Self-contained commercial compactors are designed specifically for wet/liquified waste applications. The compactor is permanently attached to the container and mounted on its understructure. When the container is full, the entire unit is loaded onto a roll-off hoist truck for transportation to the landfill.
Self-contained compactors are designed to handle waste that has a high content of liquid as well as mixed and dry waste like that generated by cafeterias, supermarkets, shopping centers, hotels, hospitals, nursing homes, restaurants, etc.
A 30 yard dumpster typically holds about 3.5-5 tons, or 7,000-10,000 pounds. However, the exact weight limit depends on the type of container you're renting and the materials you're tossing.
Stationary Compactors are typically used for dry waste (i.e. for compacting cardboard and mixed paper, etc.) and can be positioned so that they are fed by a chute opening that is as simple as a thru-wall arrangement (so that employees do not have to walk outside to make the trash deposits). Unlike Self Contained Compactors, Stationary Compactors compact trash into a detachable Container (such as a 30 yard or 40 Yard Container). Stationary Compactors are designed and built with versatility and durability in mind and are ideal for a large variety of commercial and industrial applications.
Stationary compactors are designed to handle waste that has little-to-no liquid in it like that generated by retail stores, manufacturing facilities, offices, etc. They are also used for large volumes of recyclable materials such as office paper and cardboard.
The ultimate goal of trash compactors is material volume reduction. The desired outcome is the substantial cost savings achieved by reducing the annual number of truck hauls required to remove the waste material.
In addition to cost savings, a properly designed compaction system can reduce labor costs and reduce waste storage problems.
A compactor uses a hydraulic metal ram to crush waste, reducing its surface area. Compactors typically work very similarly to a baler, in terms of loading a chamber before turning on to activate the ramming process, but the end result differs in terms of not producing a bale in the same way a baler does.
Material Processing - Compactors are, in reality, pre-crushers and compactors combined. The pre-crushing characteristic is beneficial when product destruction is desired. The material is broken down from its original state and processed into a receiver bin. The auger crushes almost everything it's fed, breaking it down into small, uniform sizes. This allows the user to process pallets, display racks and other oversized items, which eliminates the need to bring these items to a transfer station or landfill.
No Mess - When the compactor and receiver bin are attached the unit is 100% sealed. Access to the compacted material is denied because the auger continuously processes material out of the auger chamber into the receiver bin. Upon separation, spillage is minimized by virtue of the relatively small, opening in the receiver bin.
Increased Compaction - The auger pre-crushes waste and recyclable material before it is processed into a receiver bin. This creates some of the highest compaction ratios possible, resulting in fewer pick-ups and greater savings compared to hydraulic compactors.
Minimal Labor Costs - The auger runs in a forward direction while processing, allowing for continuous feeding. The operator simply throws material into the hopper, closes the door and turns the unit on. The compactor crushes and processes the material into a receiver bin without any waiting time and is immediately ready for more.
The key difference between the two types of compactors is the type of waste they process. If your company deals with a fair amount of wet waste, such as a restaurant or hospital, a self-contained unit will best suit your needs, whereas stationary compactors are appropriate for dry waste.