A refuse collection vehicle includes a collection bin that is mounted on the vehicle frame, and an apparatus for acquiring, lifting and transferring a container so as to deposit the contents of the container in the collection bin. The vehicle also includes a collection compartment that is pivotally mounted on the rear of the vehicle, a storage compartment that is mounted on the frame between the collection bin and the collection compartment, and a packer blade that is mounted within the collection compartment and moveable so as to move refuse material from the collection compartment into the storage compartment.