Food service businesses have unique needs when it comes to trash disposal because of the volume of waste and the general cost of the disposal. As a restaurant owner, you need to be aware not only of how much waste you're generating, but also of how secure it is between pickups. After all, restaurant waste is an attraction for rodents and pests of all kinds. One way to combat that risk and minimize the volume of your restaurant's waste production is by investing in a trash compactor. Here's what you need to know about these units and what they can do for your business.

The Benefits of Trash Compactors

Compacting waste reduces its volume. This makes it easier for you to store waste between trash collections. And, the fewer trash collections you have to schedule, the lower the waste collection costs will be for your business. In addition, it reduces the volume of waste you're adding to landfills, which helps to save space in the local landfill as well.

Compacting reduces unauthorized dumping. Most people who are dumping waste in commercial facilities do so in areas with an easily accessible dumpster. Since trash compactors are usually key-secured, fenced in and difficult to get to without authorization, your company will face less risk of unauthorized dumping. This saves you money, because you won't have to pay for other people's waste collection.

Compacting enhances your company's general security. After all, when all of your waste material goes into a container that is locked and then becomes compacted, it reduces the likelihood that anyone could potentially access any employee or customer information. Since most food service businesses handle lots of consumer credit cards and have a large kitchen and wait staff, that's a lot of information to protect.

The Types of Trash Compactors

There are two primary options for trash compactors. Stationary compactors are usually restricted to dry waste. They feature a large disposal compartment that holds your compacted trash until it's time to empty it. The disposal compartment is easy to detach, making it simple to swap out with a new one on trash pickup day.

For the bulk of your food waste, though, you'll want a self-contained unit. These are sealed so that they do not leak. This type of compactor is usually larger and equipped with a sump specifically for dealing with the liquid waste.

Now that you understand the benefits and features of trash compactors for your food service business, you'll be able to determine if one is right for your needs. Talk with a local waste management company today to see if you can rent a compactor and set up a new disposal schedule. You can discover more here about waste management services for your business.