Suppose you are considering options to reduce your carbon footprint and are entertaining the idea of purchasing a trash compactor for your home or office. Maybe you are wondering if it is worth the investment? How long should one expect a trash compactor to last? We've researched these questions and have found helpful answers for you!
On average, trash compactors for home, non-professional usage last from seven to twelve years. Seven is on the lower end of the spectrum for models that were used incorrectly or didn't receive general maintenance. The trash compactors that last eleven years are average for trash compactors that received regular maintenance.
Perhaps you are interested in learning more about trash compactors and what you could do to prolong their lifespans? Is the trash compactor worth my hard-earned money? Does owning a trash compactor reduce my home's carbon footprint? Please keep reading; we have concrete answers to all of these valid questions!
What is the average life of a trash compactor?
The average life of a trash compactor is seven to eleven years with proper maintenance. These statistics were determined by the 23rd Annual Portrait of The U.S. Appliance Industry Saturation. Trash compactors that did not receive regular maintenance were misused and typically stopped working around seven years.
Eleven years is considered industry average for a well-maintained trash compactor that didn't undergo excessive use, relatively average household volumes of garbage. The middle range of eight to ten years is a mix of factors, encompassing second-hand appliances, compactors that were partially maintained, and compactors that were misused; all of these issues could shorten the life of the trash compactor.
The determiner for recouping your investment is keeping the compactor clean and ensuring that it gets regular maintenance. Also, parts do break from continual use, be prepared to eventually replace or repair something during its seven to eleven-year lifespan. Please continue reading; we have important information regarding maintenance for you!
Are garbage compactors worth it?
Garbage compactors do provide many benefits for busy households. Using a trash compactor regularly in your household can cut the volume of waste by 75% per year. This is a staggering number. Not only will this appliance reduce the amount of space your garbage takes in the landfill, but it will also reduce how often you empty the trash can and cut back on trips to the dumpster.
Moreover, these brilliant appliances do not replace the need to recycle glasses, plastics, papers, and other recyclable materials. Instead, the compactor will reduce the volume of unrecyclable waste and minimize the bulk of the waste before being sent to the landfill.
Trash compactors offer another helpful option: the possibility of crushing aluminum cans, cardboard boxes, and recyclable plastics to prepare the materials for the recycling center. Reducing trash volumes and preparing your recyclables will dramatically reduce your home or office's carbon footprint.
Another benefit for owning a trash compactor is the mass of your trash will be dramatically minimized, which could help reduce your home's trash removal costs and homeowner association fees for outdoor trash receptacles.
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How do you maintain a trash compactor?
There are several simple methods to maintain a functional trash compactor with the potential to last your household for eleven years or more. Firstly, read your owner's manual for instructions for maintaining your trash compactor.
Also, check for the recommended frequency of those tasks. Word of caution- always unplug the trash compactor before cleaning or performing any maintenance or repairs. Wear gloves to protect your hands from any shards of glass or debris.
Generally, every brand and model of trash compactor requires greasing the hinges, releases, and other moving parts. Add this task to your Google calendar to avoid forgetting a vital part of the appliance's scheduled maintenance. The air filter is essential for preventing the growth of molds inside the compactor, and it should be checked every few months and replaced according to your owner's manual guidelines.
Suppose the maintenance tasks are outside of your comfort zone or scope of practice. Contact the manufacturers' customer service for any questions or referrals for repair people in your area.
Tips for regularly cleaning the trash compactor
Avoid spills inside the compactor. The liquid will create a mess and cause could foul odors to emanate from the garbage compactor. To help prevent this issue, lay cans flat on the bottom of the can so the compactor compresses those without causing any remaining liquids to spray inside the compactor.
Trash compactors do get dirty from processing trash and require cleaning often to prevent the growth of potentially dangerous bacterias and molds. Use antibacterial cleaners to reduce these risks. Spray the inside and outside, scrub to remove all dirt and debris. Then thoroughly wipe the compactor dry before replacing the bag.
Many models have a feature for air freshers or odor-absorbing charcoal filters. Suppose your model has these features it is important to replace those filters every few months to prevent nasty odors. Also, you could sprinkle a dusty layer of baking soda at the bottom of the compactor beneath the bag each time you replace the bag.
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Trash compactors are highly functional appliances that help keep your household or workplace running a bit smoother. These appliances do need regular lubrication for maintenance purposes. Click here to read our article that provides steps for lubricating your trash compactor properly.Â
Why is my trash compactor stopped working?
There are several reasons why your trash compactor may have stopped working.
Firstly, double-check to make sure the drawer is completely closed. If the drawer is even slightly ajar, the sensors will not allow the compactor to turn on. Secondly, check the connected circuit to see if it has been tripped. You can do this by checking your electrical panel. Generally, when relatively new trash compactors stop working, this issue is the main culprit.
If you find that the compactor is reluctant to compact garbage, the belts could be worn out, creating slack broken driving belts that will need to be replaced. If you are unsure how to do this, contact the manufacturer for further assistance or a repair person referral.
Suppose the drawer won't open easily. Check to ensure that the ram has successfully returned to the top of the compactor if the issue persists after checking the ram. Inspect the guides, rollers, tracks, and wheels for trapped dirt that could impede movement. Also, check these parts to see if any are damaged and need to be replaced.
Safety considerations for trash compactor ownership and usage
- 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
- Don't compact toxic or explosive materials
- Wear gloves when changing the bags
- Unplug the compactor when changing the bags or performing any maintenance tasks
- Tie your hair back or keep it 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
Keeping your trash compactor clean is paramount 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.Â
In closing
Trash compactors are excellent for reducing the amount of trash your household generates and lessens the strain on your local landfills. Remember investing your time in maintenance will save you money in the long run by reducing wear to the appliance, and it will help extend the trash compactors' lifespan in your house.
We sincerely hope this article has helped you gain valuable knowledge regarding trash compactor lifespans and maintenance. Please visit kitchenseer.com soon for further educational content and culinary inspirations!
Be sure to check out some of our other posts to help further your knowledge base:
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