Trash-compactor repairs – How to save money

All about the trash-compactor

Not all households have a trash-compactor in the kitchen, however they are useful for reducing waste volume and very good if used just for paper and plastic waste.

The basic compactor consists of an electric drive motor, with associated belts and rams used to apply pressure to compact the trash.

When the door is closed this activates a micro-switch that allows the compactor motor to start which drives a belt or chain to force the compacting ram to apply pressure for compaction.

Another micro-switch is also located so as to stop the ram at the end of the compaction, and this cuts off electrical power.

Like all waste disposal systems they should be regularly cleaned of food waste and residues to ensure that no bacterial activity takes place, and odors are a good sign that this is happening.

The compactor should not be used to compact steel cans or other materials.

Compactor will not operate

The first step is to check the power supply is on. The most common faults on a trash-compactor are the door interlock switch, which frequently come loose and operating the door several times will often clear the fault.

The second most common problem is the compacting ram limit switch is faulty or loose. Both these switches are part of the main control and safety interlock circuit.

Trash-compactor ram is jammed

The most common causes of problems are the drive chains, gears or belts. These should be checked. The second possible cause is a control fault and the outputs may require checking.

Trash-compactor will not compact the trash

If the motor is operating and the trash will not compact this is often due to a stretch drive belt or drive chain. These can be easily tightened by removing the compactor and accessing the drive gear and belts or chains.

If they are very loose or broken you will need to adjust or replace. The motor mounting bolts will require loosening and then tightening of the belt tension. The tension should be no more than 1/2 inch (12 mm) of deflection.