Does anyone use trash compactors anymore? (dishwasher, microwave, sink, convert)

[markjames68]

I’ve seen tons of sites that show how to convert your trash compactor space to a traditional garbage can. Few manufacturers actually make them anymore.

I know it’s kind of 80’s but I’m considering getting one, as I have more limited trash service than I used to. If I couldn’t put one in my kitchen I was thinking of a stand-alone model for the garage.

Anyone still use one? Recommendations?

[Mr. Boring]

First thing we get when we move into a home is a trash compactor. We used dozens of times a day. Now, a second oven is rarely used. I'd add a second microwave and even second dishwasher, just keep the dishes in either dishwasher. When one fills up with dirty dishes, run it and start putting dirty dishes in the other one and repeat the cycle. Never put dishes in cupboards.

[RationalExpectations]

Our house is about 5 years old now, but it is fully custom. We put in a trash compactor and prefer it. In a prior home we had one we used for 15+ years and preferred it as well.

Look for a brand that has a switch or setting for overnight compaction. When the piston pushes down on the contents, it stops at the bottom of its cycle. In the morning, everything is compact. That's the way our previous unit worked. I'm not sure of the brand - probably kitchenaid or perhaps thermador.

Currently, we have a Wolf and it does not have the overnight compact button. The piston goes down to compact things until it hits a specified level of resistence and then reverses. There is no way to get the piston to just stay down over night. So to achieve that, I use an inexpensive X10 powerline controller. It isn't a big deal, but just thought I'd mention it.

[Mr. Boring]

Originally Posted by RationalExpectations

O
Look for a brand that has a switch or setting for overnight compaction. When the piston pushes down on the contents, it stops at the bottom of its cycle.

Never heard of this. Our just as a foot button that compacts on demand, takes about 20 seconds.

[cdelena]

I had a compactor in a previous house and really liked having it. Wanted to install one in my current house but found it would take a remodel of the kitchen to make it work so passed. Best arrangement for us is a dishwasher on one side of the sink and compactor on the other... best done in the initial design.

[MidValleyDad]

If you have a compactor do you separate out recyclables? Most of our bulk is in the cans, bottles and jars that go in the recycling bin. I wish we could compact those but they cannot be in a bag when they go into the recycling truck picks them up, they have to be loose in the big rolling bin.

[BoSox 15]

What are the reasons someone would need a trash compactor? Not meant to be a wise crack...curious. Do you have to bring your garbage to the landfill and want to bring the most trash in the smallest space or are there other reasons?

Thanks!

[AlaskaErik]

Originally Posted by BoSox 15

What are the reasons someone would need a trash compactor? Not meant to be a wise crack...curious. Do you have to bring your garbage to the landfill and want to bring the most trash in the smallest space or are there other reasons?

Thanks!

Garbage taken to the dump is charged by weight, not volume.

[Mr_Geek]

I could use one since my garbage bins get full quick and compacting would help.

[whoisjongalt]

I want to install one too if I can retrofit it into my existing cabinets without major carpentry. When I was I kid I loved it because I only had to take the trash out once a week.