Abstract: This invention relates, in one embodiment, to a refuse handling device having an elongated frustro-conical body of uniform octagonal cross-section with a loading opening and a spaced discharge opening. There is disclosed a compactor having a two-part compacting platen adapted to guide refuse entering the body through the upper loading opening into a position to be acted upon by the lower part of the compacting platen and capable of longitudinal movement within the body. The body is pivotally mounted on a chassis and is capable of pivoting upwardly away from the chassis to dump refuse contained in the body out through the discharge opening. An alternate embodiment of the invention in a side loading refuse handling device is also disclosed.