Select a waste compactor designed for tough Scandinavian conditions 

Winter can pose a challenge to any piece of equipment. Snow is heavy and can find its way into every gap, moisture freezes and causes components to stick to each other, and lubricants congeal and lose their viscosity. Although there is nothing we can do about the weather, we can select the most suitable equipment for the conditions in which they will be used. For outdoor and cold spaces, it is worth selecting a waste compactor that has been designed to withstand the toughest Scandinavian conditions.

Europress designs and manufactures waste compactors that are engineered with winter durability in mind. Our advanced surface handling processes ensure a long-lasting, high-quality paint surface that remains rust-free in challenging weather conditions. We also use Arctic oils in our waste compactors that are rated for temperatures down to -25C. For even colder temperatures, an optional oil warmer is also available. Another useful option for cold climates is bottom heating, which prevents waste from freezing to the bottom of the container.

How to take care of your outdoor waste compactor

Annual scheduled maintenance helps prevent the most likely weather-related problems in advance. Europress provides scheduled maintenance services that ensure the highest levels of winter durability. The annual maintenance visit includes a comprehensive inspection of the equipment, a thorough cleaning and greasing of all mechanical parts. The service technician carefully inspects all the hydraulics, filters the oil, and checks the pressures. Any condensed water that could impair the operation of the equipment in freezing conditions is removed from the oil.

Users can also help ensure the weather resistance of their waste compactors. For example, thick layers of snow can cause heavy loads on the gas springs, so any snow should be brushed off before opening the lid. If liquids or wet waste falls on the edges of the hopper, it is a good idea to wipe them dry before closing the lid. Also, if there are long intervals in between compacting the waste, the waste compactor can be operated a few times a day even without loading additional waste simply to prevent the piston from freezing.

Two brushes next to a waste compactor.

Top 3 tips for maintaining waste compactors throughout the winter:

  1. If the waste compactor is kept outside, keep a brush handy to remove any snow from the lid before opening it.
  2. During extended periods of freezing conditions, try to operate the waste compactor at least once every 3 hours, even without loading additional waste. This will help prevent the piston from freezing.
  3. When handling wet waste, make sure the edges of the hopper are wiped dry afterwards to prevent the lid from freezing and sticking in the closed position.