Automatic lid opening and closing system for a waste container

A lid opening and closing system for a waste container, the waste container having an opening and a lid for covering the opening, comprising:

• a capacitive proximity sensor for sensing the presence of a user's hand or body near the container and for sending a control signal when said user's hand or body approaches to within a predetermined distance of the container, said proximity sensor being more sensitive to said user's hand or body approaching in a vertically downward direction towards a top of the container than horizontally from a front, sides or a back of the container;
• and
• a drive system connected to the lid for causing the lid to move from a closed position, wherein the lid covers the opening, to an open position, wherein the waste container is positioned to accept waste, and then back to said closed position in response to said control signal.