How Garbage Disposals Work
A garbage disposal is a small appliance that connects to your kitchen sink.
- You add food waste to the disposal by pushing it through the sink drain and into the appliance.
- Depending on the model, you turn the disposal on with a switch or by locking a stopper in place.
- Impellers on a spinning plate force the food against a grind ring that reduces the material into particles you can wash away through your household drain system.
See our garbage disposal guide for tips on key features and how to size one of these devices to meet your household’s needs.
How Trash Compactors Work
A trash compactor can be a built-in appliance that fits under a kitchen counter or a freestanding device for a kitchen, garage or other work space.
- You fit a bag to the compactor bin and add household waste to it as you would a trash can.
- Once you turn the compactor on, it compresses the waste, reducing its volume and freeing more space in the bin.
- When the bin is full, you can remove the bag and dispose of the compacted waste.
Read our guide to trash compactors to learn about features and get tips on maintaining a compactor.
Disposals and Compactors: One Difference Makes Each Uniquely Useful
Trash compactors and garbage disposals can both reduce effort and help you manage household waste more efficiently, but since they handle distinct types of household waste, some homes might need both.
Garbage Disposals Help Get Rid of Food Waste
Disposals keep some types of food waste out of your trash. Higher-horsepower (HP) models manage tougher foods. Capabilities vary by model, but in general:
1/3-HP disposals can grind light scraps and soft foods like cooked vegetables and grains.
1/2-HP disposals can grind fruit, vegetables and cooked meat.
5/8-HP and 3/4-HP disposals can grind small bones, some types of pits and cooked meat.
1-HP and 1-1/4-HP disposals can grind raw meat, some bones and coffee grounds.
Follow the disposal manufacturer specifications for suitable food waste for the disposal.
Trash Compactors Help Get Rid of General Household Waste
Trash compactors reduce the volume of household waste and can mean fewer trips to the trash can. Standard 1/3-HP home compactors can handle specific types of non-hazardous household waste, such as:
- Paper products
- Cardboard packaging
- Plastic containers
- Jars
- Cans
- Bottles
- Some low-moisture food scraps
Freestanding compactors can be useful in a garage or other work area.
As useful as these appliances are, they have limitations. Follow the manufacturers’ instructions for use and safety.
Garbage Disposal vs. Compactor: Other Key Differences
Whether you think you might need both appliances or you need to choose one, consider these differences before making a purchase.
Space Requirements
- Garbage Disposal: A garbage disposal is comparatively compact, fitting underneath a typical sink, while still allowing storage space in the sink cabinet.
- Trash Compactor: A trash compactor is significantly larger. Freestanding models require dedicated floor space, while built-in models fill cabinet space under a kitchen countertop.
Maintenance and Odor Management
- Garbage Disposal: Food residue creates odors if you don’t use and maintain a disposal correctly. Run water after use and keep the device deodorized with a garbage disposal cleaner. Your manufacturer might have other recommendations, such as running a solution of baking soda and water through the device. If the device jams, you need to turn it off, disconnect it from power and clear the jam according to the instructions in the manual.
- Trash Compactor: Since a compactor holds trash longer than a trash can, odors build up in the bin without correct use and cleaning. Avoid compacting items that can create strong odors, empty the bin when full and clean it regularly.
Some disposals use LED light to help prevent bacteria buildup that can cause odors.
Cost
- Garbage Disposal: A garbage disposal is usually a less expensive purchase than a compactor. Prices can range from under $200 for basic models up to $500 and more for full-featured, high-horsepower models.
- Trash Compactor: A trash compactor is a larger investment. Prices typically start around $1,300 or more. You also need to keep a supply of trash bags designed to fit the appliance.
DIY Installation
- Garbage Disposal: Installing a garbage disposal on a standard sink can be a DIY project if you have experience with basic plumbing. However, the weight of the disposal and the confined space under the sink can make the work challenging. If you choose a hardwired model or one without an attached plug, some electrical work is necessary.
- Trash Compactor: If you have the necessary cabinet space and suitable grounded plug as specified by the manufacturer, installing a trash compactor should be relatively simple. Installation typically requires some assembly, sliding the appliance into place, leveling it and securing it to the countertop.
Don’t have time to do it yourself? Purchase a garbage disposal or trash compactor with installation. Just add installation when you check out.
Trash Compactor vs Garbage Disposal: Do You Need One or Both?
There are several factors to consider when choosing between a disposal and a compactor. The primary factors might be the problem you’re trying to solve, your available space and your budget.
- If your main concern is getting rid of food waste and reducing trips to the trash can during meal prep or cleanup, consider a disposal.
- If you want to reduce waste but have limited space or budget, a disposal might be the solution.
- If you want to reduce the volume of household waste and make trash collection and pickup more efficient, a compactor can be a good choice.
- If you have the necessary space and budget, consider taking advantage of the unique advantages of both appliances.
Whether you want a garbage disposal or trash compactor, or both, find it on Lowes.com. Or visit your local Lowe’s and talk to a Lowe’s Red Vest associate. They can tell you about available disposal features and show you how a compactor might look in your kitchen. Plus, they can help you set up professional installation or make sure you have all the tools and supplies you need for a successful DIY installation.