Mixing wet and dry waste makes recycling much harder and can increase landfill burden. By simply sorting waste at the source, businesses reduce their environmental impact and support more sustainable waste management systems.
Proper waste segregation is critical for equipment selection, efficient compaction, odor control, and recycling. Here’s the difference:
Wet waste, often called organic waste, is biodegradable and typically originates from kitchens, gardens, schools, businesses, and healthcare facilities.
Types of wet waste:
Wet waste decomposes quickly, and if not properly separated, can contaminate recyclable materials and increase disposal costs.
Dry waste, often referred to as inorganic waste, includes non-biodegradable materials that decompose slowly. Common in manufacturing, processing, and distribution environments, dry waste is typically recyclable if kept clean and separate.
Examples include:
Most dry waste can be recycled or repurposed, but it is critical that it is kept clean and separate from wet waste.
Self-contained compactors are designed to contain both waste and liquid with an integrated compactor and container as a single, sealed unit.
Stationary compactors remain fixed and are used with detachable containers for high-volume dry waste only.
Designed for efficient waste management in commercial and industrial settings where sanitation and liquid retention are critical.
Engineered for wet waste applications, Komar self-contained compactors integrate seamlessly with waste handling systems, delivering reliable performance and reducing collection frequency. With container size options from 10 to 35 cubic yards, these units adapt to growing waste volumes without compromising efficiency or footprint. Their user-friendly design, heavy-duty construction, and leak-resistant build make them a dependable solution for managing wet and mixed waste streams while helping facilities maintain sanitation standards.
| Komar Self-Contained Compactor Specs | SC10HD | SC15HD | SC20HD | SC25HD | SC30HD | SC35HD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity (cu. yd. / cu. m.) | 20 cu. yd. / 15 cu. m. | 20 cu. yd. / 15 cu. m. | 20 cu. yd. / 15 cu. m. | 25 cu. yd. / 19 cu. m. | 30 cu. yd. / 23 cu. m. | 35 cu. yd. / 27 cu. m. |
| Approx. Compactor Shipping Weight (lb) | 8,250 (3,742kg) | 8,250 (3,742kg) | 8,250 (3,742kg) | 9,060 (4,110kg) | 10,000 (4,536kg) | 10,500 (4,763kg) |
| Overall Length (in. / cm.) | 211″ / 536 cm. | 211″ / 536 cm. | 211″ / 536 cm. | 235″ / 597 cm. | 264″ / 671 cm. | 296.5″ / 753 cm. |
| Container Length (in. / cm.) | 122.5″ / 311 cm. | 122.5″ / 311 cm. | 122.5″ / 311 cm. | 146.5″ / 372 cm. | 175.5″ / 446 cm. | 208″ / 528 cm. |
| Container Height (in. / cm.) | 101.5″ / 258 cm |
| Container Width (in. / cm.) | 96″ / 244 cm |
| Overall Width | 97.75″ / 248 cm |
| Charge Box Capacity | 2.0 cu. yd / 1.5 cu. m |
| Ram Penetration (in. / cm) | 6″ (15 cm) |
| Cylinder Bore / Stroke / Rod | (2) 4″ × 32″, 2.5″ |
| Motor Horsepower (HP) | 10 |
| Pump GPM | 10.5 |
| Avg. Cycle Time (sec) | 31 seconds |
| Clear Top Opening (in.) | 41×60 (104 cm x 152 cm) |
| Hydraulic Pressure PSI (Normal / Max) | 2,000 / 2,300 |
| Force Rating (lb.) (Normal / Max) | 42,708 / 49,115 |
Balers and compactors increase efficiency in your waste stream through volume reduction of your waste and recycling materials. But which machine is right for your operation?
“The Komar team has made this process, from start to finish, an absolute pleasure. Keep up the great customer service. We appreciate what you do!! Thanks for your help and we are absolutely LOVING our new compactor!!”
Cathy Ring, End Hunger Calvert
A self-contained compactor is a single, sealed unit that integrates the compactor and container, designed to manage wet waste or liquid-generating materials while preventing leaks and odors.
Ideal for wet waste, food scraps, and refuse that generates liquids during compaction, such as organic material and mixed waste streams.
Self-contained compactors are removed as a complete sealed unit when full and are designed for wet waste. Stationary compactors remain fixed and pair with detachable containers for dry waste only.
Usually installed outdoors on a concrete pad, with options for dock integration or ramps. Indoor installation is possible with adequate space and planning.
Operated through a user-friendly control panel with push-button or key-switch activation, safety interlocks, and automatic compaction cycles.
Routine maintenance includes monthly checks of hydraulic fluid, seals, and moving components, with comprehensive service recommended semi-annually.
Yes. Safety features such as emergency stops, door interlocks, and overload protection ensure secure operation when used as directed.
A roll-off truck transports the entire sealed compactor and container to a disposal site, empties it, and returns it for continued use.
Most units feature fullness indicators, and many offer optional remote monitoring systems for real-time status updates.
Yes. Leasing and rental options are available to fit various budgets and timelines. Refurbished units may be offered when inventory is available.
We are a waste solutions company. With a wide array of application-specific models and advanced engineering capabilities, we look forward to guiding you to the best solution for the job.
Schedule a free waste stream evaluation to identify the right equipment and processes for your space, waste types, and volume.
If you’re exploring ways to streamline your waste management process, you may be deciding between two powerful pieces of equipment: a vertical baler and a self-contained compactor. While they both help reduce waste volume and improve site cleanliness, they serve very different purposes.
Choosing the right one starts with understanding your waste stream—what you’re throwing away, how much of it, and how often. In this post, we’ll walk you through the key differences and guide you on which solution might be best for your facility.
What is a Vertical Baler?
A vertical baler (also known as a downstroke baler) compresses recyclable materials like cardboard, paper, shrink wrap, and plastics into compact bales that are easy to stack, store, and transport for recycling.
Best For:
Pros:
Cons:
What is a Self-Contained Compactor?
A self-contained compactor is designed to handle wet or mixed waste, including food, liquids, and general garbage. The compactor and container are sealed as a single unit to prevent leakage and odor, making it ideal for messy or organic waste streams.
Best For:
Pros:
Cons:
| Key Differences | ||
| Feature | Vertical Baler | Self-Contained Compactor |
| Waste Type (Input) | Dry recyclables (e.g., OCC, plastic) | Wet, messy, mixed waste |
| Output Type | Recyclable bales | Compacted general trash |
| Leak Resistance | Not designed for liquids | Fully sealed, leak-resistant |
| Revenue Potential | Can generate recycling income | Typically, a disposal cost center |
| Hauling Frequency | Haul bales as needed | Compact and haul entire unit |
| Space Requirement | Compact, upright design | Requires more space (horizontal layout) |
| Labor Requirements | Requires tying off bales | Automated compaction cycle |
How to Decide: 3 Key Questions
Conclusion
Ultimately, a Komar vertical baler is designed to save money in your operation through the generation of income of your recycled materials. Our self-contained compactors achieve this same goal by the reduction of hauling and disposal costs. Both machines accomplish this through a volume reduction method that ultimately results in a safer, cleaner, and more efficient system.
Please reach out to the Komar team for more information or specific considerations about how your waste stream could be optimized.
