Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a compacting machine for compacting material in a carton having closure flaps and includes a housing defining an elongated compacting chamber in which reciprocates a ram for compacting material within the carton when the carton is disposed with its flaps folded exteriorly thereof, a door through which a carton and the material compacted therein can be discharged from the compacting chamber, and a plurality of fingers which are operative during the discharge motion of the carton to effect the folding of the carton flaps to a closed position. The compacting machine further includes a venturi-like passage which receives a ram head having spring biased relatively movable opposite sides, and the ram head being guided during its movement in a direction to compact the material and carrying a panel for closing an opening through which material which is to be compacted is deposited in the compacting chamber.