a refuse receptacle lifter is disclosed which is movable between a retracted and a dumping position for lifting and inverting refuse receptacles of the type including spaced apart upper and lower engagement surfaces . the lifter may include an actuator with a rotary output shaft , a lift arm attached to the rotary output shaft , an upper engagement member carried at least in part by the lift arm , a first actuator arm pivotally mounted to the lift arm and a second actuator arm pivotally mounted to the base . the actuator arms are attached to an extension assembly that carries a lower engagement member . upon rotation of the output shaft , the upper engagement member is moved between a lower retracted position and a raised position and the lower engagement member is moved between a retracted position and an extended position , for lifting and inverting a refuse receptacle .