Suppose you are shopping for a new trash compactor and are wondering how much does a compactor weigh? Are these small appliances heavy? Perhaps the compactor you have used for a decade has passed on, and it is time to find a new model, and you are wondering what has changed over the years? We've researched these questions and have found results to share with you!
Generally, most under-the-counter trash compactors manufactured for residential use weigh 150 lbs. There are two types of models available, either freestanding or installed under-the-countertop. The dimensions for the width range from 12 to 15 inches, height from 34-1/8 to 35 inches, and depth from 24 to 24-1/2 inches.
Are you wondering how much trash a quality compactor can hold? Or what are the dimensions of the average trash compactor if most weigh 150 lbs? How do industrial trash compactors differ from residential models? Please continue to read this post; we have informative research results to share with you!
Trash Compactor Dimensions
The average residential trash compactor's width ranges from 12 to 15 inches, height from 34-1/8 to 35 inches, and depth from 24 to 24-1/2 inches. Whether the compactor is freestanding or an under-the-counter unit, it will require an 18-gallon compactor bag for the 15-inch width trash compactor, and those bags will work for 12 inch wide units as well.
Do not use a traditional kitchen bag in the trash compactor. It will not be able to withstand the pressure of compacting and will break inside the compactor. Always use bags designed for trash compactor usage.
Non-standard sizes are available for residential use, with capacity sizes ranging from 5 gallons to 50 gallons. The 5 to 12-gallon range is best suited for single-person households and small businesses with one to three employees that don't generate a large amount of trash. Trash compactors ranging from 28 to 50 gallons are helpful for households with large families, excellent for multi-generational living.
Click here to view the stainless steel Household Essentials Trash Compactor on Amazon.
Are you wondering how to remove a built-in trash compactor from your kitchen? Click here to read our article that details the topic with well-referenced answers.
This particular compactor is great for one-person households.
Click here to view the stainless steel 5-gallon Joseph Joseph Trash Can Compactor at Amazon.
Industrial trash compactor dimensions
Industrial trash compactors are massive machines that process thousands of pounds of non-recyclable waste to reduce the volume of billions of people's waste before it is taken to a landfill. There are several different types of industrial compactors that vary in capacity and dimensions that serve public and private industries.
Here, we'll focus on the four most common types of industrial trash compactors:
Apartment trash compactor
Apartment trash compactors bins' dimensions range between 15 to 28 feet and can hold 4,000 to 7,000 pounds of waste. These trash compactors are commonly found in the ground level of high-rise apartment buildings that house hundreds of trash-creating residents.
Often these machines are connected to a chute that allows residents and service workers to drop their non-recyclable waste down the chute for compacting.
Stationary or break away trash compactor
Generally, stationary and break-away trash compactors are connected to a ground-mounted compactor. Most models are 40-42 cubic yards, although some could be larger or smaller depending on the business's needs. These are excellent for businesses with limited space for waste.
Self-contained trash compactor
Generally, the self-contained trash compactor is used for compacting wet non-recyclable waste. The average dimensions for self-contained trash compactors range from 15 to 35 cubic yards. These large compactors are quite similar to the stationary or break-away compactor models.
Moreover, they do differ because the compactor is not ground-mounted. Rather it is serviced by a roll-off truck, and the compactor and receiver container are connected as one complete unit.
Vertical trash compactor
Often vertical trash compactors are referred to as VIPs within the waste management industry. Vertical trash compactors are usually 6 to 8 cubic yards and are serviced by front-load trucks. These are used for industries that create massive amounts of waste and lack space for compacting or sorting on site.
Often restaurants will use these during the busiest seasons when waste is at an all-time high and space for non-recyclable materials is limited.
Are you wondering if a residential trash compactor will crush your aluminum cans? Click here to read our article the discusses this important topic!
How much trash can a compactor hold?
A trash compactor designed for in-home usage will hold between 20 to 25 pounds of trash. Approximately .12 cubic yards of compacted waste materials. This appliance's primary function is to compact household trash to its smallest size possible to reduce waste volumes in landfills and waste management facilities.
The capacity weight within the compactor's bag can vary depending on the type and weight of materials compacted. Suppose you are compacting your weekly household waste, and the bag is full, and it doesn't feel like it weighs 20 to 25 lbs. Next, you compress your aluminum cans for the recycling bin, and the bag is only half full, and it weighs considerably more than the household trash bag. This occurs because the volume and weight between the different types of waste greatly vary.
The universal size for a trash compactor bag is 18 gallons. These bags are designed for 12- to 15-inch wide models with an average weight capacity ranging between 20 to 25 lbs. These bags are not as affordable as traditional kitchen garbage bags.
Please do your best to maximize the amount of garbage within your trash compactor before removing the bag. Always allow the bag to fill up. Never overfill it! Overfilling leads to issues with the drawer closing and opening properly.
Keeping your trash compactor clean is highly important for keeping it in the best working condition possible. Click here to read our article that details the necessary steps for cleaning your trash compactor.
Safety considerations for trash compactor ownership and usage
Owning a trash compactor does provide many benefits for your budget and the environment. Please remember that these powerful appliances generate great force to compact your trash. Always be mindful and practice proper safety precautions when operating your trash compactor. Consider keeping a pair of safety gloves clipped to your compactor for easy access.
- Never place your hand inside the compactor when it is jammed
- Do not allow children or pets access to the interior of the trash compactor
- Wear gloves when changing the bags
- Unplug the compactor when changing the bags or performing any maintenance tasks
- Keep hair tied back or under a cap to prevent it from getting caught in the compactor
- Follow the manufactures suggested maintenance routine
- Keep the trash compactor clean to prevent the growth of harmful bacterias and mildews
- Only use bags designed for trash compactors
- Please do not leave the trash compactor open when it is not in use
Precautions to keep your appliances and household safe
Do not overload the trash compactor. Doing so will generally break the appliances drawer or ram. If the drawer is stuck, do not force it to move. Wear safety gloves and look for what is causing the drawer to jam. Contact a certified technician or the manufacturers' customer help center if you cannot find the issue.
Do not store chemicals, gasoline, or any flammable materials near the trash compactor. The risk of chemical combustion via the liquids or vapors is present if near any electrical appliance. Trash compactors are not an exception to this rule!
Do not smoke near the trash compactor. Small bits of paper or other flammable waste materials are often present in or around the compactor that could easily catch fire.
If you install an under-the-counter unit, consider having a professional electrician examine the circuit and install the electrical components.
Suppose you are going on vacation; always empty your trash compactor before leaving to prevent moisture from building up inside the compactor while you are away from home.
In closing
Trash compactors can significantly reduce your trash output and help prepare recyclables for the waste management center. Great news for Mother Earth, less garbage going into landfills! We hope that this article has helped you learn valuable information about the dimensions and weights of trash compactors. Please visit kitchenseer.com soon for further educational content and culinary inspirations!
Before you go, please, be sure to check out some of our other posts to find helpful suggestions for everyday issues:
How To Lubricate A Trash Compactor
Is My Microwave Too Close To The Stove?
How To Keep Your Kitchen Trash Can From Sliding On The Floor
![A woman throwing away sliced peppers in to the trash compactor, Do Trash Compactors Need Special Bags? [And How To Measure For Them]](https://kitchenseer.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/A-woman-throwing-away-sliced-peppers-in-to-the-trash-compactor-1-250x250.jpg)
