A magnetic drive intelligent trash bin lid assembly automatically opens and closes a lid portion relative to a trash container. The lid portion comprises a shell that pivotally joins the container at a lid shaft. A sensor detects motion near the lid, and activates a drive motor in response. The drive motor powers an output shaft to rotate and engages a magnetic clutch. The magnetic clutch includes two magnets that are released from their respective seats to attract each other; and thereby axially displace the output shaft into engagement with a variable linkage. The magnetic clutch engages and disengages the drive motor and the variable linkage, allowing the variable linkage to articulate independently of the drive motor. This separation reduces excessive loads as the lid portion articulates between open and closed positions. A spring absorbs forces in the magnetic clutch, so as to reduce axial loads in the magnetic clutch.