FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

mini-garbage compactor???

Chipper | Posted in Energy, Heating & Insulation on November 5, 2004 01:08am

     I would like to add a trash compactor in the future, in my kitchen under the existing countertop.  What is the smallest rough-in space(width) / or the smallest available product on the market currently.   I have an empty area next to the existing dishwasher,  22″ deep X 12″in width.

any advice is greatly appreciated!                                 thank you!       Chipper

 

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. VaTom | Nov 05, 2004 04:17am | #1

    No answer here, but you're the very first person I've heard say they wanted a compactor.  I've pulled several out of kitchens and have a brand new, never used, one sitting out under a piece of plastic now.  No idea what to do with it other than metal recycle.  Only constructive idea I had was a marijuana brick maker.  Nobody on the freecycle list was interested.  You're certainly welcome to it.  I'd even measure it for you if you're headed down this way.  <G>

    PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!

    1. Chipper | Nov 06, 2004 12:37am | #2

      that seems pretty far.  What town in Virginia? I recently proposed to my future wife in Charlottesville, Va.  We went down to see the Shenandoah Mts.  That is definitely "Gods country!"  I live up in southern New Jersey, in a town called Linwood. 10 miles from Atlantic City.              

      just a thought, u could use that compactor to store all of the little precious hardware, nuggets, nic-nacs, that u think u might use some day.  Or maybe use it for a treasure chest / safe.  U could put your social security savings fund in there.  It might be safer then letting the federal gov. handle it?

      why do you think people are getting rid of them from their kitchens?

                                                   Chipper.                           

      1. VaTom | Nov 06, 2004 04:29am | #4

        Yo Chipper!

        You should have stopped by.  Actually, if you followed the old bicycle race route, Tour de pick-your-sponsor, you went right by our driveway headed for the Blue Ridge Mtns (Shenandoah's the valley on the other side, unless you went across the valley to the mountains bordering WVa, which is Shenandoah Mtn).  Not the first time I've heard it described as "God's country", and who am I to disagree?  No accident we live here, just south of Hooville.  Ummm, you do know the ACC stuff, right?

        Only parts of Jersey I'm even remotely familiar with are near Philly and NYC.  Lots of people there that we're very happy are there.  Otherwise they might be here.

        Far as I know, compactors are ecological disasters.  Keeps air from the garbage, greatly retarding decomposition.  Then there's the practical aspect of weight.  Do you really want to compact a week/months worth of garbage into a tidy 75 lb. package?  Well, your back's likely younger than mine.

        But what do I know?  Even the garbage haulers won't come up here.  We put everything rottable out for the critters, a ways from the house.  Don't wanna attract any more bears.  The one sighted today was close to 300 lbs.

        So you coming back anytime soon to tie the knot in the Rotunda?  That's TJ's jem on the campus he designed.  Popular for weddings.  Heck, you can come out here to our mountain if you want.  As we say, "80 acres and no place to park".  Might want to wait until after deer season though.  Then you can see what it looks like after 33 yrs of marriage.  Of course, I was only 13.... PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!

        1. Chipper | Nov 06, 2004 05:44am | #6

          TJ was quite the architect!  While we were in the charlottesville area, we drove to the place TJ resided,  The towering trees & windey roads were awesome!  We might get married at a quaint hotel in Ocean City, Maryland called The Dunes Manor. 

    2. 4Lorn1 | Nov 06, 2004 03:37am | #3

      I have similar experiences. Compactors were a very 'early 70s sort of thing. I have had to deal with the wiring after removing them but never have I had to wire for one a new one in a residence.

      In a residential Decadent bordering on effete as the picture of a guy toting out a garbage bag turns into a guy carrying something that most closely resembles a handbag. Not that I have anything against guys with handbags. Just not my style.

      I have wired for large commercial setting versions where they were compacting cardboard, plastics or other recyclables. They make a lot of sense when shipping plastic where a thousand pounds uncompacted would fill a semi and in the form of bales, about four foot to a side and weighing in at something like 500 pounds, makes handling easier for loaders, forklifts and cranes.

      Of course, as you point out, if it is homegrown he wishes to stuff into a car seat I could see some utility to a compactor. Bricks are easier to handle compared to loose leaf you could easiest shift with a pitchfork.

      Just be sure to remove that automatic perfume dispenser that sprays every time the machine cycles. Never understood the attraction of having ones garbage smell like a cheap whore. In this case it is profoundly unnecessary as it adds an odd and undesirable taste to the smoke.

      1. VaTom | Nov 06, 2004 04:39am | #5

        In this case it is profoundly unnecessary as it adds an odd and undesirable taste to the smoke.

        LMAO....  I'll take your word for it.

        Yeah, those compactors that make tire bales must be something.  Kind of a stretch for this little machine though.  Maybe Matchbox tires.  Think there's a market?

        PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!

        Forgot to mention that I once had a friend dealing 100 bricks/wk, average.  Kind of hard to do that volume with a pitchfork.

        Edited 11/5/2004 9:42 pm ET by VaTom

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Podcast Episode 688: Obstructed Ridge Vent, Buying Fixer-Uppers, and Flashing Ledgers

Listeners write in about removing masonry chimneys and ask about blocked ridge vents, deal-breakers with fixer-uppers, and flashing ledgers that are spaced from the wall.

Featured Video

Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

Related Stories

  • Guest Suite With a Garden House
  • Podcast Episode 688: Obstructed Ridge Vent, Buying Fixer-Uppers, and Flashing Ledgers
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding the Right Fixer-Upper
  • Keeping It Cottage-Sized

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data