Abstract: This invention relates to a waste receptacle comprising a container having a means to connect a refuse bag within the container for holding waste items, and a compaction mechanism, the compaction mechanism comprising at least one compactor plate, moveable between a non-compacting position and a compacting position, wherein the at least one compactor plate is operable in use to move at least a portion of a connected refuse bag over waste items located within the refuse bag when moving from its non-compacting position to its compacting position and subsequently directly act upon an outer surface of the connected refuse bag to compact the waste items located therein.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning head includes a rotatable brush bar and an air turbine driving the brush bar. An air inlet admits air to drive the turbine. A button is movable between an open position, in which it admits air to the turbine, and a closed position in which it closes the inlet and prevents air from reaching the turbine. The button is movable in response to the speed of rotation of the turbine or to the flow of air to or through the turbine exceeding a predetermined limit.