Abstract: A garbage container includes a base section for collecting garbage and a lid section attachable to the base section. The lid section includes an access door pivotally operable therewith. The garbage container further includes a sensor connected to the top surface of the lid section and for determining when an object has reached a predetermined distance therefrom. The garbage container further includes a housing and a motor disposed therein and connected to the sensor. A plurality of arm members each have a first end portion passing through a corresponding one of a plurality of slots and are operable by the motor. The plurality of arm members each further has a second opposed end portion connected to the access door respectively. The plurality of arm members are preferably selectively pivotable about the first end portions and in a generally arcuate path to thereby move the access door between open and closed positions based upon signals transmitted by the sensor.

Abstract: A garbage container includes a base section for collecting garbage and a lid section attachable to the base section. The lid section includes an access door pivotally operable therewith. The garbage container further includes a sensor connected to the top surface of the lid section and for determining when an object has reached a predetermined distance therefrom. The garbage container further includes a housing and a motor disposed therein and connected to the sensor. A plurality of arm members each have a first end portion passing through a corresponding one of a plurality of slots and are operable by the motor. The plurality of arm members each further has a second opposed end portion connected to the access door respectively. The plurality of arm members are preferably selectively pivotable about the first end portions and in a generally arcuate path to thereby move the access door between open and closed positions based upon signals transmitted by the sensor.