A load weighing system for refuse trucks preferably of the type using a front end loader which lifts, empties and lowers containers. Measurements are made of variable angles of pivoting elements and forces within hydraulic cylinders causing the pivoting elements to pivot. Other measurements are made of geometric constants in the apparatus. Sensors monitor the measured variables and the output is provided to a computational unit. The computational unit has been pre-programmed with the measured geometric constants and combines the variables with the constants to calculate a distance to the center of gravity of a container being emptied. Once the distance is calcuated, the measured force within the hydraulic cyinder can be used to calculate a weight. The weight of the container being lowered as calculated is then subtracted from the weight of the container raised as calculated. The resultant weight is the weight of the refuse emptied from the container.
