To Compact Or Not To Compact?

Trash compactors are one of the often forgotten kitchen appliances, left sitting on store shelves as blenders, mixers, dishwashers, and even ice makers are scooped up left and right.  Albeit, most units do come with a hefty price tag, ranging from $500 base models to almost $1500 Electrolux stainless steel units.  This cost scares many consumers away.  After all, isn’t that what the $10 plastic garbage can is for?  However, you may be surprised to learn that the average household could gain from the potential benefits and cost-savings.

No More Stinky Garbage

How many times have you asked your child to dump his plate in the garbage only to find that half of it has ended up spilled outside the can on the floor and down the side of the can?  Even worse, have you ever taken a whiff of what hides at the bottom of your kitchen garbage can under the bag?  The things that find their way there are indescribable some times, and the smells that accompany them are downright repulsive.  Trash compactors keep all of that disgusting garbage (and smell) compressed in a small space.  While many argue that trash compactors actually worsen the odor in your home because trash is kept there longer than in traditional cans, most of the newer models have addressed this issue effectively with the addition of a charcoal filter.  Replacements are about $5 and do significantly reduce the odors.

 Cut Back Your Footprint

With a trash compactor, you are able to turn about six bags of trash into just one 30-pound bag.  Imagine how great it would be to only have to take the trash out once a week instead of several times!  Clearly, this significantly impacts the amount of garbage sent to landfills and condenses it considerably.  If every home in the U.S. had a trash compactor, the landfills could potentially be reduced by as much as 80%.  That is a staggering amount from such a minor change in our waste behavior, which actually turns out to save us time and money in the long run.  It’s a win-win for the environment and for the consumer.

Show Me The Money

Many communities across the country have gone to a pay-by-volume garbage removal pricing structure.  This means the more trash you produce, the more you pay.  Obviously, in these communities consumers can substantially cut down on trash removal costs by purchasing a trash compactor.  Also, you have to purchase less garbage bags.  Typical bags to fit a compactor cost about $1 each.  If you use about one bag per week, that adds up to $52 per year on trash bags.  The average household, especially families with multiple children, can easily go through at least 7-10 bags per week, potentially leading to costs easily approaching $100 per year just on trash bags.  That is almost double what the trash compacting family might spend.  Furthermore, trash compactors are especially good for recyclables (except glass).  If you live in a community where you have to transport recyclables yourself to the recycling center, utilizing a trash compactor can cut down on your driving time and fuel costs as well, with the amount of room you’ll save.

Determine If You Could Benefit

While not every household will benefit from (or be able to afford) a trash compactor, there most definitely is a utility for a large percentage of the population.  Upfront costs can be substantial; however, the long-term benefits for both the consumer and the environment are also substantial.  It is important to weigh out your personal trash habits and production and evaluate whether or not a trash compactor could save you time and money in the long run.