By MyPros Staff

If your garbage is starting to stink, but you're tired of taking it out so often, you're probably looking for trash compactor repair. Phoenix's extremely hot summers (temperatures regularly in the 110's) mean that leaving garbage lying around can be a health hazard, so trash compactors can be a life-saver here.  

Because their job involve garbage and debris by definition, lots of things can go wrong with trash compactors that have to do with improper or insufficient cleaning.  Drawer rollers become stuck; tracks get filled with debris; and of course switches and motors can burn out from years of use or abuse.  

The operating principles are not magic, however.  When you flip the switch, a heavy ram comes down from the top, squashing the garbage down until it reaches the level defined by the bottom limit switch, then reverses direction and moves back up to the spot defined by the upper limit switch.  A heavy-duty motor drives the ram, and power is usually transferred from the motor to the ram via a chain, with or without some kind of a gearbox.

Before discussing other problems with trash compactors, it should be mentioned that most compactor problems can be avoided by simply cleaning the compactor regularly.  Be sure the power is off, then clean all surfaces inside and out.  Use caution when cleaning the inside, as broken glass or sharp metal surfaces can cut you up pretty badly.  

Out of that list, the most common problems (besides garbage being in places where it shouldn't) are burned out switches, motors, and worn gear sprockets.  The solution for these problems is not as easy as regular cleaning—it can involve disassembly of the unit.  

However, you should still be able to save yourself several hundred dollars by using a professional for trash compactor repair.  Phoenix area stores will run you no less than $500 for a new trash compactor, whereas you should be able to find a reputable repair company for a fraction of that.