a method for unloading refuse contained in a container having a bottom discharge door into an interior of a storage body of a refuse collection vehicle having an access opening includes the steps of raising the container above the access opening of the storage body , lowering the container through the access opening to position the bottom discharge door within the interior of the storage body and opening the discharge door to unload refuse from the container into the interior of the storage body . a refuse collection vehicle includes a storage body , an intermediate container and a lift . the storage body has a plurality of walls defining an interior and an access opening . the intermediate container is movably supported adjacent to the storage body and includes a top opening , a bottom , a plurality of walls therebetween defining an interior and a discharge opening adjacent the bottom and at least one door adjacent the bottom for selectively opening and closing the discharge opening . the lift is movably supported adjacent the storage body for raising the intermediate container above the access opening and for lowering the entire container such that the bottom discharge opening nests within the interior of the storage body .