Abstract: A bale of compressed garbage and other refuse is formed in a stationary baling chamber by compressing successive charges of refuse against an inclined discharge gate by means of a multi-stage hydraulic ram having a platen or specific shape. The bale thus has a rectangular transverse cross-section having parallel sides and parallel top and bottom, a forward end upwardly-rearwardly inclined at about 15.degree. from the vertical and a rearward end having a vertical lower stretch extending upward from the bottom about half the height of the bale, an upwardly-forwardly inclined stretch at about 42.degree. to the horizontal above the lower stretch and a short vertical stretch above the inclined stretch.