptying system mounted on a ramp – empty these mini bins. Other filling options such as through a wall chute can also be a possibility.

The press cylinder is activated
When the waste is in the loading opening, the compactor’s hydraulic press cylinder is activated. The press plate moves forward and presses the material into the bin.

The material is compacted directly in the bin
The compactor presses the waste together and pushes it directly into the bin. By compacting the material under high pressure, the volume of the waste is significantly reduced, which allows for a more efficient use of the bin’s capacity.

The bin is filled with tightly compacted waste
After several compaction cycles, the bin is gradually filled with tightly compacted waste. 
Typically, a full notification is set up, so that a message is given when the compactor is 75-80% full and emptying of the compactor needs to be requested.
The result is a significant volume reduction – often up to 75%.

See a compactor in operation right here

Benefits of a stationary compactor
Ideal for large, continuous waste volumes
A stationary compactor is particularly suitable for businesses with large and continuous waste volumes, where the need for internal/manual waste handling is desired to be minimized.

Higher compaction force
A stationary compactor – depending on the model – typically has a higher press force than the mobile one, making it suitable for heavier and larger waste, such as production waste, cardboard, and large amounts of cardboard, residual waste, etc.

Flexible bin size
With a stationary compactor, the bin size can be adapted to the physical conditions at the installation site and to the need that may exist to optimize logistics. At the same time, the bin – if an extra one has been acquired – can be changed quickly, so that only a short waiting time occurs in connection with emptying the bin.

Efficient for industrial operation
A stationary compactor is developed for demanding commercial environments and operates stably in industrial operation, where efficient waste handling is an important part of daily logistics.

See stationary compactors here.

Advantages of a self-contained compactor

Minimal installation
A self-contained compactor requires only limited installation, as the compaction unit and bin are combined in one solution.
This makes a self-contained compactor easy to implement without major changes to the company’s existing waste area.

Flexible placement
A self-contained compactor can be placed in different locations on the company’s premises depending on needs and space conditions. Only access to a power supply is required.
The flexible placement allows waste management to be adapted to daily operations and logistics.

Versatile use
The self-contained compactor can be used for many different types of waste; such as residual waste, cardboard and paper, plastic, organic (wet) waste, and other fractions.
Space saving
The self-contained compactor is perfect where space is limited, for example, behind shops, at warehouses, or on construction sites.

Robust and easy to maintain
The self-contained compactor is designed for outdoor use in all weather conditions and has relatively few wear parts to minimize maintenance.

Save on transport costs
A filled self-contained compactor typically contains about 3 tons of cardboard and about 5-6 tons of residual waste – naturally depending on the waste. In a 20 m3 bin with loosely folded cardboard, you would typically have 600-650 kg of cardboard. This means that with a self-contained compactor, you only need to empty once for every 5 empties of a regular 20 m3 bin. In this way, transport costs are saved and, depending on the setup, it can help reduce related CO2e emissions. 

See our range of self-contained compactors here

By compressing the waste directly in the bin, a compactor can significantly reduce the volume and thereby decrease the need for frequent collections. 
This can be advantageous for businesses where transport costs and logistics play a major role in waste management.
If the waste, on the other hand, consists of clean and sortable materials like cardboard or plastic, a waste baler can often be a more relevant solution. A waste baler compresses the material into tight bales, which are easier to handle and can simultaneously have a higher recycling value.

Read about our waste balers here.

The price of a compactor depends on

• Type (stationary or self-contained)
• Press force
• Bin size
• Installation
• Service agreement

• Lower internal handling costs
• Fewer collections
• Lower transport expenses
• Reduced waste fees

What is a compactor?

A compactor is a hydraulic machine that compresses waste directly into a bin to reduce the volume of waste. By pressing the waste together, the bin is filled more efficiently, which can reduce the need for frequent collections and make waste management more efficient in businesses with large amounts of waste.

How much does a compactor reduce waste?

A compactor can typically reduce waste volume by up to 80%, depending on the type of waste and the compactor’s capacity. By compressing waste directly in the bin, space is better utilised, which means fewer emptyings and more efficient waste logistics.

What is the difference between a stationary and self-contained compactor?

A stationary compactor has a fixed press unit, while the bin can be replaced separately during emptying. A self-contained compactor, on the other hand, combines the press unit and bin into one complete unit, which is replaced as a whole when it is full.