A trash container lid locking apparatus comprises a pivot device including a mounting plate configured to be secured to a side edge of a trash container close to a front of the container, a pivot arm having a first end pivotally coupled to the mounting plate and a second end, the second end having an attachment portion to couple to an elongated bar which is longer than the front of the trash container, the pivot arm including a hole therein, and a housing including a rotating lock mechanism having a movable element that is operable by the rotating lock mechanism into and out of the hole of the pivot arm to lock and unlock the pivot arm and bar with respect to the hinged container lid of the trash container.