Portable vs. Static Compactors: Selecting the Best Compactor
for Your Facility
Waste compaction is a key factor in
efficiently handling waste and saving money.
There’s a waste compactor machine to suit
every business, and selecting the most suitable option is the best way to get
the most out of your equipment. If you’re unsure whether to choose a portable or static waste compactor, our guide
is here to help you make an informed decision.
What’s the difference between portable and static waste compactors?
As the name suggests, a static waste compactor stays in one place. Ideal for handling large quantities of general waste, including cardboard and plastics, it is best suited to industrial or commercial waste processing.
Portable compactors are self-contained units that give you the flexibility to use them wherever needed. They can be moved around and have a compact footprint, perfect for handling small volumes of waste.
Which waste compactor is right for your business?
Compactors are an efficient way to deal with
mixed waste, including cardboard and dry recyclables, to minimise your
collection and disposal costs.
But which waste compactor machine is best for
your business? Here’s an overview of the features and advantages of each
compactor type.
| Static Compactors | Portable Compactors |
Mobility | Fixed in place | Not fixed, easily usable where required |
Capacity | Best for consistent, high-capacity waste
output, including plastics and cardboard. | Intended for use with small bins or wheelie
bins |
Power
Source | Three-phase | Plugs into a standard 16 Amp domestic socket |
Space
Requirements | The unit has a large footprint and requires
substantial installation space, including room for maintenance | The compact size requires minimal space |
Maintenance | Gold
or Platinum Shield maintenance plan | Bronze
or Silver Shield maintenance plan |
Operator
Training | Required | Required |
Business
Use | Businesses with consistent, high volumes of
waste, including manufacturing plants, distribution
centres and large-scale retail outlets | Retail, hospitality, construction, and any
business requiring a space-saving, portable solution |
Benefits of static waste compactors
Static compactors are a popular choice for
large-scale operations. An industrial compactor compresses large amounts of
waste into easy-to-store blocks.
- Cost savings: Savings in collection and disposal costs, leading to a reduction in your spend on transportation and labour.
- Space efficiency: Reducing the volume of waste minimises your storage requirements, improving efficiency and organisation.
- Minimises downtime: The removable waste container can be filled then replaced, minimising downtime.
- Environmental impact: A static waste compactor minimises the amount of waste you send to landfill and reduces your landfill tax. Compacting waste reduces your carbon footprint and helps to achieve regulatory compliance.
Benefits of portable compactors
Portable compactors are ideal for small and medium-sized businesses. They can be used to manage lower volumes of waste, including dry recycling, across various locations.
- Cost-effective: By compacting waste directly at the source, you’ll lower disposal and transportation costs. What’s more, separating and compacting dry waste recycling lowers your landfill tax obligations.
- Space-saving: Portable compactors are ideal for facilities with limited space, helping to maximise floor space for other operations and minimising trips and falls.
- Mobile design: Our bin and bag compactors are easily movable to different locations around your site. This flexibility is ideal for businesses that have multiple waste generation points.
Note: Whichever compactor type you choose, training is paramount for safe operation and
regulatory compliance.
What are the most common applications for portable and static compactors?
A compactor is an efficient way to streamline your waste management processes. We’ve taken a closer look at typical applications for both portable and static compactors.
Office buildings
Renting a bin or bag compactor is a cost-effective solution for small to medium-sized offices that need to manage paper and cardboard waste but have limited space for storage and equipment.
Larger organisations with high or consistent volumes of waste should invest in a static compactor or horizontal baler.
Distribution centres
Static compressors make short work of trash compaction for large-scale warehouses and distribution centres. You’ll typically require an industrial compactor capable of handling a variety of waste streams.
Hotels and restaurants
Hotels and restaurants generate large volumes of waste, but often have limited space for waste management. Portable compactors can handle food and kitchen waste, as well as unusable linens, by compacting them in place.
For large-scale operations, an exterior static compactor contains your rubbish, keeping the area free from odour and pests.
Healthcare settings
Portable compactors are ideal for healthcare settings, enabling you to process waste in multiple locations while maintaining hygiene standards. Moreover, Leak-proof systems prevent fluid escape and contamination.
Industrial waste compactors from phs Wastekit