Abstract: The sorter-compactor (10) for urban refuse comprises: a sorting drum (24) rotatable about its axis (22), the drum being provided with at least two compartments (26, 28, 30, 32) of identical shape and dimensions, of which each compartment, intended to receive one type of refuse, extends parallel to the drum axis of rotation (22), has a constant cross-section along its entire length and has at least one of ills two open ends closable by a relative cover (60, 62, 64, 66); and a compacting device (34, 38) comprising a piston element (34) slidable in the two directions within any one of the compartments (26, 28.30, 32) when the piston element (34) is located in correspondence with that compartment, and an actuator (38) for operating the piston (34) in the two directions so as to compress the refuse contained in the relative compartment against the corresponding closure cover (60, 62, 64, 66).