Abstract: A method and apparatus for the baling of solid waste. The system includes opposed compaction platens which operate to compress waste material within a cavity. The platens also act to eject the bale from the cavity for tying and easy handling. The system further provides for the introduction of more than one charge of material to form a single bale. A hydraulic system is employed within the baling system which allows the platens to cooperate together to present a compressed bale to the tying area under compression and hooks are also employed which both weigh the compacted bale and provide easy forklift removal thereof.