Garbage disposal vs. trash compactor: running cost
A trash compactor is cheaper to run: about $1 a year versus $1 for a garbage disposal at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $0 difference.
| Garbage disposal | Trash compactor | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 500 W | 400 W |
| Watt range | 300–1,000 W | 300–600 W |
| Typical use | 2 minutes a day | 1 minutes a day |
| Energy per year | 5 kWh | 3 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 9.0¢ | 7.2¢ |
| Cost per day | 0.3¢ | 0.1¢ |
| Cost per month | $0.08 | $0.04 |
| Cost per year | $1 | $1 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $2 | $1 |
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What drives the difference
- Garbage disposal: A 1/2 hp disposal draws about 500 W but runs only 1-2 minutes a day, so its electricity cost is a few dollars a year.
- Trash compactor: Kitchen trash compactors use a 1/3 hp motor drawing about 400 W for 30-40 seconds per compaction, typically under 5 kWh a year.
Ways to cut either cost
Heavy-duty bags avoid tears and repeat cycles.
See options on AmazonKeeps food scraps out of the disposal and the water treatment system.
See options on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a garbage disposal or a trash compactor?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a garbage disposal costs about $1 a year versus $1 for a trash compactor. That's $0 more, or 1.9× as much.
How many watts do garbage disposal and trash compactor use?
A garbage disposal typically draws 500 W (range 300–1,000 W). A trash compactor draws 400 W (range 300–600 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.