Abstract: A lid control device for refuse containers having a linkage system including a normally horizontally disposed foot pedal arm mounted on the end of the container at its lower portion. One end of the pedal arm terminates in a foot pedal, and the arm is pivoted to the container near its center portion. The other end of the arm is pivotally secured to a vertically disposed lifting arm which extends vertically upwardly. The upper end of the arm terminates in a horizontal flange. The upper end of the lifting arm extends through a keeper bracket on the upper edge of the container. The keeper bracket is located rearwardly of the conventional lifting bracket secured to the end of the container which is used by refuse trucks in lifting the container. The horizontal flange on the upper end of the lifting arm engages the lower surface of the lid on the container. Preferably, if the lid is comprised of plastic, a slide plate is mounted on the lower surface of the lid to engage the horizontal flange of the lifting arm.