Abstract: An apparatus (410) for holding a plastic bag (36) in an upright and open position comprising a base (412), an upper frame (414), a vertical support member (416) and a pair of handle receiving members (418, 420) rotatably mounted to the upper frame (414) is disclosed. The handle receiving members (418, 420) each include a pair of rotatable arms (422, 424, 426, 428). The rotatable arms (422, 424, 426, 428) having a first position and a second position. In the first position, the rotatable arms (422, 424, 426, 428) are generally vertical for receiving and removing the plastic bag (36). In the second position, the rotatable arms (422, 424, 426, 428) are rotated a predetermined angle from vertical. The rotation of the rotatable arms (422, 424, 426, 428) from the first to the second position increases the distance between the rotatable arms (422, 424, 426, 428) in each pair of handle receiving members (418, 420), thereby securing the plastic bag (36) in an upright and open position within the apparatus (410).