Abstract: The improved waste collection device has a container housed in a pit, closed by a lid and supported on a base. The base is mounted on a telescopic lifting mechanism for moving the container between a lowered position, whereat the base is located proximate to the bottom of the pit and a raised position, whereat the base is located flush with the pavement surrounding the pit. A hollow column is provided in the lid for introducing waste material into the container. Upon filling the container and hollow column with waste, spaces remain empty at the upper part of the container. The hollow column defines a volume which is, at most, equal to the spaces which remain empty in the container. Waste accumulated within the column is displaced into the empty spaces in the container upon removing the container from the base for emptying.