A method and system for compacting waste materials in a collection container. The container can be a freestanding waste container, a self-container compaction container, or a container on a waste collection vehicle. A hydraulically operated compactor blade is positioned in the raised upper portion of the container with its bottom edge a distance above the floor. A platform with a hinged portion can be included to divide the container volume into two separate compartments in order to collect different types of waste materials.