What are the different types of waste compactors?

Are you considering renting a waste compactor? There are many obvious benefits to doing so; the right waste management system can help you cut operational costs, for example. It can also ensure better hygiene onsite and increase your available space.

Waste compactors improve the efficiency of your disposal processes by reducing the number of trips required for removal – this has environmental benefits too!

Maybe you’re unsure what a waste compactor does? It’s an enhanced bin for waste that crushes everything you throw into a small, dense package. The best waste compactor for you depends on where you plan to use it as well as the type and amount of waste generated.

Read on to learn more about the different types of waste compactors available and their purposes.

4 different kinds of waste compactors

So, you’ve realised that your business could benefit from the use of a waste compactor. There are different kinds available, so you should check which one is most suitable for your needs. This will depend on the space you have available for the machine as well as the capacity you require.

Static Waste Compactor

A static compactor is installed in one location and bolted there. This kind of compactor is commonly used in manufacturing facilities, and it can handle up to 32 cubic yards of compacted waste. They’re easily emptied: all you must do is remove and swap the skip – so down-time is around 15 minutes.

Portable Waste Compactor

The big difference between this machine and a static is that the whole machine and container is taken away by your waste contractor leaving you without anywhere to put your waste whilst this is being taken away, emptied and returned.  Businesses really only choose this if the material taken away has ‘Wet Waste’ loaded.

Bin Compactor

If your business is one that generates more than one waste bin in a shift , or the waste area is a long way to the bin store then you can use a Bin compactor instead of a bin in the area where waste is produced.  At the end of the shift – or when the bin is full it can be wheeled to the waste area, unloading using a clever lift trolly and dumped into the 1,100 waste bin or skip.  Saves skip space, has a very small footprint and saves a lot of labour to and from the waste area.

1,100 Bin Compactor

This type of compactor will compact directly into a 1,100 wheelie bin and normally sited in your bin area.  This can reduce the number of bins of have by 70-80%.  The best ones will lift the bin whilst compacting the material.

Compactors vs Balers

The terms “compactor” and “baler” are often used interchangeably; however, there are notable variations between the two. Although they are both used to compact waste, the type of waste that they’re equipped to handle is different.

It’s important to select the right machine according to the waste your work will generate. Otherwise, you risk damaging it.

A baler can be used to condense recyclable materials. That includes cardboard, plastics, and metal. Compactors are used for unsorted waste of all kinds. Cardboard Compactors can be used for wet waste, whereas waste balers cannot.

Where will your waste be sent once it is compacted? If you plan to recycle it, use a baler. If it’s going to a landmine, you need a waste compactor. Compactors are encouraged after you have tried to recycle as much material as possible through baling – but only if you have enough general waste left to consider this.

Different sizes of baler

If you have a waste bill of £25 per week or more, it is likely that renting some form of equipment could save you time and money while reducing your CO2 footprint.

Small compactors start with a QCR XP100 or QCR XP200. These tiny footprint compactors are fantastic when space is an issue.  Volumes can be reduced between 3:1 and 10:1, depending on the material. Another small compactor that's very popular is the QCR 1,100 Bin press, which conveniently lifts a 1100 wheelie bin in order to compact directly into it. 

If you have a waste cost in excess of £100 per week, then you may need to start looking at larger compactors.  A vast range of static, mobile, bin lifts and dock loading options exist, with differing power requirements available.

Choosing the right compactor for you

Waste compactors and balers come in many types and sizes. It’s understandable to be a little overwhelmed by the choices available! Why not consult the experts? QCR is happy to offer a free site survey, after all. 

Waste companies also offer this service. However, they make more money from any uncompacted waste or loose recycling materials they collect. Could that fact inform the guidance that they give?

It’s crucial that you rent the right type of equipment to suit your business, so seek advice. You’ve nothing to lose by requesting a free QCR site survey.