How does a Bin Compactor work and do you need one for your business?

Whatever your business sector, commercial waste costs are inevitable. Unfortunately for most businesses in the UK, waste costs are on the rise. Despite us all trying to reduce, reuse and recycle as much as possible, unavoidably some waste will end up in a commercial bin. All organisations should shop around for the best value waste collection service provider however, there is also another lesser-known way to reduce the costs of commercial waste disposal called a bin compactor.

What is a bin compactor?

A bin compactor is a type of waste compaction machine that is compatible with commercial bins.  The main feature of the compactor is a pressing plate which moves upwards and downwards to squash waste material inside the bin. 

How does a bin compactor work?

Once your bin is seemingly full of waste, the hydraulic or mechanical system of a bin compactor will apply a powerful force to squash down the contents of the bin freeing-up more space within in. This simple bin press mechanism will compact both general waste and recyclable waste such as cardboard and plastic.  

The degree of waste compaction achieved can be calculated by measuring the volume of waste before and after compaction. It is closely linked to the type of waste within the bin and how much it has already been compressed. The greatest level of compaction is achieved on squashable materials such as food packaging, whole cardboard boxes or polythene. With typical use in a commercial setting you can expect an average compaction ratio of approximately 33% which could mean that an organisation with 3 full bins on site could condense their rubbish down to only 2 bins of waste.

Important factors when choosing a bin compactor for your business

Before you start looking for a bin compactor, you need to have a clear understanding of which type you need. Rushing into a purchase increases the probablity of picking a compactor that won't fit or fulfil your future needs.  Here are a few factors you need to be mindful of:

1. Bin Compatibility: You need to ensure the machine you choose is compatible with the size of bin you use.  The most common size of bin used by commercial premises is 1100L and the corresponding compactor is the  QCR 1100L Wheelie Bin Compactor.  However, there are also options for smaller bins such as the QCR 660L Wheelie Bin Compactor.
2. Equipment Safety:  Under UK law, all bin compaction equipment installed in a business premises must comply with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER), This ensues that any waste compaction machinery is fit for purpose, safe to use and maintained in good working order.
3. Onsite Power Availability:  If you are using a bin compactor powered by electric, you'll need to check you have a power socket near to where you want to install it.
4. Flexibility: Business growth often leads to more waste. If your business is likely to grow in the future hiring a bin compactor is likely to be a better option than purchasing outright. Reputable suppliers of bin compacting equipment for hire will let you exchange your current machine for a bigger size when your volumes increase.  Read "Why hire a 1100L Bin Compactor" for more information on the benefits of hire.

What is the benefit of compacting your waste?

• Reduces the disruption of waste collection

Frequent visits from a waste collection company are not only expensive but can also cause disruption. By condensing waste it’s likely that you’ll be able to reduce the frequency that they are emptied leading to a reduction in your overheads.

• Reduces the frequency of waste pickups

Weekly business waste pick ups cost more than a fortnightly service due to increased transport and labour expenses. As a result,  switching to a fortnightly service as a result of  compacting your bins will cut costs.

• Negates the need to manually flatpack cardboard boxes

Manually flat packing boxes prior to putting them in a bin can be strenuous and can take up a significant amount of time. By compacting waste with a machine, it alleviates the manual handling involved.

• Reduces the number of bins at your site freeing up space

Bins are notoriously troublesome. They can be smelly, visually unappealing, cumbersome to move and attract undesirable visitors. By compacting your commercial waste, it’s likely that you can either reduce or downsize your bins. This is particularly appealing for organisations based in parts of the UK where waste segregation is now mandatory due to Simpler Reycling laws.

• Reduces the likelihood of overflowing bins

Despite your best planning skills, unforeseen peaks in waste volume may lead to overflowing bins at your site. A sunny bank holiday, a large delivery or a maintenance task may lead to your waste volume exceeding the capacity of your bin. Having the ability to compact your waste is likely to offset the need to arrange an additional emergency collection of waste.

• Boosts sustainability

Put simply, compacted waste takes up less space in bin lorries leading to fewer vehicles on the road. It also reduces the need for waste collection businesses to produce new bin containers.

What are the alternatives?

Cardboard Balers

For a higher degree of compaction and the opportunity to remove cardboard bins altogether, organisations with a recycling bin of full of cardboard waste should also consider a cardboard baler. Baling instead of simply squashing cardboard enables some organisations to monetise their waste providing the bales are produced in quantity and are of a specific size and standard.

Plastic Balers

Some types of plastic are highly flexible which can be problematic when attempting to compress it, this is where plastic balers come in. For some types of plastic, baling is likely to be more effective because the banding or wires prevent spring back.

GENERAL WASTE COMPACTORS

If in-bin compactors don't appeal, businesses can choose to compact waste into bags instead.  A broad number of machines fall into this equipment category so we recommend booking an appointment at your own premises to discuss options.

Conclusion

A business must find a way to reduce how frequently they are visited by a waste carrier to keep waste collection costs low.  A bin compactor is proven to reduce how often your bins need emptying. but you need to choose the correct type to get the biggest benefit. Get a free bin compactor consultation with QCR.