A refuse collection system that includes a refuse container handling system (5) stowed below a refuse storage hopper (4), all mounted on a vehicle (1). The refuse handling system (5) includes a lift arm (17) to raise and lower a single articulated arm and an extension arm (15) to extend the lift arm (18) from its stowed position to near a refuse container (51). The outer end of the extension arm (18) includes a releasable clamp (21, 22) for engaging and clamping the container (51) during lift and releasing the container (51) when the arm returns it to the ground.