Every business generates waste, and depending on the space, time, and capacity of your current garbage and recycling dumpsters and bins, it might be the perfect time for getting a recycling or trash compactor for your business. In this article, we’ll go over common reasons to get a compactor, the considerations of space, placement, and other factors when installing one, and what related services you’ll need to keep them empty and working.

Why Do You Need a Compactor for Your Business?

You might need a compactor for your business for several reasons, either from the start of establishing one or changing circumstances.

• Large Volumes of Trash or Recycling: Of course, the most common reason is the volume of waste that passes through a business. At some point, it makes more sense to get a compactor than another dumpster.
• Efficient Space Usage: Compactors and their receiving containers can take up less space than the equivalent of uncompacted garbage or recycling, perfect for smaller businesses or loading docks.
• Curb Appeal and Nuisance Removal: A single compactor dumpster looks far better than multiple dumpsters or bins. This increases the curb appeal of your business and can cut down on other garbage-related nuisances (smell, insects, etc.) as well.
• Employee Consideration: Once they’ve been trained on operation and best compactor practices, employees tend to appreciate how they’re easier to use—as well as not having to brave the elements for garbage or recycling.

Commercial Compactor: Sizing and Placement Considerations

So, what factors into getting the right compactor for your needs? Look at your existing trash bills and figure out how much you’re currently having hauled away. Generally speaking, garbage or recycling can be compacted down to a 3:1 ratio. So, if your four cubic yard dumpster is getting hauled three days a week, you could cut that down to one with a compactor and the same sized container.

Space and power considerations should also factor into your compactor selection. You’ll need space around the compactor, as well as in front and overhead for the truck to pick up the unit. Most compactor units have three-phase power supply (480 V) requirements, but single-phase lower voltage units also exist.

Scheduled or On-Demand Compactor Servicing & Maintenance

The final thing to consider is the services you’ll need alongside your compactor and whether they should be scheduled or on-demand. You’ll need the compactors to be serviced—the containers hauled away and replaced or emptied, and you’ll need regular maintenance to avoid breakdowns. For compactor servicing, it depends on how consistently you’re generating volumes of waste. An on-demand service might make more sense if it’s unpredictable or seasonal. Maintenance should be done regularly to catch any issues but it can be adjusted depending on the amount you’re using the unit.

At LeBoeuf Rubbish Removal, we offer comprehensive compactor servicing, from custom design and installation to fit your specific needs to servicing and maintenance of compactors (including third-party) with receiving containers of 15 to 40 cubic yards. Learn more on our commercial services page. Commercial businesses aren’t the only ones that can benefit; condos and apartments can make use of both garbage and recycling compactors as well. Contact us today to get started on the perfect compactor for your business. We’re at your disposal.