Abstract: A compacting mechanism for fitting a surface over a refuse container comprising a support member (10) for fitting to the surface, the support member having an aperture (16) which in use is in register with an aperture in the surface. A compacting plate (12) is mounted under the support member, and is coupled to an actuator rod (14) through the aperture in the support member such that the rod may be manoeuvred from a storage position wherein the rod lies along the support member across the surface and the plate is drawn up under the surface to an operative position wherein the rod stands upright over the aperture in the support and may be pushed downwardly through the registering apertures to push the plate down into the container.

Abstract: A refuse bin comprises a refuse container (10) having a top opening (12) and a lid (14) hinged relative to the container to cover the opening. A compacting mechanism is fitted to the lid and comprises a compacting plate (22) mounted under the lid and an actuating rod (24) coupled to the compacting plate through an aperture (26) in the lid. The coupling is such that the rod (24) may be maneuvered from a storage position wherein the rod lies across the top surface of the lid and the plate is drawn up under the lid to an operative position wherein the rod stands upright over the aperture in the lid and may be pushed downwardly through the aperture to push the plate down into the container. The compacting mechanism further comprises a ratchet mechanism (50, 52, 54) for releasably locking the actuating rod (24) against movement upwardly through the aperture in the lid such that refuse in the container can be compacted by force applied to an edge (48) of the lid opposite the hinge.