Trash compactor vs. dishwasher: running cost
A trash compactor is cheaper to run: about $1 a year versus $46 for a dishwasher at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $45 difference.
| Trash compactor | Dishwasher | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 400 W | 1,800 W |
| Watt range | 300–600 W | 1,200–2,400 W |
| Typical use | 1 minutes a day | 4 cycles a week |
| Energy per year | 3 kWh | 255 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 7.2¢ | 22¢ |
| Cost per day | 0.1¢ | 13¢ |
| Cost per month | $0.04 | $3.82 |
| Cost per year | $1 | $46 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $1 | $111 |
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What drives the difference
- 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.
- Dishwasher: A typical dishwasher uses about 1-1.5 kWh per normal cycle including water heating by the internal heater and heated dry; ENERGY STAR models average about 0.75-1 kWh. This excludes energy from your water heater.
Ways to cut either cost
Heavy-duty bags avoid tears and repeat cycles.
See options on AmazonCertified dishwashers use about 270 kWh a year or less and under 3.5 gallons per cycle.
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 trash compactor or a dishwasher?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a dishwasher costs about $46 a year versus $1 for a trash compactor. That's $45 more, or 87.2× as much.
How many watts do trash compactor and dishwasher use?
A trash compactor typically draws 400 W (range 300–600 W). A dishwasher draws 1,800 W (range 1,200–2,400 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.