A dirt separation device for a surface cleaning apparatus including: a separator for separating dirt from dirt-laden air; an inlet through which dirt-laden air is drawn into the separator; an outlet through which cleaner air exits the separator; a dirt collection chamber for receiving separated dirt; a cover member movable between a first position in which the cover member inhibits access to the dirt collection chamber and a second position in which the cover member permits access to the dirt collection chamber; an actuator device coupled to the cover member for effecting movement of the cover member from the first position to the second position, wherein the actuator device is rotationally movable, or an engagement part operably connected to the actuator device is rotationally movable, to effect movement of the closing member from the first position to the second position.