Abstract: An article compaction apparatus is described which comprises a fixed compaction surface and a movable compaction surface substantially parallel to the fixed compaction surface, the movable compaction surface being movable relative to the fixed compaction surface by means of an actuation mechanism. The actuation mechanism comprises at least one scissor jack mechanism arranged for horizontal operation within the apparatus which may also utilize a compaction zone which may expand in one dimension during the compaction cycle. Compacted articles are removed from the compaction zone under the action of gravity.