Abstract: This invention relates to a catch or lock mechanism used between a refuse or garbage can and the lid therefor. A substantially U-shaped bracket has the inner curve between its legs slidingly engaged with the undersurface of the lid bead carried by the lower edge of the lid. This may be by a threaded screw engaging with one leg of the U-shaped bracket and extending between the legs thereof to thereby form a sleeve sliding engaging the lid bead. Also, the U-shaped bracket may be movably carried by the U-shaped bracket or the can lid by the use of magnetic means. The U-shaped bracket preferably has a longer inner leg which is urged by spring or magnetic means into engagement under the bead at the top of the refuse can. The other leg of the U-shaped bracket is shorter and preferably terminates in an outwardly and horizontally extending portion for finger engagement thereof for releasing the lid from the can.