Compactor

A compactor for densification and packaging of refuse and waste material into bales, said compactor comprising:

• cabinet having an upper opening for receiving waste into the cabinet and a lower opening;
• a container-lift assembly removably received within the cabinet through the lower opening for storing the refuse and waste material therein;
• a hydraulically activated and automatically-electrically controlled compacting platen bar and platen assembly supported within the cabinet for reciprocating movement for compacting the refuse and waste within the container-lift assembly;
• a hydraulic activating means for reciprocating the compacting platen bar and platen assembly;
• an automatic-electric control means for controlling the hydraulic activating means in order to control reciprocation of the compacting platen bar and platen assembly;
• wherein the compacting platen bar and platen assembly further comprises a platen formed from two plates separated by an open slot, the plates being held together by a bridge, the plates having rims which each extend downward at an angle, the platen being attached to the platen bar at the bridge, the platen having an upper surface which extends downward at an angle toward the respective sides of the platen.