Abstract: The present invention provides a trash or garbage container having a main container portion and a closure element permanently mounted to the top of the main container portion. The closure element is selectively movable between an open and closed position, and is removably locked in place on the main container portion in its closed position. One end of the closure element, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, is hingedly mounted to the main container portion for pivoting the closure element between its opened and closed positions, and an opposed end of the closure element defines an opening which is adapted to engage a complimentary retaining element on the main container portion to removably lock the closure element in its closed position.