Do Waste Compactors Work with Any Bin?

15th Aug 2024

If your organisation produces lots of waste and subsequently has lots of bins, it’s likely that you’ll benefit from using a waste compactor. Primarily used by businesses to help reduce waste disposal costs, these machines can also help to save space and boost sustainability. Bins are available in all shapes and sizes, and as a result, there are a wide range of solutions available. In this blog we’ll help you find the most appropriate type of waste compactor to match your bin.

How Do Waste Compactors Work?

They work by squashing rubbish, so it takes up less space inside a bin. Not only is the waste itself compressed, any air pockets surrounding the material are also reduced. For businesses that pay for waste collection based on the size of bin they have, the savings made by squashing waste inside it can be substantial. More so if you also pay to hire the bin itself. The process of squashing rubbish enables you to add more waste material into the container before it overflows, effectively increasing the capacity of your bin.

From an environmental point of view, using one can help a business to reduce the frequency that collections are required and improve hygiene standards too. Both can be very desirable if your bins are visible to the public, collections are infrequent, or the waste collection process causes disruption at your site.

What Are the Different Types of Waste Compactors?

Broadly speaking, there are three main types of waste compactor available, those that compact waste before it is placed in a bin, those that compact waste after it has been placed in a bin and those that compress waste into bundles.

Solutions for compacting rubbish inside a bin
These machines feature a compaction plate that fits inside the bin which is why they are sometimes referred to as in-bin compactors. Machines designed for use in a commercial setting are often powered by hydraulics taking any strain out of the process for the operator. They can be installed inside or outside.
Solutions for compacting rubbish before it is placed in a bin
There are various bespoke solutions for compacting different types of rubbish. For example, if you want to reduce the volume of empty glass bottles and jars, they can be crushed using a glass crusher. Once crushed, the material can be placed in a bin. There are additionally Cardboard recycling compactors specifically designed to compact cardboard either into bales or bins.
Solutions for compacting waste into bundles
Some waste materials in sufficient quantity and quality, can be bundled into bales or blocks and sold for recycling.

Are Specific Compactors Designed to Work with Specific Bins?

If you want to compact rubbish inside a bin, it is important you choose the right type of compactor to get the best results from your machine, ensure the safety of your team and prevent any damage to the bin itself. The most popular sizes of wheeled commercial bin are 1100L, 660L, 360L or 240L. If you are unsure of the size of your container, you might find it printed on the side of it or you can ask the collection copany who provided it to you.

What Bins Work with Different Compactors

The most popular type of rubbish press designed for a specific size of business bin are:

Whilst you do not need to tell your Waste Collection Company that you are using a compactor, you will need to check whether there is a maximum weight allowance for the material stored inside your bin. You also need to check whether rubbish you have placed into a bin is safe to compact.

Waste Compactors Available at QCR

QCR have been a leading supplier of waste compacting equipment in the UK since 1999. We have over 25 years’ experience of providing equipment for a wide range of businesses. We have a number of compactors of different sizes and purposes to explore on our website. These can be hired or purchased. If you’re unsure, our friendly team are happy to give advice about which machine would be most appropriate for you.

We have a free waste audit service. This means our team can visit your business and give recommendations about how our equipment can save you time, space and money. In most cases, we’ll be able to give you a free trial of our compactors (subject to machine availability and some geographical restrictions). Choosing QCR means you’ll be working with a team who are Safe Contractor accredited too.