Abstract: The present invention contemplates a trash can that one finds in high-traffic public venues. The trash can receives trash through an opening in the top of the housing. A trash by-pass chute is disposed within the housing and transports the trash from the opening in the top to the lower portion of the housing. A mechanism for automatically compacting the trash in the lower portion of the housing is provided within the housing. The compacted trash may be removed from the lower portion of the housing via a door that opens to allow access through the side of the trash can. The mechanism for compacting trash contents includes a frame disposed within the housing, and a compacting mechanism carried by the frame. The compacting mechanism includes a platen and is configured for moving the platen through a compaction stroke to apply compacting pressure to trash contents located in the lower portion of the housing during at least a portion of a compaction stroke.