Abstract: A refuse container having an upper rolled lip portion and cooperating cover is disclosed. The upper edge of the refuse container is directed outwardly and downwardly to form a rolled lip (30) defining a channel (32) on the exterior of the container (21) along the entire upper circumference of the container. The container cover (22) includes two sections, a first section (24) that is secured to the lip of the refuse container and a second section (28) that is hingedly attached (26) to the first section (24) of the cover (22) to allow access to the container (21) when lifted.

Abstract: A hinge (25) for a cover (22) of a container (20) includes a section (23) having a raised central tongue (32) and a section (24) having two spaced tongues (33, 34). The hinge further includes dams (52, 53) for preventing water from leaking into container (20). The central tongue (32) includes a reinforcing strip (57) attached to the bottom thereof for supporting a center portion of section (24).

Abstract: A hinge 25 for the cover of a container exposed to the elements, a reinforced cover 22, 57 embodying the hinge, a container 20 including the cover, and a machine 100, 101 and method for constructing the cover to include the hinge.

Abstract: A trash collecting system, apparatus, and method in which a vehicle approaches, reaches for, grasps, raises along its side, and inverts into its body a sequence of containers conveniently located at ground level, returning each container to its original position. The raising mechanism is hydraulically actuated, and the engagement with the containers is pneumatic.