1. How much trash will fit into the Smart-Pack before it should be emptied?
2. How do I empty the Smart-Pack? And, how do I transport the compacted trash to my disposal area
3. Since the trash stays in the Smart-Pack longer than in traditional trash bins, will it smell?
4. How much does the compacted trash weigh when it is full?
5. What about liquids being thrown away in the Smart-Pack?
6. If I change my decor, can the Smart-Pack exteriors be changed also?
7. Are there handicapped features?
8. Aren't the heavier strength bags that are used in the Smart-Pack more expensive than my regular bags?
9. How many Smart-Packs will I need to replace my traditional trash bins?
10. How easy is it to clean the Smart-Pack?
11. How safe is the Smart-Pack?
12. Smart-Pack Color Selection .. Click Here.

1.) How much trash will fit into the Smart-Pack before it is emptied?

With normal trash content, the capacity of approximately 12 to 15 (or more) of the regular 25-gallon trash receptacles of trash will fit into one, compacted cube before it needs to be emptied.  ( The Smart-Pack will warn you before reaching "full" capacity and then again when it needs to be emptied. A light on the front of the unit flashes and a verbal  message repeats  "Please empty the compactor".)  

2.) How do I empty the Smart-Pack?  And, how do I transport the compacted trash to my disposal area?

The only time the bag is handled is to tie it closed.  At no time, do your employees need to pick up the compacted trash.  A 'no-handling' routine is used for transporting the compacted trash to the dumpster.  The trash accumulates in a 2-piece durable plastic container which sits in the chamber area of the unit. The 'inside container' is comprised of a 'bottom tray' with a handle and also the (square shaped) 'sidewalls', which fits snugly into the bottom tray.  The two pieces together form an 'open top box' which is lined with a polybag.

The process for emptying the Smart-Pack is easy and efficient:

1.) The full container will slide easily onto the LiftCart by pulling the handle of the inside container.	2.) Tie the bag closed and transport the waste cube to the dumpster on the platform of the LiftCart.
3.) Remove the sidewall insert.  The compacted bag or cube of waste is left sitting in the bottom tray of the inside container.	4.) The tray is then slightly tilted and the waste falls into the dumpster.  (Use a LiftCart with a winch to raise the compacted waste if the opening to your dumpster is at an elevated position.)

3.) Since the trash stays in the Smart-Pack longer than in traditional trash bins, will it smell?

Actually, smells can be greatly reduced.  Reducing the air content of the waste by compacting can reduce odors, since odors circulate in air.  Also, the Smart-Pack's door will remain shut unless a waste deposit is being made, keeping odors more containerized.  And, for a small charge, the Smart-Pack Sanitizer System can be added which allows stored trash to remain in the Smart-Pack for up to one week without having to be emptied, free of odor concerns.  In addition to allowing lower volume locations the opportunity to achieve excellent paybacks in the same manner as high volume locations, this feature also addresses odor and sanitation concerns that are normal with trash bin areas in general (even when the regular bins are constantly being changed).

4.) How much does the compacted trash weigh when it is full?

The weight of a full, compacted cube is dependent upon the contents of your waste.  With typical dining area waste, the average weight is usually between 60 to 85 pounds.  The Smart-Pack 'no-handling' approach helps alleviate cube weight considerations. In addition, the weight / volume of the compacted trash (when the unit signals "full") can be adjusted by user controls.

5.) What about liquids being thrown away in the Smart-Pack?

The leaks and spills that are normally experienced in and around traditional trash bins can be reduced or eliminated with the Smart-Pack.  In addition to the way the inside chamber is designed and built with stainless steel, the compaction process causes the liquids to be absorbed into the discarded paper materials (such as napkins, cardboard, etc.)  Therefore, since the liquids are absorbed to a much great extent, the opportunity for leaks and spills is reduced even further. In addition, the inside container made of durable plastic and the heavy duty plastic bags serve as extra layers of protection that regular trash bins do not normally have.

6.) If I change my decor, can the Smart-Pack exteriors be changed also?

For a nominal charge, the Smart-Pack exteriors can be changed to accommodate changes in decor.

7.) Are there handicapped features?

The Smart-Packs are handicap friendly since the waste deposit door opens automatically for patrons as they are making their waste deposits. Handicap patrons greatly appreciate this feature. 

8.) Aren't the heavier strength bags that are used in the Smart-Pack more expensive than my regular bags?

Yes and No.  On a per bag basis, the heavy duty strength bags are more expensive.  However, the quantity that is used usually results in either savings or a break even point. (i.e. up to a 12 or 15 to 1 ratio against the quantity of your regular trash bags that are used, and this is assuming you are only single-lining the regular trash bins),   Bags are usually packaged 50 or 100 bags per roll.

9.) How many Smart-Packs will I need to replace my traditional trash bins?

Since one Smart-Pack holds the equivalent trash of several traditional bins, the number of Smart-Packs is solely based upon your customers having proper access.  For example, a fast food restaurant with 5 or 6 regular bins can easily replace these with 1 or 2 Smart-Packs placed strategically and conveniently, one at each exit door.  Since traditional trash bins usually only hold about 20 to 25 gallons of loose trash, the calculations would ordinarily be fairly easy except that factors such as customer convenience, traffic flow, general floor layout and exit locations must also be taken into consideration. Another general guideline that can sometimes be used (depending on trash profile) is that a regular trash bin that has to be emptied or tended to after approximately every 40 - 50 customers' (waste deposits) would translate into an average of about 400-750 customers or more before the Smart-Pack reaches "full" capacity or needs to be tended to. And, this does not include the extra employee attention that traditional trash bins require due to instances of 'leaks and spills' and trash bin overflows. Therefore, each Smart-Pack can easily replace the cost, space and labor requirements of many regular trash bins.    

10.) How easy is it to clean the Smart-Pack?

Very easy.  Daily cleaning is recommended for the inside chamber (stainless steel interior), the waste deposit door and the compaction plate.  The compaction plate lowers manually (two hand operation for safety - see safety features) so that it can be cleaned easily.  The exterior of the unit can also be wiped clean easily.  Daily cleaning should take no longer than 5 minutes.

11.) How safe is the Smart-Pack?

Very safe.  The unit is fully UL approved and the functionality is based on numerous built-in safety features.  (To our knowledge there has never been an injury related to the Smart-Pack technology after many years of public use and worldwide deliveries.)  Some examples of two basic areas of safety: Equipment Safety Features and Risk Management.

Some Equipment Safety Features

1.  The waste deposit door automatically locks prior to a compaction cycle and remains locked until the compaction cycle is completed.  The waste deposit door cannot be opened while the unit is going through its quick (6-7 second) compaction cycle.

2. The unit will not start a compaction cycle unless the Waste Deposit Door and the Front Access Door (where the trash is removed) are both closed and locked.

3. If the Front Access Door is opened during a compaction cycle, the cycle will automatically stop until the door is closed.

4. A Smart-Pack key is required to access operational controls and mechanical areas.

5. To manually lower the compaction plate (for cleaning) it requires authorized users to use both hands (each hand on a different control knob) so that safety is further enhanced.  (The Smart-Pack key is required for access.)

Some Risk Management Benefits:

1.  Sanitation and Health Issues:  Employees only have to touch the bag once during the entire process of removal (to tie the bag closed).  In addition, the trash is handled much less often because Smart-Packs are emptied much less frequently.

2.  Workers Compensation Issues: With conventional methods, employees pull out and pick up the bags of trash.  It is normal to see employees removing and holding several bags of trash from conventional bins at one time.  With the Smart-Pack, employees do not need to physically pick up bags of trash.  The 'no-handling' method of utilizing a LiftCart allows for easy removal of the compacted cube of trash, and convenient transportation to the dumpster.

3.  Robberies: The risk of back door robberies can be greatly reduced because trash is taken to the dumpster much less often.  Your dumpster runs can be scheduled, allowing you to keep the back door closed and locked during dark hours.

4.  Pilferage: Employees leave the establishment much less for trash runs, which is when pilferage incidences usually occur.

5.  Compacted and containerized trash can reduce fire hazards.