Waste container including a device for securing a lid thereto

A waste container, comprising:

• a container body;
• a lid connected to the container body by a hinge;
• a horizontally disposed engagement member on an outer surface of the container body opposite the hinge;
• a retaining device comprising a retaining strap having first and second opposing ends and adapted to extend in a vertical direction between the engagement member and lid;
• a first fastener attached to the first end of the retaining device and a second fastener attached to the second end of the retaining device, the first fastener being matingly engageable with the second fastener;
• and
• a first securing mechanism constructed and arranged to secure the retaining strap to the lid such that the retaining strap is slidable between an exterior of the lid and the first securing mechanism;
• wherein the retaining device is constructed and arranged to maintain the lid in a closed position when the retaining strap is engaged with the engagement member and the first and second fasteners are matingly engaged with each other in a first engaged position, and to release the lid from the closed position when the first and second fasteners are in a second non-engaged position;
• wherein the securing mechanism includes a first securing device attached to an exterior surface of the lid and defining a space therebetween so as to enable the strap to slide therethrough;
• wherein the thickness of at least one of said first and second fasteners is greater than the space between the first securing mechanism and the exterior of the lid so as to prevent the retaining strap from sliding completely out of said space.