A waste container (1) with a foot operated lid control device comprising a frontal rod (10) and a rear rod (11) of pivotally connecting the lid to the waste container, the lid (2) performing a swinging movement of 90.degree. during both the opening and closing thereof, the lid control device preferably exercising an overall control during both opening and closing of the lid when being activated via discreet acts of exertion of pressure upon a pedal (5) of a foot operated lever (3). A safety enhancing feature of a compression spring (18) mounted onto the rear rod (11) is provided for a decelerated return of lid (2) during a predetermined final angular displacement thereof in the direction of closure. The waste container further includes means of securing the lid (2) at the fully opened condition to facilitate mechanical waste collection operations.