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Trash compactor or trash pull-out?

12 years ago

We purchased a home with a 20 year old trash compactor. After adding up all the parts and labor, it appears to be roughly the same cost to replace it with a new stainless steel model as it would be to create a trash pull-out with a semi-matching cabinet door and foot pedal. We plan on replacing the cabinets in 5 to 7 years, so the long term savings aren't a factor. Plus, space only permits a single can trash pull-out... not one of those convenient trash/recycle solutions.

Now, I'm enticed by the idea of just sliding a new trash compactor into place and forgetting about it. On the other hand, trash pull-outs seem to be much more in vogue.

Thoughts?

Featured Answer

poohpup

12 years ago

I had a trash compactor in my last house and LOVED it. I thought I'd always want another. But this house is on a septic system. Big difference. My last house I used the GD for food and in this house it all goes in the garbage. I wouldn't want a trash compactor smashing down all that food. Plus the garbage goes out now at least once a day. If I wasn't on a septic and had a GD, I'd have a trash compactor again.

My trash pull-out was installed today. Really looking forward to having that. Can't open the darn thing yet because none of the handles are on yet. lol

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Comments (11)

remodelfla
12 years ago
For me it would be a no brainer... definitely trash pullout.
xc60
12 years ago
We have a trash compactor in our kitchen, we all love it!
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I have to disagree with LazyGardens - we have not had any problems with trash "splattered onto the walls inside the cabinet, or the door of the cabinet,or behind the trash can" in the four years we've been using ours. In fact, I think it's cleaner than a standalone trash can b/c it's contained and dogs cannot get to it :-) I suppose if you leave it open and throw things into it from several feet away, it might be an issue, but it would also be an issue for a standalone can. I guess what I'm saying is the same as Palimpsest said - it has more to do with the users of the trash can than it does the location of it or its type. As to the location of the trash compactor, it's in a very good location for using the trash while prepping and cooking - the two tasks that generate the most trash and recycling. It's even near the Cleanup Zone - so useful for all primary work zones. However, if this is a home you are renting out (and I assume it is), I would not upgrade the appliances too much unless (1) you upgrade everything in the kitchen to the same level or (2) you have to to compete in the rental market in your area. I'm assuming the range is still functioning just fine since you called it "the old, reliable electric range". Stainless steel and white (or black) appliances are not that bad together. I think of SS as a neutral that goes with just about everything!
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suzanne_sl
12 years ago
I have to say that when I had a group of young (that is, younger than me) friends over and they saw our freestanding trash compactor, they laughed and said they hadn't seen one since they were kids. Thanks! In any case, we replaced it with trash cans under the sink when we did the reno. Our small kitchen didn't have space for a pullout or we might have gone that way.

How many people live in your house? When all 3 kids were growing up, the trash compactor was marvelous. When it got to be just the 2 of us, it could take 3 weeks to fill. We made separate trash runs for smelly things like meat trays. If you have a houseful of people, I say replace it until you do your reno and then reevaluate. You're unlikely to be sorry you have it, and it's so much easier not trying to blend a new element into a cabinet run that you're going to replace anyway.
rhome410
12 years ago
We hated our trash compactor and are much happier with trash pullouts. With kids doing the meal cleanup, we had to be so careful that they covered anything 'yucky' before compacting, it was such a cleaning nightmare. Also, the bags got too heavy for the kids or me to carry out sometimes. We have to take out the trash more often, and we have more primitive and less efficient ways of squishing it down, perhaps, but I feel it's worth the trade offs. If you loved the trash compactor, you may like another.
MichelleDT
12 years ago
Love our compactor and wouldn't give it up. Putting two i the new house - one in the clean up zone and one in the prep zone.
a2gemini
12 years ago
Nerdy - when my DM compacter died - she just used it as a pull out trash bin without crushing.
The nest was empty - so she kept one bag in it and then used regular bags on top and just pulled those to throw away, leaving the bit thick bag in the drawer.
I assume she periodically replaced the big bag but not sure how often...
jjaazzy
12 years ago
I like the compactor, you can use reg bags and it is a good idea to put a fold of newspaper down first before smashing. We never found it too heavy to pick up.
camphappy
12 years ago
We currently have a compactor and are planning a reno for our kitchen. We considered not replacing the compactor but then I remembered living without the compactor. The garbage had to go out everyday, rain or shine. With the compactor we take it out once per week and save money with our garbage bill by having the smaller size garbage can.
marvelousmarvin
12 years ago
Depending on the size of the kitchen and how much storage you have, you might just consider taking out the trash compactor and replacing it with a base cabinet for more storage.
library_girl
12 years ago
Growing up we had a compactor and the bags of trash were so heavy because so much was compressed into it. I remember as a teenager having to hold the bag to my chest to get it to the garage (no string ties to hold it) - I hated it. Not sure if it's the same issue now, but I prefer getting the trash out of my house sooner, rather than later.

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