Abstract: A refuse compactor of the type having a receptacle drawer removably contained within a cabinet wherein refuse is compacted by a ram to a fraction of its normal volume. The ram includes a refuse-compressing platen actuated through a toggle linkage to which force is applied by a single screw driven by an electric motor coupled to the screw through a reduction drive. The screw, motor and drive train are carried as a unit by the toggle linkage and move bodily therewith. Improvements are provided in the cabinet, receptacle drawer, compacting mechanism and mounting framework for the same which embody many structural and operational simplification features greatly reducing the size, weight and cost of the compactor.