One embodiment of a scooping litter receptacle, which forms a compact cylindrical exterior design, contains a scoop device that can pivot within the base container which has a curved inner surface with no sharp corners or edges. The scoop is able to pass through the entire bed of litter granules in less than half a rotational turn, thus, separating waste material usable litter. The scoop can then be lifted from the litter receptacle by the handles so that the complete scooping process can be done by the user without the user coming into contact with parts that have traversed through the soiled litter mass. Also, the scoop device is not fixed to the base container which makes it easy to remove and discard the waste as well to remove for cleaning. Further, the base container is designed such that the scoop device can be stored inside the litter receptacle. An optional top cover allows for the litter receptacle to be enclosed which helps reduce litter tracking outside the litter receptacle as well as providing a compact and tidy appearance.