A waste collecting device includes an elongate housing having first and second ends. An ergonomic handle may be positioned adjacent the housing first end. A clamp assembly is coupled to the housing second end that includes a pair of hook members pivotally movable between open and closed configurations. A disposable bag may be positioned on the hook members into which a dog's waste may be collected and disposed. A manually operated trigger may be attached to the housing adjacent the handle that is operatively connected to the clamp assembly for moving the hook members between the open and closed configurations. More particularly, a linkage is situated in the housing that connects the trigger with the hook members, the linkage including a pulley, push rod, and pull string. The waste collecting device includes a light source mounted to the housing for selectively illuminating the clamp assembly and bag.