A trash compactor main door interlock, comprising: (a) an actuator system (16, 18) configured to indicate that a compaction cycle has begun comprising a spring-loaded linkage that indicates to the system whether a trash compactor platen is in a raised or lowered position, wherein the actuator system is mechanically activated by movement of the platen; and (b) a lock system configured to be activated by the actuator system and to restrain the main door from opening; characterised in that the actuator system comprises a roller ball arm comprising a roller feature that contacts the platen when the platen is in a home position and that is distanced from the platen when the platen activates a compaction cycle, a translatable bar that cooperates with the arm, and a plunger that cooperates with the translatable bar, wherein movement of the platen creates a distance between the platen and the roller feature, causing the roller ball arm to move downwardly against the spring-loaded linkage, which causes downward movement of the translatable bar, which causes movement of the plunger, wherein the lock system comprises a vertical rod, a hinge member and a horizontal rod, such that movement of the plunger activates the lock system to cause the vertical rod to press against the hinge member, wherein pressure on the hinge member causes the horizontal rod to extend toward a handle of the main door, wherein the horizontal rod comprises a first securing feature configured to cooperate with a corresponding second securing feature on the handle of the main door, such that when the first and second securing features are engaged, the handle cannot be pulled, wherein extension of the rod restrains movement of the handle of the main door during movement of the platen. (a) an actuator system (16, 18) configured to indicate that a compaction cycle has begun comprising a spring-loaded linkage that indicates to the system whether a trash compactor platen is in a raised or lowered position, wherein the actuator system is mechanically activated by movement of the platen; and (b) a lock system configured to be activated by the actuator system and to restrain the main door from opening; characterised in that the actuator system comprises a roller ball arm comprising a roller feature that contacts the platen when the platen is in a home position and that is distanced from the platen when the platen activates a compaction cycle, a translatable bar that cooperates with the arm, and a plunger that cooperates with the translatable bar, wherein movement of the platen creates a distance between the platen and the roller feature, causing the roller ball arm to move downwardly against the spring-loaded linkage, which causes downward movement of the translatable bar, which causes movement of the plunger, wherein the lock system comprises a vertical rod, a hinge member and a horizontal rod, such that movement of the plunger activates the lock system to cause the vertical rod to press against the hinge member, wherein pressure on the hinge member causes the horizontal rod to extend toward a handle of the main door, wherein the horizontal rod comprises a first securing feature configured to cooperate with a corresponding second securing feature on the handle of the main door, such that when the first and second securing features are engaged, the handle cannot be pulled, wherein extension of the rod restrains movement of the handle of the main door during movement of the platen.