A trash compaction system includes a trash receptacle through which trash is input; a compaction chamber in which trash is compacted; and a compactor mechanism operatively coupled with the compaction chamber to compact trash in a direction generally perpendicular to a direction in which the compaction chamber receives the trash. The compaction chamber has a closeable receiving opening in communication with the trash receptacle to receive trash into the compaction chamber. The closeable receiving opening is closeable by a movable cover positioned between the trash receptacle and the compaction chamber. The compaction chamber also has a closeable ejection opening through which the compacted trash is ejected.