Abstract: A load compacting and ejecting mechanism for a refuse truck having an open rectangular body and an openable tailgate. An ejector plate extends across the body and is mounted for movement from front to back through the body. The ejector plate has a centrally located compaction plate which is mounted on the ejector plate structure for movement between a front position in which it constitutes a part of the rear face of the ejector plate and a second position rearwardly of the rear face of the ejector plate. A main hydraulic cylinder means extends between and is connected to the front of the body and to the compaction plate. A second hydraulic cylinder means is connected between the main structure of the ejector plate and the compaction plate. A first hydraulic circuit connects the opposite ends of the first cylinder means to a source of hydraulic fluid and includes a control valve for alternatively extending and retracting the main cylinder.