Spring is in the air and we all know what that means, time to declutter and do some deep spring cleaning. Homeowners and businesses consider this time of year the perfect opportunity to practice the old adage, out with the old and in with the new. Retail shops are putting last season’s items in clearance and stocking shelves with swimsuits and summer clothes. Warehouses and manufacturers are taking advantage of warmer weather to clean facilities, stock rooms and properties.
What does all this mean? It means your commercial trash compactor better be up to the task. A self-contained compactor is a great investment for businesses, providing efficient management of waste on a regular schedule. Reliable and efficient waste management is important for businesses to maintain a clean and professional appearance.
Here are some spring cleaning tips for maintaining your commercial trash compactor:
1) Keep the surrounding area clear. It is easy to pile up trash and junk out by the compactor when in spring cleaning overdrive mode. You might think you will come back to it for proper disposal in your compactor, although all too often this trash attracts vermin which will make an even bigger mess. You can end up with broken glass or loose trash in your lot or on your dock which is not only messy but also poses a safety hazard. This unsightly mess defeats the purpose of all your spring cleaning efforts. Stack your loose trash in a secure area while it is awaiting proper disposal. This is a good practice all year round.
2) Clean your compactor. Your trash compactor takes care of all of your waste from deep cleaning. You should know that it is a good idea to clean your compactor as well since dust, dirt and grime can all accumulate on important components. Motors can attract heat and dust, a quick visual inspection and some preventive maintenance on your compactor is always a good idea.
3) Inspect your compactor’s hydraulic system. The most important component of your self-contained compactor is the hydraulic system, which should be inspected regularly. Whether you do this yourself or your waste service company services your compactor, it is important to check for hydraulic fluid leaks and replace fluids. Your compactor deals with high pressure and temperature fluctuations daily. If you notice any hydraulic fluid leaks, you should notify your trash compactor service company immediately.
4) Inspect all parts and components. Your commercial trash compactor has several parts and components in addition to the hydraulic system. Preventive maintenance will ensure that these components provide longer-lasting performance. Additional components that should be inspected include:
- Electric components
- Switches
- Motors
- Filters
- Pipes and pumps
- Cylinders and housings
- Side and floor plates
5) Ask about the C-BASS Breakaway System. The Compactor Break Away Safety System, C-BASS, by Stucchi is an innovative product designed specifically for self-contained commercial trash compactors. C-BASS protects your compactor against serious damage and hydraulic fluid spills that occur from driver error. All too often, your waste hauler will show up to take your compactor off to dump it, and inadvertently forget to disconnect the hydraulic hoses.
This causes a lot of problems for businesses when hydraulic oil spills all over their dock, or even worse, causes serious safety issues. When a waste hauler driver pulls off with the hydraulic hoses still connected, they can drag the entire hydraulic power unit behind their truck which instantly becomes a dangerous projectile. Electrical damage can occur causing power outages and leaving live wires on the ground within reach of employees and customers. Stucchi’s C-BASS mitigates these risks and protects your business.
Stucchi is a worldwide industry leading provider of hydraulic solutions offering high-quality hydraulic couplings, adapters, and custom designed solutions. Our patented C-BASS solution is proven to protect companies from potential damage and liability by protecting your commercial self-contained compactor. Contact us to learn more and remember to clean and maintain your trash compactor when spring cleaning.