Abstract: A refuse handling system including a portable refuse container with a side opening wall. A latching mechanism is provided on the container to lock the wall closed when the container is resting on the ground surface but that is released to unlock and permit the wall to be opened after the container has been lifted from the ground. The latching mechanism is unlocked by a cylinder operator on the fork loader of a refuse vehicle. The unlocking mechanism on the forks is operated as the container is lifted and tipped rearwardly. The refuse will then fall freely from the open container onto a conveyor at the forward end of the refuse vehicle.