Trash Compactor Operating Procedures
Compactors are now part of the University's solid waste management equipment. To operate the machines, you must be trained by the physical plant. Here are some reminders for those persons who have been trained.
Before operating the compactor
- Check for hydraulic leaks
- Check that the forward and rear doors are secure
- Check that all electric wiring is in good condition
- Inspect the hopper contents before turning it on. Make sure there are no inappropriate contents inside: animals, pallets, pipes or metal rods.
- Make sure to clear the area of other persons so that no one gets injured.
Never
- Operate the compactor without inspecting the unit.
- Climb in or on the compactorvOperate with the load hopper doors open.
- Open the rear door which the compactor is operating
- Put materials on the loading dock or ramp.
- Place pallets, compressed cylinders, metal rods, or pipes into the compactor
- Disable the safety controls to operate the unit.
- Operate the compactor while taking any medications.
Compactor Locations
- HUB (east and west side)
- Visual Arts – SALA building
- Hammond (west)
- Henning
Operating the compactor
- Inspect the hopper for inappropriate materials.
- Load the hopper with waste. Do not overfill, making sure that the doors can close easily and securely.
- Close hopper doors and secure.
- Turn the key switch.
- Press button to compress load. The ram will automatically cycle forward and back.
- Repeat until all the waste has been loaded and compacted.
- Leave hopper doors secure.
Problems? What to do if
- The compactor is full
- The compactor fails to operate
- The compactor is leaking
- The Bar Pit dumpsters are full
Contact Information
- Al Matyasovsky, Program Manager - aem3@psu.edu
- Leslie Hagen, Program Staff Assistant - lch7@psu.edu
Revised August 2007