The part(s) or condition(s) listed below for the symptom Trash compactor will not start are ordered from most likely to least likely to occur. Check or test each item, starting with the items at the top of the page.
Confirm the trash compactor is plugged in and there is power at the wall receptacle. You can plug another small appliance into the receptacle to confirm there is power. If there is no power, confirm the circuit breaker has not tripped.
The trash compactor roller helps the compactor drawer to open and close smoothly. If the roller is broken or damaged the drawer may not close all the way, which will prevent the compactor from starting. Pull out the drawer and inspect the rollers. If the rollers are broken or damaged they will need to be replaced.
Drive Gear
When the compacting ram reaches the top of the compactor, the directional switch interrupts all current flow to the motor. However, if the directional switch fails, it may prevent the compactor from starting at all. To determine if the directional switch is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the directional switch has no continuity when actuated or has shorted contacts, replace it.
Selector Switch
Drawer
If the trash compactor's foot pedal is worn out or damaged, the compactor drawer may not close all the way which will prevent the compactor from starting. You should inspect the foot pedal for any damage and replace if necessary.
The start switch sends voltage to the motor to start the trash compacting cycle. If the start switch is defective, the trash compactor will not start. If the trash compactor makes a humming noise but won’t start, this indicates that the drive motor may be defective. To determine if the start switch is defective, use a multimeter to test the start switch for continuity. If the switch does not have continuity when the switch is activated, replace it.
When the trash compactor door is open, the safety switch opens to prevent the trash compactor from starting. If the safety switch is defective, the trash compactor will not start. To determine if the safety switch is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the switch does not have continuity when activated, replace it.
When the trash compactor door is open, the door switch opens to prevent the trash compactor from starting. If the door switch is defective, the trash compactor will not start. To determine if the door switch is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the switch does not have continuity, replace it.
The drive motor might be defective. However, this is rarely the case. Before replacing the drive motor, first test all of the more commonly defective parts. If none of these parts are defective, use a multimeter to test the power to the drive motor. If the drive motor is getting power, but it won’t run, replace it.
