Abstract: A device for lifting a lid of a refuse or recycling bin provides a sanitary mechanism for accessing the inside of the refuse or recycling bin to deposit items, without interfering with emptying of the refuse or recycling bin by sanitation/recycling trucks. The device includes a body having a handle portion and an attachment portion. The handle portion is adapted for lifting by a user's forearm, and the attachment portion extends away from the handle portion. The device also includes a securing mechanism for attaching the body to the lid of the refuse or recycling bin. The securing mechanism may be a spring clip for securing the body to the refuse or recycling bin and affixed to the attachment portion of the body and may optionally be attached to a separate plate that is detachable from the attachment portion of the body.