Abstract: A tailgate latching mechanism for latching a vertical tailgate to the rear structure of the truck body of a rearward or side compacting, rear discharge refuse truck in which the tailgate is pivotally mounted from pivot pins in top hinges fixed to the top rear of the truck body. The mechanism includes upper and lower pairs of spaced, vertically interlocking side latches for absorbing the horizontal forces associated with compacting and compacted refuse when latched, a pair of self-aligning vertical stops to prevent vertical displacement of the tailgate when closed, and a system for vertically adjusting the pivot pins allowing vertical displacement of the tailgate associated with latching and unlatching the vertically interlocking latches. Bottom drop in retainers are also provided.