Epax unveils electric waste container compactor

Epax Systems Inc. now is offering an electric version of Ropax Mobile Compactor machine, designed to compact waste in open-top containers dumpsters.

The Panorama City, California-based company says its next-generation Ropax combines industry-leading performance with the environmental and operational advantages of electric power, including zero on-site emissions, quieter operation, lower operating costs and reduced maintenance requirements.

The new battery-electric Ropax is powered by two 12-kilowatt (16-horsepower equivalent) electric motors and a 26.2-kilowattt lithium-ion phosphate rechargeable battery. The new model’s owners and operators can benefit from an average of nine hours of continuous compacting and container-moving power on a single charge, according to the company.

The battery recharges fully in 10 hours, supports 45-minute fast charging to 80 percent capacity and carries a 20-year/4,000-hour performance guarantee, Epax adds.

“Going electric helps our customers achieve their sustainability goal and initiatives,” Epax Systems President Stefan Nielsen says. “It provides measurable environmental benefits, including reduced carbon footprint and less consumption of fossil fuels as well as reduced maintenance and lower total cost of ownership.”

To operate the container compactor, a worker drives the Ropax Mobile up to the end of an open-top container and deploys a 2-ton rolling drum mounted on an articulating boom that moves from one end of the container and back, crushing contents as it goes.

Because operators can view the compaction process they can determine how many crushing cycles are necessary, says Epax, and because the device is mobile it is ideal for properties with multiple dumpsters spread across a site.

Without compaction, most open-top containers achieve about 20 percent of their potential utilization because of air pockets and voids created by bulky items, according to Epax.

“By continually crushing container contents, the Ropax Mobile increases utilization to as much as 80 percent, dramatically reducing the frequency of container swaps and hauls,” the company says.

Subsequently, fewer hauls mean lower overall disposal costs and interruptions caused when containers are being swapped, says Epax, adding that during the Ropax compacting process, items can still be added to the container.

The machine has an operator cab that is climate controlled for comfort and ergonomically designed with a joystick, a steering wheel and an emergency e-stop. As well, a color reversing camera, automatic central lubrication, container-lifting arm and optional container-transport hook can add to the machine’s safety and versatility.

The Ropax Mobile can handle diverse waste streams including cardboard, wood pallets, crates and cable reels, encapsulated polystyrene, hard plastics, light metals (including appliances), yard waste and other bulky items, says Epax.

Epax Systems provides waste compaction technology designed to reduce costs, improve efficiency and minimize environmental impact.