Abstract: A trash collecting apparatus is described for mounting on a trash collection vehicle for one man side loading operation. A pair of spaced apart parallel guide rails each having a long vertical straight section and a short curved section at the top are pivotally attached to the vehicle at the top. A power cylinder is provided at the lower end of the guide rails for pushing and retracting the lower end of the guide rails from the vehicle. A grabber is provided for engagement with the trash can to be emptied. The grabber is connected to lifting arms. The lifting arms comprise an upper lifting arm segment and a lower lifting arm segment. A power cylinder drives the lifting arms so that the lower ends of the lower lifting arms follow the guide rails to the curved section.