Compactors

Compactors are ideal for businesses handling large volumes of waste. Explore our range of machines and discover their many benefits.

Why choose a compactor?

Compactors offer an effective waste management solution by compressing waste, maximising storage space, and facilitating easier disposal, ultimately saving time and resources.

Incorporating compactors into a waste management strategy can lead to significant cost savings by reducing the number of collection trips and cutting transportation expenses, making waste management more budget-friendly. Beyond the financial benefits, compactors also support environmental responsibility by conserving landfill space and decreasing carbon emissions associated with transportation.

Discover your ideal compactor solution

Explore our range of compactors designed to meet the diverse needs of warehouses, distribution centres, and industrial facilities – and start optimising your waste management workflows.

Mobile compactors

Mobile compactors are liquid-tight units that can handle both wet and dry waste. Since the compactor and container are integrated into a single unit, they are very effective for industries with high volumes of wet waste. Mobile compactors prevent leaks and odours, making them ideal for organic waste management.

Stationary compactors

Stationary compactors are designed to stay in place while a detachable container is hauled away for disposal. They are ideal for managing dry, general waste, commonly used in manufacturing, distribution centres, and large retail operations. By compacting waste efficiently into a container, you significantly reduce the frequency of pickups and minimise landfill contributions.

Save money and reduce your CO2e with BRA-IN

Recycling is essential for the environment, and BRA-IN makes it easier. This intelligent waste management solution monitors, analyses, and optimises your operations to help you save costs and reduce emissions.

BRA-IN (short for Bramidan Intelligence) connects all your compaction equipment through a user-friendly IoT platform. It provides a complete 360-degree view for more intelligent waste and recycling management.

Heading for loop

A deeper dive into waste compactors: An essential asset

As businesses adapt to changing requirements, efficient waste management becomes a crucial aspect of maintaining a clean, safe, and environmentally-friendly workspace.

An effective solution to this challenge lies in the investment of trash compactors. Let’s explore the mechanics of trash compactors, their capability to handle various waste types, their capacity, and their effectiveness in waste management.

How does a compactor work?

A compactor is a motorized device designed to minimise the volume of waste by compressing it into smaller, more manageable pieces. Here’s a step-by-step rundown of how it operates:

Loading: The process begins by loading the waste into the compactor’s container.
Compression: Once activated, an electric or hydraulic-powered metal ram compresses the waste into a small, dense mass.
Collection: After compression, the waste is either collected in a container or bag for easy disposal or awaits further compacting.

The mechanism involves a metal ram moving on tracks, powered by an electric motor or a hydraulic system, compacting the waste within the compactor. Specific models like polystyrene compactors can reduce the volume of waste by up to 98%, underlining the effectiveness of this waste management solution.

What types of waste can be compacted?

Compactors are capable of handling diverse waste types such as:

Wood fragments, metals and cans
Plastic and cardboard
Other materials like paper and garden debris.

Specialized compactors cater to specific waste types, ensuring efficient compaction and disposal.

How much waste can a compactor handle?

Trash compactor capacity varies based on size and design:

Portable: Up to 4000 litres.
Regular indoor: 100 to 200 litres.
Large (like 35 meters): Holds 5-6 tonnes of waste.

Compactors offer different compaction ratios for handling more waste efficiently.

Can a compactor reduce waste volume?

Absolutely! Compactors can:

Reduce volume: Waste volume can be reduced by a ratio of 5:1 or more, leading to less frequent waste pickups.
Save space: By compressing waste you save valuable space in waste disposal areas
Be cost-effective: By reducing waste pickups, businesses can save costs.

Incorporating a compactor: What business owners need to know

Compactors have become indispensable for medium to large businesses seeking to manage their waste efficiently. However, the integration of this equipment calls for a thorough understanding of the space requirements, safety measures, and how they dovetail into existing waste management systems.

Installation space

Base/floor preparation: Compactors require a solid concrete base to withstand the weight and secure the equipment. For most roll-off applications, a surface dimension of 3-5 metres wide by 7-14 metres in length is essential, though compacting skips have a smaller footprint.

Height clearance: A minimum height clearance of typically 7-8 metres is needed for mobile compactors, while small outdoor compactors require a minimum height clearance of 9 metres.

Integration into existing systems:

Ease of integration: Incorporating compactors and balers into existing waste management strategies is often straightforward and can be handled with ease. Various compactor options are available that can seamlessly integrate with your existing system, aided by sensor technology to reduce waste collection frequency.

Handling multiple waste streams: Modern waste compactors are designed to handle a wide range of waste types including dry, wet, bulky, and mixed waste streams.

Site preparation

Electrical access: The proximity of electrical service impacts the installation cost. Solar-powered compactors are alternatives where electrical service is lacking.

Hauler access: The site should be free of overhead obstructions, with ample room for hauliers to manoeuvre safely in and out of the premises.

Industries that use compactors

Explore the widespread use across various industries.

Compactors are widely used across a range of industries, each benefiting from their versatile applications.

Manufacturing companies efficiently reduce bulk industrial waste and enhance waste handling processes
Retailers utilize compactors to minimize landfill waste by compacting packaging materials for sustainable disposal.
Hospitality & healthcare industries rely on compactors for safe management of mixed waste, including food scraps and medical waste.
Distribution centres optimizes space by compacting shipping materials, ensuring streamlined operations.

Importance of compactors

Reduced trash volume: Compaction decreases the volume of waste, leading to fewer pickups and reduced disposal costs.
Lowered transportation costs: With fewer pickups needed, businesses save on transportation costs and logistical planning.
Reduced CO2 emissions: Fewer pickups directly contribute to lower carbon emissions, supporting sustainability goals.

Compact different waste fractions

Cardboard

Paper

Soft plastic

Hard plastic

Computer cases

PET bottles

Aluminium cans

Tin cans

EPS

Textile

Most common questions & answers

What kind of preparations do I need to do before installing my mobile compactor?

Installing a mobile compactor requires no structural or site adaptions before installation and there are minimal requirements for the foundation. All it takes before use are the necessary electrical connections. Just plug it in and it is ready for use.

Can I install my compactor outside?

Yes, you can install your compactor outside. Our compactors are designed to withstand any kind of weather. Their robust fully welded steel construction prevents formation of rust. Furthermore, they are treated with a high quality and durable paint to prevent flakey paint and rust. All mechanical and electrical parts are protected from wear and tear inside the machine.

What type of waste material can I put in a compactor?

That depends on the compactor. As a rule of thumb, you can use a compactor to compact all soft materials. Examples of soft materials include cardboard, shredded paper, news paper, paper bags, soft dry plastic, and PET bottles. There are also compactors for wet waste, polystyrene, EPS, and wood. We always recommend that you consult with us if you wish to use your compactor for any other materials than the listed and recommended materials.

Does it require a lot of service?

No, it does not. Our compactors are designed for long life durability. The machines only require an annual safety check as prescribed by law. During the service check, the service technician will ensure that your equipment lives up to the applicable rules regarding for safety and functionality. We provide a professional service set-up designed to meet the individual needs of our customers, including flexible service contracts. With a service contract, you always have an up-to-date machine with the latest technology and user friendliness.

I handle waste that contains a lot of residual liquids – can I use a compactor for that?

There are special screw compactors for handling waste that contains a lot of liquids or waste that is very wet. These compactors combine powerful draining with high compaction. They can be used to separate solid waste material from liquids or to remove residual liquids from waste products. The system effectively drains out free-flowing contents from beverage containers such as plastic cups, Tetra Pak packaging, cans, or PET bottles, or drains sewage sludge and industrial waste. The drained-out liquid is discharged via a drainage pipe and can be collected in a trough or led further into the drainage system. Drained material is easier to process or recycle and the drained solid waste material can be energetically utilized in incinerator plants. Furthermore, the reduction in weight as a result of draining enables considerable cost savings in waste disposals.

Can I perform maintenance on the compactor myself?

No, any maintenance and service should be done by a professional service technician.