While they might look like simple metal boxes, compactors use a powerful mechanical process. The principle is straightforward: hydraulic force.
When waste is loaded into the compactor's charge box (the hopper), a hydraulic ram activates. This ram pushes against the waste, crushing it into a smaller, denser mass. The ram then retracts, creating space for more garbage. This cycle repeats until the container is full of compacted waste.
Once the container reaches capacity, sensors typically alert the staff that it's ready to be emptied. The entire, densely packed block of waste is then ready for transport, significantly reducing the number of dumpster trips required.