The trash compactor did stuff in Sims 1. I did not have the Sims 2, so I do not know. In Sims 3 I think it is useless. (I have not seen any benefit, except that trash has to be taken less frequently.) And to answer the question: Maids never do everything. They are snnoying. i have had maids that are kleptos, and make one bed, steal something, take the money and leave. I think that you just are stuck with the awfully programmed maids just as I am. Butlers are no better, making food every five seconds...