Abstract: A self-contained electro-hydraulic system for trash collection is provided. The system comprises boxlike steel trash collection bin and a hydraulically activated trash cart lifter mounted on an outward-facing front surface of the bin. The system also comprises a control unit mounted on a side surface of the bin comprising a 12-volt battery, an electric motor, a rotator, and a two-stage hydraulic pump. The system hydraulically causes the lifter to grasp a trash cart positioned proximate the gripper. The system also changes, based on hydraulic pressure measurements, a stage of the pump from a first stage of about 5 gallons per minute to a second stage of about 1-2 gallons per minute. The system also lifts and tilts the cart based on the change in stage, enabling contents of the cart to fall. Power for the pump and lifting of the cart is supplied entirely by the 12-volt battery.