A device for chopping up refuse comprises a generally uncovered, level base plate, legs fixed at top ends thereof to the base plate, and a support disk adapted to turn about an upright axis. This disk is placed under the base plate and has at least one slot therein. A knife is fixed on the disk and placed to the back of the slot in the direction of turning of the disk, the knife having a cutting edge placed at a higher level than the top face of the disk. There is furthermore an electric motor with a drive shaft for driving the disk. The base plate functions as a support frame for the device. A filling passageway is supported on top of the base plate next to the motor that is also supported on the plate, and there is furthermore an upright and downwardly open ejection passageway fixed on a lower side of the base plate and coaxially placed around disk, that is fixed on the motor drive shaft.