Abstract: This invention is directed to a trash compactor suitable for use in aircraft and aerospace vehicles. The compactor includes improved hydraulic power and control systems which provide short compaction cycle times and high compaction ratios and which has integrated means to loosen trash containers from the supporting walls of the compacting chamber at the completion of the compaction cycle so that the filled trash containers can be readily removed from the compactor.

Abstract: A trash compactor and collapsible box for use therewith to handle waste material generated during flight of passenger-carrying aircraft. The trash compactor includes a housing formed with front and rear box chambers to receive first and second collapsible trash-receiving boxes. A front door is provided for the housing having a trash-receiving chute in its upper portion. The first box is initially disposed in the front box chamber. When it is filled, the front door is opened and the first box is pushed to the rear box chamber. The second box is then positioned within the front box chamber to receive trash, and the front door is shut. The collapsible boxes have a front wall disposed at the same elevation as the lower edge of the chute, while the tops of the side and rear walls are at a higher elevation than the top of the front wall to permit the boxes to receive a maximum amount of trash for their size. The bottom portion of the wall is of liquid-tight construction.