DO-IT-YOURSELF : Safe Ways to Mash Trash

A trash compactor helps you help the environment by crushing garbage and bulky rubbish to a fraction of its original size.

When the compactor is turned on, power screws inside the unit slowly drive the compactor ram downward to crush and compress the refuse.

When the ram attains a force of about 2,000 pounds, the motor stalls. It then automatically reverses and the ram lifts. When full, the bag that receives the crushed garbage is a compact bundle that is closed and discarded.

Because of the tremendous force that is used in crushing, the unit can be somewhat dangerous, particularly with children around.

To alleviate much of the danger, manufacturers build safety devices into the compactor. They also make the machine difficult to disassemble for servicing. This means that it is best to call a qualified appliance repair person if the compactor breaks down.

Usage Tips

* Load rigid items, such as cans and bottles, in the center of the drawer, preferably in a cushion of paper, for the best compaction. Lay glass bottles on their sides.

* Don’t put in aerosol cans or receptacles that contained flammable fluids, insecticides or other poisonous or explosive chemicals.

* Wrap wet food waste, such as fruit pulp, in a couple of layers of newspaper before compacting.

* To make sure that trash is properly compacted, wait until the drawer is at least one-third full before running the appliance.

* Even an in-compactor deodorizer can’t combat the stench of tuna and sardine. Rinse cans well before loading them into the compactor.

* When emptying the compactor, hold the filled compactor bag only at the top, to avoid being cut by broken glass that may have pierced the sides of the bag.

* To prevent compactor odor, clean the ram weekly. To do so, unplug the compactor, open the drawer and lift it off its tracks. Using a scrub brush, wash the bottom of the ram with detergent and hot water.

* Line the compactor drawer bottom with newspaper. As waste compacts, the newspaper will absorb smelly liquids and protect the bottom from shattered glass and jagged can tops.

Trouble-Shooting Tips

* Open the drawer and push it shut forcefully so that it latches. For the compactor to work, the latch must engage the switch that operates the motor.

* If the unit still won’t operate, check it with a carpenter’s level. If the machine is tilted, the drawer won’t latch, and the compactor won’t work.

* If the compactor still won’t work or works poorly, check your operator’s manual to be sure you are following the operating directions.