Waste compaction

Waste compaction is the process of compacting waste. Compaction means to compress, condense or consolidate. It is often used to reduce the size of waste material. Garbage compactors and waste collection vehicles compress waste so that more of it can be stored in the same space. Waste is compacted again, more thoroughly, at the landfill to conserve valuable airspace and to extend the landfills life span.

Landfill compaction

File:Landfill compactor.jpg

Landfill compactor

A landfill compaction vehicle has two main functions: to spread the waste evenly in layers over the landfill, and to compact waste to reduce its volume and help stabilize the landfill. Proper waste compacting includes the process of using a steel wheeled/drum landfill compactor to shred, tear and press together various items in the waste stream so they consume a minimal volume of landfill airspace. The higher the compaction rate, the more trash the landfill can receive and store. This will also reduce landslides, cave-ins and minimize the risk of fire.

Main compaction is produced by the landfill compactors steel tooth on the wheel drums. Special teeth can penetrate the waste and deliver a focused compression point, providing compaction and increased density. Ground pressure of the tooth can exceed over 4000 PSI. The design of the machine and more importantly the wheels and the teeth is very critical in compaction. The steel wheels should be as wide as possible and have as many teeth as possible. Small wheel only spreads the waste, but large compactor drum can compact, tear and shred the waste, creating a nice even compacted surface.

Benefits of proper waste compaction in landfill:

• Improved traffic flow and turnaround time
• Reduced space and food for vermin
• Improved control of water flows
• Controlled gas production and minimizing of odors
• Less cover soil required for an even surface
• Minimised airborne debris

de:Kompaktor