How Wide is a Trash Compactor?

Published: 
August 23, 2023
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The Standard Trash Compactor Size

Key Takeaway For Trash Compactor Width

Standard sizes for home trash compactors range from 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 cm), and their depths range from 61 to 64 inches (24to 25 inches).

What’s the best way to reduce the trash in a bin? A trash compactor may be just what people need. Trash compactors aren't just for apartments or high-rise buildings anymore. With some planning, the right compactors for your home can increase usable spaces.

They use even better technology to handle dry waste, control odors, and store more. The newest models come in various sizes and are programmable, making them an ideal addition to any kitchen and home décor.

Kitchen Trash Compactor Overview

Why Don't Customers Use Trash Compactors Anymore?

Trash compactors are not as in demand as they were in the past, but they still exist and can make a big difference. Trash compactor sales decreased from 243,000 units in 1988 to 126,000 in 1992. Some of the reasons for their decrease in use include:

Too Much Space

Consumers sensed it took up a lot of space in the cabinet or floor. It also produced compacted, hard, rectangular-shaped products that didn't fit into standard round garbage bins.

Offensive Odor

Compactor odors can be a problem, but there are ways to keep trash compactors nice and fresh-smelling. Some people opt for a charcoal filter in their compactor instead of relying solely on commercial air fresheners to eliminate odors.

Even newer models have odor-reducing options, such as an odor control panel that absorbs unpleasant odors before they enter the trash compartment.

What Is The Standard Size Of a Garbage Compactor?

Trash compactors come in different units, the standard being the smallest. These trash compactor units fit snugly in more standard kitchen cabinets. According to Lowes, standard sizes range from 12 to 15 inches wide (30 to 38 cm), 24-25 inches deep (61-64cm) and around 34-35 inches high 86 - 97 cm. This makes it perfect for under counter placement according to standard counter height and depth.

Undercounter Trash Compactors Are From 12-15” Wide, around 2 feet deep, and nearly 3 feet high

The trash Compactor features a 1/3 horsepower motor and a 1.4 cubic foot capacity. It has a removable key knob control that prevents accidental operation, an anti-jam system, and a tilt sensor for easy bag loading.

It also has a rear roller for easy installation and an air freshener compartment for added convenience. The trash compactor is made of durable steel and plastic in black with a stainless steel safety cover.

You can use them indoors or outdoors. The compacting ram force is adjustable between 2000, 2300, or 5000 lbs.

How Wide Is a Kitchen Trash Compactor?

Before anything else, buyers need to understand the types of trash compactors as they vary in size. There are three primary types: freestanding, convertible, and under-counter.

Freestanding compactors possess finished tops for utilization as extra counter space. Some companies have cutting boards cover the top of the trash compactor to create a versatile work area.


A compacted trash bag has a rectangular shape and will be heavier than a normal trash bag thanks to the compaction

Under-the-counter trash compactors don't have completed tops and install between cabinets. Companies make trim kits for these units to give your cabinets a flush look. Ensure when taking measurements to include the trim kit.

With Residential trash compactors, users can compact specific types of trash and non-recyclable papers, plastics, sweepings, and wrappings.

How Wide Are Compactor Bags?

Trash compactor bags are specialized bags made to fit most gallons between 12 to 15-inch wide, height from 34 1/8 to 35 inches, depth from 24 to 24 ¼ inches, and the average gallon capacity of a bag are 18 gallons. The bags are stronger than normal trash bags as they are designed to withstand the force of the trash compactor without rupturing.

For best results, read the product description carefully to verify that these bags will fit the trash compactor properly.

Choosing the accurate compactor bag for the trash compactor is one of the essential tasks for owning a trash compactor. For trash compactors to work efficiently, buyers must use bags explicitly designed for them.

Also, it is crucial to ensure that the bag's material is thick enough to hold in all the trash so it won't leak around the sides or bottom of the bag.

Are Garbage Compactors Worth It?

Garbage compactors are an easy way to reduce the amount of trash you produce by minimizing the space garbage takes up in the landfill and reducing the number of trips to the dumpster.

Trash compactors are a great way to keep homes clean, but they can also save money. When end users use a compactor, they get all that extra space back in the garbage for extra use.

Users will also be able to keep more items in the garbage can, which means fewer trips outside and less wear on their shoes. Plus, when they recycle more than half of what they put in, they save energy too!

The garbage compactor is an essential piece of the waste-management puzzle. Waste compaction benefits households and the environment as a whole.

What Are the Safety Measures?

There are numerous considerations when it comes to safety. For one, users must ensure that their trash compactor is in good condition. An earlier model may not be as safe as newer models.

The most crucial thing regarding safety is avoiding any contact with the interior of the trash compactor when it is jammed. If users unintentionally touch the inside part of their machine, they could cause injury or even death.

Wearing gloves when changing bags prevents injuries from occurring due to dangerous bacteria and mildews gradually growing within the bag if not removed promptly.

It's also essential to keep hair tied back or under a cap and wear long sleeves and pants during maintenance tasks since they could get caught in something while working on it.

Ensure safety by not storing chemicals or combustive materials near the trash compactor. Electrical appliances often generate heat, igniting potentially dangerous vapors and liquids.

When installing an under-the-counter trash compactor unit, look for a professional electrician to install the electrical components, and examine the circuit.

Never smoke near the trash compactor. Smoke could get into the trash compactor and cause a fire. It is essential not to have anything flammable around a trash compactor where it is likely that there will be much more flammable waste that a person may forget about during the day.

Small bits of paper, cardboard, or even paper towels can easily catch fire and cause an explosion in the trash compactor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Need Special Bags for Trash Compactors

Yes, trash compactors require a special trash compactor bag that is designed to withstand the extreme forces of the trash compactor and are sized for compactors. Regular trash bags are much more likely to rupture and spill trash contents into the trash compactor leading to nasty cleanup issues. Some bags are also scented or coated to reduce the offensive smells that can come from trash compactors.

What is a Commercial Trash Compactor?

A commercial trash compactor is a machine used by businesses and industrial facilities to reduce the volume of waste material. The requirements for a commercial trash compactor go way beyond the requirements for your household trash compactor. These machines are larger and more powerful than residential trash compactors, and they're designed to handle a higher trash volume and variety of waste, including various recyclables.

What is a Convertible Trash Compactor?

A convertible trash compactor is a unique type of trash compactor that you can install either as a freestanding unit or built into cabinetry. This versatility in installation allows for flexibility in design and placement within a home or business.

Frank Salvatore

Hey there - I'm Frank Salvatore. I created this site as a comprehensive kitchen resource. You'll find everything you need to know about everything in your kitchen. From appliances to utensils and layout - it is covered on this site!

About Me
Frank Salvatore
I created this site as a comprehensive kitchen resource. You'll find everything you need to know about everything in your kitchen. From appliances to utensils and layout - it is covered on this site!
Learn More About Me
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