Tailgate apparatus for a dumpster-type dump truck

A tailgate apparatus pivotally connected to a dump truck for automatically opening and closing a tailgate mounted at the rear of a dumpster box which, in the conventional mode of use, is supportively engaged atop and slidably or rollably removable from a tiltable truck bed of the dump truck. The tailgate is releasably secured against the ends of the side walls and bottom of the dumpster box when the truck bed is in a horizontal position. In a second mode of use, the truck bed is tiltable with respect to a chassis of the dump truck whereupon the tailgate arcuately opens in proportion to the angular tilting movement of the truck bed. The dumpster box may also be removed from the truck bed while maintaining the tailgate in a closed and secured condition.