Abstract: Apparatus useful as a compacting device adapted to be inserted into a barrel or similar container either singularly, or in combination with a plurality of similar devices and generally comprising one or more compacting plates which plates are adapted to fit within such container and disposed therein for movement in a direction generally parallel to the axis of such container. A plurality of resilient locking tabs are secured to the upper surface of such compacting plates each by means of an angle bracket and in a manner so as to extend beyond both the peripheral surface of such compacting plate and the outermost edge of said angle bracket to thereby provide for engagement of said tabs with the inside of such container. When loose material is placed in the container, and a compacting plate is inserted thereinto and pressed downwardly, the material within the container and under said plate will be compacted.