Waste collection device

A device for collecting waste, comprising:

• a handle including an internal cavity for storing a plurality of disposal bags;
• a stem extending from the handle and including a bore for receiving the bags;
• a plurality of pivotal collection fingers that are pivotally moveable relative to the stem;
• and
• an actuating mechanism that operates to pivot the collection fingers between closed and open positions, the actuating mechanism including an actuator that slides relative to the stem, a spring that biases the actuator toward a normal position from an actuated position, and a plurality of connecting arms that translate upward when the actuator is actuated and that are rotationally mounted to knuckles of the collection fingers to form moment arms, wherein moving the actuator to the actuated position transfers the translatory upward force to the moment arms to pivot the collection fingers from the closed position to the open position to collect the waste, wherein releasing the actuator permits the spring to discharge and transfer an opposite translatory downward force to the moment arms to pivot the collection fingers from the open position to the closed position, and
• wherein the first bag in the roll can be fed through the stem bore, out of the stem, and beyond the collection fingers where it can be folded over for use to collect the waste into the bag and then removed to dispose of the bag holding the waste.