System and method for vacuum actuated collection of pet waste and refuse. The system comprises a vacuum assembly operatively disposed in a vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber is in operative fluid communication with a receiving chamber that receives and at least temporarily holds the vacuum lifted per waste and/or refuse. A handle assembly and actuator are operatively coupled to the vacuum assembly to control the generation of the vacuum. A collector may be disposed at least partially in the receiving chamber to permit easy disposal of the pet waste and refuse.