The compaction ratio for a waste compactor depends largely on the composition of the waste material. Compaction ratios are heavily variable. They can be as high as 6 to 1 for easily consolidated waste streams like certain recyclables. They can also be as low as 3 to 1 for heavier materials like meat & produce. As a standard rule of thumb, you can expect a compaction ratio of at least 3 to 1 by using a compactor. This means that by using a compactor you should expect to cut down on your hauls substantially. If you we’re using an open top container that was getting picked up 6 times a week, then using a similarly sized compactor will cut those pick-ups down to 2 a week (or better).