A Guide to Marathon Self-Contained Trash Compactors: Cleaner, Smarter Solutions for Wet Waste Management
Discover how Marathon’s self-contained compactors deliver dependable, sanitary performance for wet waste applications.
If your business generates wet waste, you know how important it is to have a reliable, efficient, and sanitary way to handle it. Marathon Equipment’s self-contained trash compactors are designed specifically for that purpose. Built to keep liquids contained, odors controlled, and hauls reduced, these compactors are trusted by some of the largest grocery chains, healthcare facilities, and food service operations in North America.
Unlike stationary compactors, which are typically used for dry waste and paired with a separate roll-off container, self-contained compactors integrate the compactor and container into one sealed, leak-resistant unit. This makes them the preferred solution for applications where waste includes liquids, food scraps, or anything that can create runoff or odors.
Marathon offers one of the most complete and proven lineups of self-contained compactors in the industry. From small-scale solutions to high-capacity workhorses, there’s a model built for your facility and your needs.
What Makes Marathon Self-Contained Trash Compactors Different
Marathon Equipment has been designing and building compaction equipment and recycling equipment for more than 50 years. Their self-contained compactors are manufactured in the United States, using heavy-duty steel construction and industry-leading engineering standards. These units are known for their durability, long service life, and low maintenance requirements.
In addition to proven performance, Marathon offers unmatched flexibility. With multiple sizes, configurations, loading options, and smart accessories available, these compactors can be tailored to virtually any application. Whether your operation needs a compactor that fits into a tight space or one that can handle tons of wet waste every day, Marathon has the right solution.
What are the Types of Self-Contained Compactors?
SC2 Self-Contained Trash Compactor
Compact, efficient, and built for demanding wet-waste environments, the Marathon SC2 self-contained trash compactor delivers exceptional performance in a smaller footprint. Designed to handle waste streams with high liquid content, the SC2 combines powerful compaction force with advanced liquid-containment engineering to ensure a cleaner, more sanitary waste-handling process.
The SC2’s watertight design keeps liquids securely contained, protecting loading areas and surrounding property from spills or runoff. Its heavy-duty construction, including a reinforced packer floor and high-mounted cylinder configuration, provides years of dependable service with minimal maintenance. Despite its compact size, the SC2 produces up to 25 tons of compaction force, reducing the number of hauls and lowering overall disposal costs.
Ideal for restaurants, small grocery stores, apartment complexes, and mixed-use facilities, the SC2 is engineered for locations where space is limited but wet waste is a daily challenge. Optional chute systems, loading hoppers, and remote power units make it easy to tailor the unit to specific site layouts. With a choice of loading heights for ground or dock-level operation and a generous feed opening for bulky materials, the SC2 offers both flexibility and convenience.
Like every Marathon compactor, the SC2 is built in the United States to the highest quality standards and backed by a best-in-class warranty. It’s a smart, space-saving solution that delivers Marathon’s signature reliability and performance for years to come.
Learn more about the SC2 self-contained trash compactor here.
RJ-100SC Self-Contained Trash Compactor
The Marathon RJ-100SC self-contained trash compactor offers a balanced solution for facilities that manage both wet and dry waste yet seek the flexibility of ground and dock-level loading. With more than 18 tons of compaction force, it significantly reduces the volume of refuse, helping cut hauling frequency and overall waste-handling cost.
What makes the RJ-100SC stand out is its ability to adapt to diverse site layouts and stringent waste streams. The unit accommodates large bulky items through a generous feed opening, supports continuous loading even while cycling, and integrates with optional hopper, chute, or enclosure systems for high-throughput environments.
Built to handle challenging conditions, the RJ-100SC includes factory-tested leak-proof construction with Marathon’s P-Seal watertight door system and durable double-hinge design. These features ensure liquid containment, prevent odor and pest issues, and maintain the cleanliness of the waste area.
Because installation and maintenance are core concerns for medium-volume operations, the RJ-100SC is designed for ease of access and minimal downtime. From built-in fire hose connections to ground-accessible service points, the design supports efficient service and operations.
For food service complexes, large retail grocers, resorts, or healthcare facilities generating moderate wet-waste streams, the RJ-100SC strikes the exact right balance of size, performance, and flexibility. It offers the reliability of Marathon’s decades of experience, while delivering the cleanliness, containment, and cost control required in demanding settings.
Learn more about the RJ-100SC self-contained trash compactor here.
RJ-250SC Self-Contained Trash Compactor
The Marathon RJ-250SC is the industry standard for handling large volumes of wet or mixed waste. Built for demanding environments, it combines proven performance, rugged construction, and reliable liquid containment in one powerful, sealed unit. The compactor and container are fully integrated, creating a leak-resistant system that keeps waste areas cleaner and more sanitary while reducing maintenance and downtime.
With exceptional compaction force and a large feed opening, the RJ-250SC makes quick work of bulky or high-moisture waste. Its design minimizes the number of hauls required, saving both time and transportation costs. Every detail of the RJ-250SC reflects Marathon’s decades of experience in engineering equipment that performs dependably in the toughest conditions.
The RJ-250SC can be configured for ground or dock-level loading and easily adapted with chutes, hoppers, or total enclosure systems to match specific site requirements. It is a trusted choice for supermarkets, hotels, distribution centers, hospitals, and other high-volume facilities where sanitation, efficiency, and reliability are critical.
Like all Marathon compactors, the RJ-250SC is manufactured in the United States and backed by outstanding dealer support. For operations that demand maximum uptime and long-term performance, it delivers the quality and confidence that have made Marathon a leader in waste compaction for more than half a century.
Learn more about the RJ-250SC self-contained trash compactor here.
RJ-250HT Self-Contained Trash Compactor
The Marathon RJ 250HT self-contained trash compactor is engineered specifically for high-throughput operations where wet or mixed waste must be processed quickly and efficiently. Built for venues such as food courts, large-scale restaurants, event facilities, and continuous-use campuses, this unit offers the performance and resilience needed to keep pace with demanding waste streams.
Its sealed, self-contained design integrates a compactor and container to provide superior liquid containment and odor control, reducing spill risk and improving sanitation of loading zones. With enhanced cycle speed and throughput capabilities, the RJ 250HT enables fewer disposal trips and lower hauling costs, critical advantages when waste volumes and turnover are high.
Flexible loading options give it the ability to adapt to constrained site layouts, including dock-fed or chute-fed installations where space is at a premium. The unit supports ground-level or elevated loading, integrates with optional high-capacity hoppers or security chutes, and maintains the rugged construction and proven reliability that Marathon is known for.
Manufactured in the United States and backed by a strong service network, the RJ 250HT is a premium solution for operations that cannot compromise on cleanliness, efficiency or uptime. If your facility demands maximum throughput, minimal service interruption, and a clean, effective waste-handling solution, the RJ 250HT delivers.
Learn more about the RJ-250HT self-contained trash compactor here.
RJ-250WD Self-Contained Trash Compactor
The Marathon RJ 250WD self-contained trash compactor is a premium compactor designed for demanding waste streams with heavy liquids, corrosive materials, or frequent cart-dumping and lifting requirements. It integrates a high-capacity container, powerful compaction ram, and an integral cart-dumper system into a single sealed unit, making it ideal for large apartment complexes, shopping centers, resorts, and other facilities with centralized waste collection needs.
This unit keeps liquid runoff, odors, and pests under control through its watertight P-Seal door design, factory-tested leak-proof construction, and elevated packer-head cylinders that stay clear of liquids and debris. The generous feed opening and ability to continuously load while operating help improve efficiency and reduce hauling frequency, lowering both labor and transportation costs.
The RJ 250WD is designed for flexibility, supporting ground or dock-level loading, integration with cart-dumper systems that collect waste from remote areas, and optional hoppers, chutes, or total enclosure systems to fit virtually any layout. Built for long life and backed by Marathon’s nationwide service network, this model delivers high-capacity performance and long-term reliability for operations that demand clean, efficient, and consistent waste handling.
Learn more about the RJ-250WD self-contained trash compactor here.
DRC-II Dual-Recycling Self-Contained Compactor
The Marathon DRC-II self-contained trash and recycling compactor is a smart, space-efficient solution designed for facilities that need to handle both waste and recyclables in a single footprint. With twin compaction chambers in one sealed container, it allows you to process two distinct streams simultaneously, typically wet trash in one side and recyclables such as cardboard or plastic in the other.
The design is purpose-built to support sustainability efforts while maintaining the highest levels of sanitation and efficiency. The dual compartments allow you to boost recycling returns without sacrificing the space or logistics typically required to install two separate units. Because both streams are contained in one compact footprint, the DRC-II is ideal for university campuses, hospitals, retailers, mixed-use developments, and municipalities where real estate is tight but waste and recycling demands are high.
Built with the same heavy-duty construction that defines Marathon’s lineup, the DRC-II includes features such as sealed compartment doors, optional liquid-resistant gaskets, and a partition wall that keeps the two waste streams isolated for clean operation. It also supports chute-feeding, doghouse hoppers, or cart lifter systems for flexible installation and minimal disruption to site workflows.
By consolidating waste and recycling into one efficient unit, you reduce haul frequency, streamline maintenance, and improve site appearance and hygiene. The DRC-II offers a compelling combination of performance and adaptability while aligning with modern sustainability goals and operational cost-control.
Learn more about the DRC-II self-contained compactor here.
Benefits of Self-Contained Trash Compactors
When your business handles wet or high-moisture waste, a self-contained compactor is one of the smartest investments you can make. Marathon self-contained compactors are engineered for performance, sanitation, and long-term value. Whether you choose a compact SC2 compactor or a high-capacity RJ-250 compactor model, every unit shares the same focus on cleanliness, efficiency, and reliability.
Complete Liquid Containment and Sanitation
A self-contained trash and recycling compactor integrates the compactor and compactor container into a single, sealed system that prevents leaks and runoff. This design is essential for managing food waste, produce trimmings, or any wet material that can cause odors or attract pests. Marathon’s watertight construction keeps liquids fully contained from loading through transport, protecting your property, loading docks, and surrounding areas from contamination. The result is a cleaner, more sanitary work environment and compliance with local health and environmental regulations.
Improved Compaction Efficiency and Cost Savings
Each Marathon unit is designed to maximize payload capacity and minimize hauling frequency. High compaction ratios allow you to move more waste with fewer pickups, lowering transportation and disposal costs while reducing vehicle emissions. For operations that run on tight schedules or generate large volumes of refuse, fewer hauls also mean less disruption, improved productivity, and more predictable waste-handling budgets. Over time, these savings translate into a lower total cost of ownership compared to conventional waste-handling methods.
Odor and Pest Control
Odor management is one of the most common challenges in wet-waste environments. Marathon self-contained compactors are specifically engineered to address it. The sealed design minimizes odor escape, while optional ozone or chemical odor-control systems can further neutralize smells at the source. Keeping waste enclosed also prevents pest activity, improving hygiene and employee comfort while helping maintain the professional appearance of your facility.
Cleaner, Safer Work Environment
A sealed compactor helps prevent slip hazards, standing liquid, and exposure to waste, all of which contribute to a safer work environment. Marathon designs its self-contained units with easy-to-use loading areas, clear access for maintenance, and safe control placement. These ergonomic details reduce the potential for accidents while improving operator efficiency.
Durability and Long Service Life
Marathon self-contained compactors are built in the United States using heavy-duty steel construction and advanced weld integrity. Reinforced packer floors, elevated cylinders, and corrosion-resistant finishes allow the equipment to withstand years of daily use in the harshest conditions. Many Marathon units remain in service for decades, a testament to their build quality and engineering excellence. The combination of structural strength and thoughtful design means fewer service interruptions, lower maintenance costs, and reliable uptime.
Flexible Configurations and Customization
No two facilities handle waste the same way. Marathon compactors can be configured for ground or dock-level loading, integrated with chutes, security enclosures, or cart-dumping systems, and equipped with various power unit locations. For customers requiring data-driven operations, Marathon’s Connected Collections remote monitoring platform allows operators to view fullness levels, optimize pickup schedules, and track system performance in real time. This flexibility ensures each compactor fits seamlessly into the workflow of the facility it serves.
Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility
By reducing haul frequency, increasing payload efficiency, and controlling liquid runoff, Marathon self-contained compactors help lower a facility’s environmental footprint. Fewer hauls mean fewer truck trips, which directly reduces fuel use and carbon emissions. Combined with improved sanitation and waste control, these benefits make self-contained compactors a key part of a sustainable waste management program.
Who Benefits from Self-Contained Compactors?
Marathon self-contained compactors are used by a wide variety of organizations that manage wet or mixed waste streams. Customers include grocery chains, hospitals, universities, hotels, food distribution centers, airports, and food processing plants. These facilities rely on Marathon not just for equipment performance, but for the peace of mind that comes from consistent, clean, and efficient waste handling.
For smaller businesses such as restaurants or retail stores, compact models like the SC2 deliver the same professional-grade containment and performance in a smaller footprint. Larger facilities benefit from high-capacity models like the RJ-250SC or RJ-250HT, which are designed to handle continuous waste flow with minimal downtime.
Service and Support You Can Count On
Every Marathon self-contained compactor is backed by one of the strongest dealer and service networks in North America. From initial site assessment to installation and preventive maintenance, Marathon dealers work directly with customers to ensure every unit operates at peak performance. Factory-trained technicians, genuine replacement parts, and responsive customer service ensure long-term reliability and maximum uptime.
With more than 50 years of experience in waste and recycling equipment, Marathon combines engineering expertise with a deep understanding of real-world waste challenges. Each unit is manufactured in the United States to rigorous quality standards, ensuring durability, safety, and exceptional performance year after year.
How To Find the Right Compactor for Your Operation
Whether you manage a grocery store, hotel, hospital, or food processing plant, Marathon has a self-contained compactor that fits your needs. From compact units designed for limited space to large-capacity systems built for continuous use, Marathon’s full lineup delivers the strength, containment, and dependability your business can count on.
Explore Marathon’s complete line of self-contained trash compactors to compare models, review specifications, and connect with a local dealer to schedule a site survey. Choosing Marathon means investing in cleaner operations, greater efficiency, and a more sustainable approach to waste management.
