Abstract: An apparatus for lifting the lid of a refuse container comprises a handle arm having first and second ends with a handle pivotally coupled to the first end. The lifting apparatus further includes a lifting arm having a first end coupled to the second end of the handle arm. The lifting arm is pivotally attached to an end wall of a refuse bin, the bin having a generally rectangular body with a bottom, front and rear walls, opposing end walls, and a lid pivotally attached to an upper edge of the rear wall. The lifting arm is offset from and normal to the handle arm such that an operation of the handle arm rotates the lifting arm between a first horizontal position beneath the lid of the refuse container in a closed configuration and a second vertical position supporting the lid in an open configuration. A free end of the lifting arm is slidable between a position adjacent a forward edge of the lid in the first position and a position rearwardly displaced from the forward edge in the second position.