10 Things That Should Never Go in a Trash Compactor

A trash compactor is one of those extra appliances that most cooks like to have in the kitchen. Considering the fact that they can compact your trash about 75 percent, this device is helpful in keeping your kitchen and home clean.

While a trash compactor may have its perks like saving on energy and trash pick up costs, there are some things that a trash compactor is not meant for.

Safety First

A trash compactor is used for household trash. Let the compactor do its job and never use your hands or feet to push down garbage in the compactor.

1. Good-bye Glass

While most compactors are geared to crush glass, it all depends on the type of glass and its thickness. Most glass will break, but be careful when lifting the trash bag liner as some glass may be peeking through. In most areas it’s better to recycle your glass items.

2. Say No to Oils

Never put oils in the compactor because they will only leak. For example, do not pour leftover grease from your fryer or bacon in the compactor. This goes for automotive oil too. Not only will it possibly leak, but it could cause mechanical trouble.

3. Forget Wood

It is advisable not to place any hard wood materials in the compactor since they could split and cause harm to the motor. Most wood cannot be compressed in a kitchen trash compactor.

4. Easy on the Electronics

Do not throw away old batteries, electronics, radios, video tapes, music CDs, or anything else that is electronic waste. These items will not compact and in some states it is illegal to discard such items at home.

5. No Meat

Try not to throw away fresh meat, fish, or leftovers inside your trash compactor as they could spoil and carry bacteria if they sit in the trash compactor too long. It is best to grind them in the garbage disposal. If you do throw them in the compactor, double bag them first.

6. Toxins and Cleaning Agents

A trash compactor should not be used to discard any toxic cleaning products or materials that could spill or cause problems when they released into the environment after being compacted.

7. Burning Materials

Cigars, cigarettes, and other hot items like candles and matches should never be placed in a trash compactors as they could start a fire.

8. Dirt and Gardening Items

Pesticides, gardening items, plants, flowers and the like are not intended to be compacted inside a trash compactor. Discard these items in the regular trash or compost as appropriate.

9. Strong Odors

It is probably not a good idea to throw onions, garlic, or any other strong smelling vegetable or fruit inside the compactor. Many homeowners do not remove their trash compactor garbage bag daily, which means garbage remains in the bag for a few days before being removed. Build-up could cause unwanted odors in the home that may be hard to get rid of.

10. Pet Waste

Pet waste should go in the regular trash or flushed down the toilet and not in the trash compactor bin. Also avoid baby diapers.

Remember that the contents of your trash compactor end up in the landfill alongside all other garbage so make sure you do not add toxins to the mix.