A trash compactor is a handy tool. If you’ve rented one for your business, you’ll enjoy the ease it offers for keeping your space clean. However, it’s important to know what you should or shouldn’t put into the compactor. Using it properly will extend its life and avoid those costly, inconvenient breakdowns.

Do

Recyclables

A trash compactor is a suitable place to put your recyclables, such as cardboard, plastic, and cans. However, check the owner’s manual before throwing any glass in the appliance. Even compactors that are designed for glass may be limited in the types they can handle.

Dry Food Waste

You can put your dry leftovers in the compactor. If you do, however, ensure that you are taking your compactor’s trash outside at least every few days. Old food can start to produce a foul odor after a while in any trash container.

Don’t

Oils & Chemicals

Oils and liquid chemicals can leak out of the compactor, leaving you with an unpleasant mess. Additionally, they can leak into the internal components of the compactor and result in a breakdown. You should stay away from all liquids, but oils and toxins can be particularly damaging. This includes everything from cleaning agents to cooking grease.

Meat

Don’t put perishables, such as meat, into the compactor. Once they’ve been in there long enough, they can spoil and facilitate bacterial growth. Throw those perishables into your outdoor trash or grind them in the garbage disposal instead.

Honolulu Disposal Service offers complete trash services to remove the garbage you create in your trash compactor and in the rest of your facility. They operate Hawaii’s largest recycling facility to sort your recyclable items from your trash on your behalf. Call (808) 845-7581 to request information about their competitive pricing or to visit them online to learn about the large compactors they offer.