Garbage Disposal Vs.Trash Compactor

Garbage disposal: Garbage disposals are incredibly user-friendly. Simply turn on the water, activate the disposal unit with a switch, and push food waste down the drain. It makes cleanup much easier as you won’t need to scrape your plates into the trash before washing them. Garbage disposals are not a substitute for trash cans as there are some limitations on what you can put in them. Still, they do reduce the number of trips to the trash can.

Trash compactor: Trash compactors need you to add a trash bag and load waste into the unit. The waste can be compacted with a simple touch of a foot pedal. When the bag is almost full, you will need to take it out. Since the trash volume is up to 80% less, you will be making fewer trips to the curb. Let's say you typically fill a 13-gallon trash bag every week. With a compactor, you might be able to fit 2-3 bags worth of trash into a single compactor bag. This could mean taking out the trash only every 2-3 weeks.

• Garbage disposal: Garbage disposals are strictly for grinding up food waste. Nonedible trash like paper or plastic can damage the blades. Garbage disposals are ideal for processing soft food scraps. They are typically not meant for bones and grease, although this is subject to the power of the motor. The motors are measured in horsepower (HP).

• ⅓ HP can grind light scraps and soft foods like cooked vegetables and grains.
• ½ HP can grind fruit, vegetables and cooked meat.
• ⅝ or ¾ HP can grind small bones, pits and cooked meat.
• 1HP can grind raw meat, beef bones and coffee grounds.

• Trash compactor: Trash compactors can handle a wider variety of household waste. This includes food scraps, paper products, cardboard packaging, and plastic containers. It’s best to avoid putting in any foods with high moisture content like meat and fruit. They can create odors and cause blockages in the compactor. Liquids can damage the compactor's internal mechanisms. You cannot compress hazardous materials like batteries or aerosol cans.

• Garbage disposal: Garbage disposals are generally space-saving. They occupy minimal under-sink cabinet space. If space is an issue in your kitchen, this will be a wise choice.

• Trash compactor: Trash compactors are bulkier appliances that call for dedicated under-counter cabinetry. If you have a spacious kitchen, this won't be an issue. Trash compactors are available in wood and metal finishes. You can get one to match your kitchen cabinetry or steel appliances.

• Garbage disposal: Garbage disposal can contribute to unpleasant odors if not well maintained. Cleaning it out once a week will take care of build-up and smell.

• Trash compactor: Trash compactors contain odors within the sealed compaction chamber. But you need to be mindful of how long you allow organic materials to remain in the bin. Since you take the trash out less often, it will give food scraps more time to decompose and trap odor.

Both garbage disposals and trash compactors both need some level of maintenance.

• Garbage disposal: Cleaning is quite easy, especially with garbage disposal cleaners. From time to time, you can grind ice cubes in the garbage disposal to sharpen its blades. Always run cold water while using the disposal to help flush away food particles and prevent clogs.

• Trash compactor: You will need to regularly empty the bin to prevent bacterial growth. Cleaning and neutralizing odors is also manageable with household cleaners. Additionally, replacing the compactor bags is a necessary maintenance task. Choose compactor bags that are specifically designed for your model to prevent leaks and ensure proper function.

With proper care and usage, both garbage disposals and trash compactors last long. The lifespan can vary depending on usage frequency, motor power and quality.

• Garbage disposal: A high-quality garbage disposal will last 8-12 years.

• Trash compactor: A well-made trash compactor will last for 10-15 years.

• Garbage disposal: More food in a garbage disposal means less waste that ends up in a landfill. Garbage disposals need water to run which increases water consumption.

• Trash compactor: While compactors don't reduce the amount of trash, they do cut down on volume. Compactors help by crushing your trash into smaller, more manageable pieces. Compacted materials, particularly cardboard and plastics, become denser and easier to handle which makes them easier for recycling facilities to process and transport the materials.

• Garbage disposal: Garbage disposals are much smaller and cheaper. Their prices vary based on the power of the motor and quality of materials used. They start at around $60 and go up to $400.

• Trash compactor: Trash compactors are much larger and more complex in nature. This is why they cost much more than garbage disposals with prices ranging from $1000-$1800.

Whichever appliance you buy, it would be wise to get an extended warranty as well. This will help preserve their lifespan and bring down future costs for maintenance.