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.

Abstract: A stationary chamber is located below an apron on which garbage and other refuse is dumped from collection trucks. An opening in the apron is aligned with an opening in the top of the chamber. The discharge end of the chamber is closed by a gate which slants rearward at an angle of 15.degree. to the vertical against which the refuse is compacted. The gate may be raised when the chamber is to be discharged. Reciprocating within the chamber is a platen having its upper portion slanted forward at about an angle of 42.degree.. The platen is driven by a multi-stage hydraulic ram. Loads of about 15 cu. yds. are dumped into the chamber opening by a bulldozer. The bulldozer operator by a radio control causes the platen to move forward, compacting the first load to about one-half the original volume of the loose material. When the ram pressure reaches a predetermined pressure, the platen is automatically retracted. The operation is repeated until a predetermined weight has been received and compacted.