A container tipping apparatus has a carrier member rotatably mounted to a coupling link which, in turn, is rotatably mounted to a support post. The carrier member is engaged with a container to be tipped. The carrier member is rotatable freely relative to the coupling link as the coupling link is rotated from its lowest extreme position to an intermediate position below its elevated extreme position. Accordingly, the carrier member is free to rotate relative to the coupling link and in a direction which is opposite to the direction the coupling link is initially rotated so that the carrier member initially lifts the container, in a substantially vertical manner, off of a conveyance which transports the container.