Compactors and Balers

  • 9 Jun 2015

What are they?
Compactors and balers are machines designed to compress waste streams  to maximise storage space and reduce vehicle journeys  associated with waste disposal.

Advantages / Disadvantages

Maximises the use of waste storage areas where large quantities are being produced  or space is constrained.

Reduces waste disposal costs and transport emissions.

Compacting dry waste significantly reduces the volume of waste sent to landfill.

Increased maintenance requirements

Resource savings

Reduces the volume of waste sent to landfill and the number of vehicle trips required for the collection and delivery of  the waste.

Running costs

Waste disposal costs will be lower and in turn the service charge reduced, however, there will be an ongoing  maintenance cost that will offset a proportion of the  savings achieved.

Retrofit / improvement opportunities

Straightforward to retrofit in an existing building providing there is adequate space to accommodate it either internally  or externally.

Applicable buildings

Suited to all buildings with significant quantities of waste  (e.g. retail, large offices) and with adequate space to accommodate it.

Floor plate implications

None.

Occupant comfort

No issues.

Maintenance implications

The compactor / baler will require regular servicing.

Identification

A large piece of machinery located typically in the waste storage area or adjacent to it.

What to ask for

  • Is there a compactor / baler on-site?
  • are the tenants allowed to use the baler if owned by    the building owner?