A split-trash compacting system for a vessel having a plurality of compartments comprising a trash compacting assembly disposed in a first compartment of the vessel readily accessible to persons on the vessel for receiving and compacting trash. At least one fluid actuator unit is provided for forcing the compacting head downward into a trash bin for compacting trash during a compaction cycle and retracting the compacting head during a retraction cycle. A fluid actuating assembly is disposed in a second compartment of the vessel remote from the trash compacting assembly for supplying pressurized fluid to the trash compacting assembly for actuating the fluid actuator unit. At least one fluid line connecting the fluid actuator in the first compartment and the fluid actuating assembly in the second compartment.