Abstract:
The invention is generally applicable to a container. More specifically, the invention is applicable to a container for the collection, storage and transport of waste and refuse material, such as food grease generated by restaurants, schools, hospitals, grocery stores, hotels and other institutions that generate waste food grease.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/651,366, filed on May 24, 2012 and titled “Grease Container,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention is generally applicable to a container. More specifically, the invention is applicable to a container for the collection, storage and transport of waste and refuse material, such as food grease generated by restaurants, schools, hospitals, grocery stores, hotels and other institutions that generate waste food grease. 
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     Food grease, such as food grease generated by restaurants, schools, hospitals, grocery stores, hotels and other institutions that generate waste food grease are frequently collected, stored and transported in containers. Certain state and federal regulations require that generators of food grease collect and dispose such grease responsibly. As the demand for alternative fuels rise, so does the demand for recyclable grease, which provides food grease generating institutions with an opportunity to recycle or sell their food grease. The increased value associated with food grease has led to incidents of grease theft. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide containers for the collection, storage, transport, and disposal of material, such as food grease. It is desirable to provide such containers which provide security against the theft of the contents of the container and prevents the contamination of the contents. It is also desirable to provide a container that is adapted to facilitate the emptying of the contents of the container, for example, by use of a vacuum or dumping. Accordingly, there is a general need to provide a container for the collection, storage, transport, and disposal of material, such as food grease, which provides security against the theft of the contents of the container, prevents the contamination of the contents, and facilitates the emptying of the contents of the container. 
     Features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a container; 
         FIG. 2  shows an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of the container in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3A-3B  show perspective views of the lid of the embodiment of the container in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  shows a top view of the top wall of the lid of  FIGS. 3A-3B ; 
         FIG. 5  shows a bottom view of the lid of the  FIGS. 3A-3B ; 
         FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of a container; 
         FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of the embodiment of the container in  FIG. 6 , with the fill opening door in a raised position; 
         FIG. 8  shows a top view of the embodiment of the container in  FIG. 6 , with the fill opening door in a raised position; 
         FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of the embodiment of the container in  FIG. 6 , with the top lid removed and the primary lid being visible for illustrative purposes; 
         FIG. 10  shows a top view of the embodiment of the container in  FIG. 6 , with the top lid removed and the primary lid being visible for illustrative purposes; 
         FIG. 11  shows a bottom perspective view of the front half of the primary lid of the embodiment of the container in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 12  shows a close-up partial bottom perspective view of the diverter plate and angle grate of the front half of the primary lid of the embodiment of the container in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 13A-13D  show perspective views of the embodiment of the container in  FIG. 6 , with the primary lid in various stages of opening (with the top lid removed for illustrative purposes); 
         FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of an additional exemplary embodiment of a container lid; 
         FIG. 15A  shows a perspective view of the grease insert tray of the embodiment of the lid in  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 15B  shows a top view of the grease insert tray of the embodiment of the lid in  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 15C  shows a front view of the grease insert tray of the embodiment of the lid in  FIG. 14 ; and 
         FIG. 15D  shows a cross-sectional view of the grease insert tray of the embodiment of the lid in  FIG. 14  taken along line A-A. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention will now be described with occasional reference to specific embodiments of the invention. This invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. 
     Also, while the detailed exemplary embodiments described in the specification and illustrated in the drawings relate to a container for the collection, storage and transport of waste and refuse materials, particularly food grease waste, it should be understood that the container described herein may be used for the collection, storage and transport of any material and the container described herein is not limited to use with food grease or waste and refuse materials only. 
     Except as otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The terminology used in the description of the invention herein is for describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used in the description of the invention, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 
     Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, properties, and so forth as used in the specification are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical properties set forth in the following specification are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained in embodiments of the present invention. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values to the extent that such are set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical values, however, inherently contain certain errors necessarily resulting from error found in their respective measurements. 
     First Exemplary Embodiment of Container 
       FIG. 1  shows one exemplary embodiment of a container  100 . Referring to  FIG. 1 , the container  100  includes a receptacle portion  102  made up of a front wall  104 , a rear wall  106 , a pair of side walls  108  and a bottom wall  110 , which combine to create a partially enclosed space. The shape and configuration of each of walls  104 ,  106 ,  108  and  110  of container  100  may vary in various embodiments. In addition, the overall shape of container  100  may also vary in various embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the exemplary embodiment of the container  100  has a generally rectangular prism shape, with each of the walls  104 ,  106 ,  108  and  110  having a generally four-sided polygonal shape. However, the container  100  is not limited to the shape of the exemplary embodiment of container  100  and additional embodiments of the container  100  could have a variety of suitable shapes. 
     The container  100  of the present application may have a variety of different sizes. The exemplary embodiment of container  100  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2  has a capacity of approximately 100 gallons. However, additional embodiments of the container may be of a variety of suitable sizes, including but not limited to 200 gallon, 300 gallon or 360 gallon containers or various other sizes. 
     The front wall  104 , rear wall  106 , pair of side walls  108 , and bottom wall  110  of the illustrated embodiment of the container  100  may be formed of one or more of a variety of suitable materials. The particular material is generally selected to be compatible with the intended purpose and desired qualities of the container  100 . For example, in various embodiments, the walls  104 ,  106 ,  108  and  110  of container  100  may be made from one or a combination of metals, such as steel or aluminum. In various additional embodiments, the walls  104 ,  106 ,  108  and  110  of container  100  may be made from one or a combination of thermoplastic or elastomeric materials, such as plastic. The container  100  may be manufactured by one of a variety of methods of making containers that are well known in the art. For example, containers  100  with metal walls can be constructed by welding the walls together and containers with walls of thermoplastic or elastomeric materials may be constructed by a molding process, such as a rotational molding process. 
     Use of a variety of materials in making the walls  104 ,  106 ,  108  and  110  of the container  100  permits the selection of a broad range of possible material properties, including the properties of rigidity, flexibility, elasticity, thermal and chemical resistance, odor resistance, corrosion resistance, electrical resistance/conductance, mechanical abrasion resistance, color, transparency/opacity and texture. According to some embodiments of the invention, the container walls  104 ,  106 ,  108  and  110  of the container  100  may be made entirely from one material that has uniform properties. According to other embodiments of the invention, various parts of the walls  104 ,  106 ,  108  and  110  of the container  100  may be made from different materials to provide varied properties at discrete portions of the container  100 . For example, in certain embodiments, all or a portion of some of the walls  104 ,  106 ,  108  and  110  of the container  100  may be formed of metal while the remaining walls or wall portions are formed of thermoplastic or elastomeric materials. 
     In various additional embodiments of the container  100 , the container  100  may include forklift receiving pockets which are adapted to receive the forks of a forklift or other similar device to permit the forklift to lift, move or empty the contents of container  100 . In yet additional embodiments, the container  100  may include legs or supports that serve to raise the bottom wall  110  of container  100  off of the ground but do not receive forks of a forklift or other similar device. Yet further additional embodiments of container  100  may be supported on wheels or sliders that both support the container off the ground and also allow the container to be easily moved or repositioned. Furthermore, in additional embodiments of container  100 , the bottom wall  110  of container  100  may rest directly on the supporting surface and not be raised up in any manner. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , the exemplary embodiment of container  100  includes a dumping peg  112  projecting from each side wall  108 . The pair of dumping pegs  112  are utilized by a waste removal vehicle, such as a garbage truck, to lift and dump the container  100  to empty the contents of the container. The container  100  may have any number of dumping pegs  112 . The dumping pegs  112  may have a variety of shapes, sizes and configurations and be located on various portions of the container  100  in various embodiments of container  100 . For example, the dumping pegs  112  may be located on one or more of the front wall  104  or back wall  106  in additional embodiments. Additional embodiments of container  100  may also be provided with additional dump assisting devices, such as fork-receiving sleeves located on the side walls  108  for receiving the fork assembly of a waste removal vehicle or forklift, in place of or in addition to the dumping pegs  112 . In addition, the container may be provided without any dumping pegs or fork receiving sleeves and the container may simply be grasped directly and lifted by a waste removal vehicle. In addition, embodiments of container  100  may be emptied by the use of vacuum devices that do not require that the container  100  be raised and/or dumped. Rather, a vacuum tube or other vacuum device is inserted into the container  100  and the contents of the container are sucked out. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the exemplary embodiment of container  100  includes a top lid  114  which encloses the receptacle portion  102  of the container  100  to prevent undesired entry into the container  100 , such as by potential grease thieves (using, for example, a vacuum tube), animals, etc. Top lid  114  may have a variety of different suitable shapes, sizes and configurations. The top lid  114  of the illustrated embodiment may be formed from a variety of materials. In the embodiment of container  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 , top lid  114  is made from one or a combination of metals, such as steel or aluminum. In various additional embodiments, the top lid  114  may be made from one or a combination of thermoplastic or elastomeric materials, such as plastic. In yet additional embodiments, various parts of top lid  114  may be made from different materials to provide varied properties at discrete portions of the lid. For example, in certain embodiments, a portion of top lid  114  may be formed of metal while the remaining portions of the lid is formed of thermoplastic or elastomeric materials. The top lid  114  may be manufactured by one of a variety of methods of making containers that are well known in the art. For example, top lids made of metal can be constructed by welding and top lids made of thermoplastic or elastomeric materials may be constructed by molding processes, such as an injection or rotational molding process. 
     The illustrated embodiment of top lid  114  includes a top plate  115  with a fill opening  116  defined therethrough. The filling opening  116  is generally provided to facilitate the loading of container  100  with food grease or other materials by a user, as described in greater detail herein. The fill opening  116  may have a wide variety of different shapes and sizes. In the illustrated embodiment of container  100 , the fill opening  116  has a generally rectangular shape. However, the fill opening of additional embodiments of container  100  may have a variety of different shapes. For example, the fill opening  116  of additional embodiments of container  100  may have a circular, elliptical or other suitable shape. Also, additional embodiments of container  100  may have more than one fill opening  116 . For example, certain additional embodiments of container  100  may include a pair of fill openings  116 , each defined through the top lid  114  or one or more of the walls  104 ,  106 , or  108  of the container  100 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , the fill opening  116  of the illustrated embodiment of container  100  includes a rim  118 , which generally surrounds or borders the fill opening  116 . The rim  118  is generally provided to help ensure that material, such as food grease, that is being poured or otherwise inserted into the container  100  enters the fill opening  116  and does not spill out onto the top lid  114  or other portion of the container  100  or the ground or other supporting surface upon which the container  100  is positioned. The rim  118  also helps to prevent undesired entry into the container  100  via fill opening  116 . The rim  118  of various embodiments may have a wide variety of different shapes, sizes and configurations. Additional embodiments of the container  100  may be provided without any rim or may include a rim which only surrounds a portion of fill opening. 
     The fill opening  116  of the top lid  114  of illustrated embodiment of container  100  includes a grate or screen  120 , which covers the fill opening  116 . The screen  120  is generally provided to allow for the passage of material that are desired to be inserted into container  100 , such as food grease, but to help prevent trash, debris, food matter, or other contaminants from entering container  100 . Screen  120  also generally serves to prevent undesired entry into the container  100  via fill opening  116 , such as by potential grease thieves (using, for example, a vacuum tube), animals, etc. The grate  120  of the illustrated embodiment is a metal, mesh screen, however additional embodiments of container may include a variety of different grates, screens, partitions, barriers or filters such as slotted plates, perforated screens, etc. which are formed from a variety of suitable materials. The screen  120  of various embodiments may have a wide variety of different shapes, sizes and configurations. Additional embodiments of the fill opening  116  of the top lid  114  of container  100  may be provided without any screen or may include a screen which only covers a portion of fill opening. As shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , the exemplary embodiment of container  100  includes a locking bar  122  for selectively locking the screen  120  to the top lid  114  (as described in more detail in connection with the description of the mounting of the screen  120  to the top lid  114  below). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , the exemplary embodiment of container  100  includes an optional fill opening door  123 , which selectively covers the fill opening  116  of the top lid  114 . The fill opening door  123  is mounted to top lid  114  by a pair of hinges  124 . Fill opening door  123  may include any number of hinges. Fill opening door  123  may be mounted to the top lid  114  of the container  100  in a variety of different ways in additional embodiments, including by use of various different types of hinges. In yet additional embodiments, fill opening door  123  may be unattached to the top lid  114  of container  100  and simply rest upon and be removable from the top lid  114  of container  100 . Furthermore, in additional embodiments, the container  100  may be provided with no fill opening door  123  and the fill opening  116  defined in top lid  114  may be open at all times and uncovered by a door. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , fill opening door  123  is selectively pivoted on hinges  124  between a closed position, in which the fill opening  116  defined within the top lid  114  is covered, and an open position, in which the fill opening  116  is uncovered. Fill opening door  123  may have a variety of different suitable shapes, sizes and configurations. Additional embodiments of container  100  may include various different types of fill opening doors. For example, in certain embodiments, fill opening door  123  may be a pair of doors that each cover half of the fill opening  116 , or one or more sliding panels that slides between a closed and open position or a rotating door that rotates between a closed and open position. 
     The fill opening door  123  may be formed from a variety of materials. In the embodiment of container  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1-2 , fill opening door  123  is made from one or a combination of metals, such as steel or aluminum. In various additional embodiments, the fill opening door  123  may be made from one or a combination of thermoplastic or elastomeric materials, such as plastic. In certain embodiments, the top lid  114  and fill opening door  123  mounted on the top lid  114  may be formed from the same material and in additional embodiments, the top lid  114  and fill opening door  123  may be formed from different materials. 
     In additional embodiments the fill opening door  123  is selectively locked in the closed position by one or more optional securing device (not shown) to prevent undesired entry into the fill opening  116 , such as by potential grease thieves (using, for example, a vacuum tube), animals, etc. Any suitable securing device may be used to secure fill opening door  123  in the closed position, such as one or more padlocks, locking bars, chains, straps, tie-downs, bungee cords, key locks, panel locks, sash locks, deadbolts, dead latches, bolt latches or other type of lock or latch. Additional embodiments of container may also include one or more additional securing devices to secure fill opening door  123  in the open position or may not include any securing device for securing fill opening door  123 . 
     Additional embodiments of the container  100  may include a support tray (not shown) located on a portion of the container  100  to provide a place for a user of the container  100  to place or rest a waste container, trash can, pail bucket or other items, while using the container  100 . For example, a user of container  100  could use optional support tray to support a grease pail while the user is opening fill opening door  123  to access fill opening  116 . Once fill opening door  123  is opened and the fill opening  116  is accessible, the user could then remove the grease pail from optional support tray and dump the contents of the grease pail into container  100  via fill opening  116 . Yet further additional embodiments of container  100  may include an overall container shape that provides the functions of the support tray. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an exploded view of the exemplary embodiment of container  100  is shown. Top lid  114  is mounted to the receptacle portion  102  of container  100  by a pair of opposing rails  125  or tracks which are slid onto rim  126  of the receptacle portion  102 . The size, shape configuration and dimensions of rails  125  are configured to correspond to the size, shape configuration and dimensions of the rim of standard receptacles. In this manner, the top lid  114  may be easily and effectively retrofit to existing containers. The top lid  114  of the exemplary embodiment of container  100  is adapted for use with 100 gallon containers. However, in additional embodiments, the size, shape configuration and dimensions of rails  125  may be configured and adapted for use with other sizes (e.g., 200 gallon, 300 gallon, 360 gallon or other sized containers). As shown in  FIG. 5 , the underside of top lid  114  is enclosed on three sides by the pair of opposing rails  125  and a sidewall  127 . Accordingly, the top lid  114  may be slid onto the rim  126  of the receptacle portion  102  (in a left to right direction when viewed in  FIG. 2 ) until the sidewall  127  contacts the rim of the receptacle portion  102 . When the rails  125  of the top lid  114  are slid onto the rim  126  of the receptacle portion  102  of the container  100 , the bottom lip of the rails  125  resides below the rim  126  and prevent the top lid  114  from being raised from the receptacle portion  102 . In this manner, the lid  114  cannot be removed from the receptacle portion  102  when the rails  125  are engaged with the rim  126 . 
     To further secure the top lid  114  to the receptacle portion  102  and to prevent the top lid  114  from being slid back off of the receptacle portion  102  (e.g. by a grease thief, animal, etc.), locking end cap or bracket  128  is affixed to the top lid  114  at the end of the top lid opposite sidewall  127 . In various exemplary embodiments, the locking end cap  128  is slid under or over the top lid  114  until sidewall  129  of the locking end cap  128  contacts the rim  126  of the receptacle portion  102  of the container. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the sidewall  129  of the locking end cap  128  includes an opening  130  that permits the locking end cap to be slid over dumping peg  112 . However, in embodiments of container  100  which do not include dumping pegs  112 , no such opening  130  is provided. The locking end cap  128  is then affixed in place to the top lid  114 . In various embodiments of the top lid, the locking end cap  128  may be affixed to the top lid  114  using a variety of suitable attachment means. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the locking end cap  128  is affixed to the top lid  114  using a plurality of fasteners (e.g., self drilling/tapping screws) that are inserted through a plurality of openings  136  defined through the top plate or wall  115  of the top lid  114 . Once the locking end cap  128  is affixed to the top lid  114  when the top lid is mounted to receptacle portion  102 , the rim  126  of the receptacle portion  102  is fully enclosed on all four sides. Accordingly, the top lid  114  is prevented from being lifted up off of the receptacle portion  102  or slid back off of the receptacle portion. The top lid  114  is prevented from being removed from the receptacle portion  102  unless and until the locking end cap  128  is removed from the top lid  114 . The fact that locking end cap  128  can be moved relative to top lid  114  and properly adjusted prior to being affixed to the top lid  114  allows for adjustability of the fit of the top lid  114  relative to the rim  126  of the receptacle portion  102 . In this manner, the top lid  114  can be adapted and adjusted for mounting on receptacle portions  102  having a variety of shapes and dimensions. 
     Once the top lid  114  is mounted to the receptacle portion  102 , screen  120  is mounted within the rim  118  of the top lid  114  that generally surrounds or borders the fill opening  116 . The shape and dimension of the screen  120  is adapted to fit closely within the rim  118 . As mentioned previously, the rim  118  and screen  120  may have a variety of different shapes, sizes and configurations in various embodiments. Once the screen  120  is mounted within the rim  118 , locking bar  122  is slid through openings  132  defined within opposing sides of the rim  118 . The locking bar is adapted to overlay the screen  120  when the screen is mounted within the rim  118  and prevent the screen  120  from being removed from the rim  118 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , enlarged end  133  of the locking bar  122  prevents the locking bar  122  from completely sliding through openings  132 . An opening  138  is defined through an opposing end of the locking bar  122  (as shown in  FIG. 3B ) and is adapted for the receipt of a securing device (e.g., padlock) (not shown). An optional shroud  134  may be provided to generally enclose and house the securing device and protect the securing device to prevent a would-be thief from tampering with the securing device or attempting to remove the securing device by cutting it with bolt cutters or other cutting device. Due to the enlarged end  133  of the locking bar  122  on one end and the securing device (not shown) on the other end of the locking bar  122 , the locking bar  122  is prevented from being removed from the top lid  114  unless and until the securing device is removed from the locking bar  122  and the locking bar  122  is slid back out of openings  138 . The securing of the locking bar  122  within the rim  118  prevents the screen  120  from being removed from the rim  118 . It should be understood that a variety of additional locking devices may be used to secure the screen  120  within the fill opening in additional embodiments. 
     As the openings  136  defined through the top plate  115  of the top lid  114  for affixing the locking end cap  128  to the top lid  114  of the illustrated exemplary embodiment are located within the opening defined by the rim  118  and are obstructed and made inaccessible by the screen  120  when the screen is mounted within the rim  118 , the locking end cap  128  is also prevented from being removed when the screen  120  is locked within the rim  118  by the locking bar  122 . In this manner, once the locking bar  122  is locked to the top lid  114  the screen  120  may not be removed. Consequently, the locking end cap  128  may also not be removed from the top lid  114  and removal of the top lid  114  from the receptacle portion  102  of the container  100  is prevented. It should be understood, however, that the openings  136  may be located or situated differently in additional embodiments and the end cap  128  may be affixed or attached to the top lid in a variety of suitable manners in additional embodiments. 
     When container  100  becomes full or it is otherwise desired that container  200  be emptied, a waste removal vehicle is used to empty the container  200 . Typically, a vacuum device is used to empty the exemplary embodiment of container  100 . When it is desired that the container  200  be emptied, locking bar  122  is removed and the screen  120  is removed from rim  118 , thus leaving the fill opening  116  unobstructed. A vacuum tube or other vacuum device is then inserted into the open fill opening  116  and the contents of the container  100  are removed. Once the emptying procedure is completed, the screen  120  and locking bar  122  are reinstalled, thus preparing the container  100  to be refilled while still preventing access to the contents of the container by potential grease thieves, animals, etc. Various additional embodiments of container  100  may be emptied by a waste removal vehicle or other mechanism that grasps container  100  using dumping pegs  112  or otherwise and dumping the container  100  to remove its contents. 
     Second Exemplary Embodiment of Container 
       FIG. 6  shows a second exemplary embodiment of a container  200 . Referring to  FIG. 6 , the container  200  includes a receptacle portion  202  made up of a front wall  204 , a rear wall  206 , a pair of side walls  208  and a bottom wall  210 , which combine to create a partially enclosed space. The shape and configuration of each of walls  204 ,  206 ,  208  and  210  of container  200  may vary in various embodiments. In addition, the overall shape of container  200  may also vary in various embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the exemplary embodiment of the container  200  has a generally four-sided polygonal shape when viewed from the side. However, the container  200  is not limited to the shape of the exemplary embodiment of container  200  and additional embodiments of the container  200  could have a variety of suitable shapes. 
     The container  200  of the present application may have a variety of different sizes. The exemplary embodiment of container  200  illustrated in  FIG. 6  has a capacity of approximately 300 gallons. However, additional embodiments of the container may be of a variety of suitable sizes, including but not limited to 100 gallon, 200 gallon, 300 gallon or 360 gallon containers or various other sizes. 
     The front wall  204 , rear wall  206 , pair of side walls  208 , and bottom wall  210  according to the present invention may be formed of one or more of a variety of suitable materials. The particular material is generally selected to be compatible with the intended purpose and desired qualities of the container  200 . For example, in various embodiments, the walls  204 ,  206 ,  208  and  210  of container  200  may be made from one or a combination of metals, such as steel or aluminum. In various additional embodiments, the walls  204 ,  206 ,  208  and  210  of container  200  may be made from one or a combination of thermoplastic or elastomeric materials, such as plastic. The container  200  may be manufactured by one of a variety of methods of making containers that are well known in the art. For example, containers  200  with metal walls can be constructed by welding the walls together and containers with walls of thermoplastic or elastomeric materials may be constructed by a molding process, such as a rotational molding process. 
     Use of a variety of materials in making the walls  204 ,  206 ,  208  and  210  of the container  200  permits the selection of a broad range of possible material properties, including the properties of rigidity, flexibility, elasticity, thermal and chemical resistance, odor resistance, corrosion resistance, electrical resistance/conductance, mechanical abrasion resistance, color, transparency/opacity and texture. According to some embodiments of the invention, the container walls  204 ,  206 ,  208  and  210  of the container  200  may be made entirely from one material that has uniform properties. According to other embodiments of the invention, various parts of the walls  204 ,  206 ,  208  and  210  of the container  200  may be made from different materials to provide varied properties at discrete portions of the container  200 . For example, in certain embodiments, all or a portion of some of the walls  204 ,  206 ,  208  and  210  of the container  200  may be formed of metal while the remaining walls or wall portions are formed of thermoplastic or elastomeric materials. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the illustrated embodiment of container  200  includes a pair of forklift receiving pockets  212  located beneath the bottom wall  210  of container  200 , which are adapted to receive the forks of a forklift or other similar device to permit the forklift to lift, move or empty the contents of container  200 . Forklift receiving pockets  212  also serve to raise the bottom wall  210  of container  200  off of the ground or other surface upon which the container  200  is supported to decrease the likelihood that bottom wall  210  may become corroded or otherwise damaged due to contact with or submersion in standing water or other liquid or moisture located on the surface beneath the container  200 . Additional embodiments of container  200  may include legs or supports that serve to raise the bottom wall  210  of container  200  off of the ground but do not receive forks of a forklift or other similar device. Yet further additional embodiments of container  200  may be supported on wheels or sliders that both support the container off the ground and also allow the container to be easily moved or repositioned. Furthermore, in additional embodiments of container  200 , the bottom wall  210  of container  200  may rest directly on the supporting surface and not be raised up in any manner. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the exemplary embodiment of container  200  includes a dumping peg  214  projecting from each side wall  208 . The pair of dumping pegs  214  are utilized by a waste removal vehicle, such as a garbage truck, to lift and dump the container  200  to empty the contents of the container. The container  200  may have any number of dumping pegs  214 . The dumping pegs  214  may have a variety of shapes, sizes and configurations and be located on various portions of the container  200  in various embodiments of container  200 . For example, the dumping pegs  214  may be located on one or more of the front wall  204  or back wall  206  in additional embodiments. Additional embodiments of container  200  may also be provided with additional dump assisting devices, such as fork-receiving sleeves located on the side walls  208  for receiving the fork assembly of a waste removal vehicle or forklift, in place of or in addition to the dumping pegs  214 . In addition, the container may be provided without any dumping pegs or fork receiving sleeves and the container may simply be grasped directly and lifted by a waste removal vehicle. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the exemplary embodiment of container  200  includes an optional top lid  216  which selectively encloses the receptacle portion  202  of the container  200 . The top lid  216  is mounted to the receptacle portion  202  of container  200  by a pair of hinges  306  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) located on a rear end  218  of lid  216 . Top lid  216  may include any number of hinges. Top lid  216  may be mounted to the receptacle portion  202  of the container  200  in a variety of different ways in additional embodiments of container, including by use of various different types of hinges. In yet additional embodiments, top lid  216  may be unattached to the receptacle portion  202  of container  200  and simply rest upon and be removable from the receptacle portion  202  of container  200 . Furthermore, in additional embodiments, the container  200  may be provided with no top lid  216 . 
     Top lid  216  is selectively pivoted on hinges  306  between a closed position, in which the receptacle portion  202  of container  200  is covered, and an open position, in which the receptacle portion  202  of container  200  is uncovered. Top lid  216  may have a variety of different suitable shapes, sizes and configurations. Additional embodiments of container  200  may include various different types of lids. For example, in certain embodiments, top lid  216  may be a pair of doors that each cover half of the receptacle portion  202  of container  200  or one or more sliding panels that slides between a closed and open position. 
     The top lid  216  of the illustrated embodiment includes a plurality of ribs  220 , which provide added strength and rigidity for the top lid. Top lid  216  may include any number of ribs  220  and the ribs may have a variety of sizes, shapes and configurations in alternative embodiments. Additional embodiments of optional top lid  216  may be provided without any such ribs. In various embodiments, top lid  216  may include an optional handle or other suitable means to assist the opening and closing of the top lid  216  by a user. 
     The top lid  216  of the illustrated embodiment may be formed from a variety of materials. In the embodiment of container  200  illustrated in  FIG. 6 , top lid  216  is made from one or a combination of thermoplastic or elastomeric materials, such as plastic. In various additional embodiments, the top lid  216  may be made from one or a combination of metals, such as steel or aluminum. In yet additional embodiments, various parts of top lid  216  may be made from different materials to provide varied properties at discrete portions of the lid. For example, in certain embodiments, a portion of top lid  216  may be formed of metal while the remaining portions of the lid is formed of thermoplastic or elastomeric materials. The top lid  216  may be manufactured by one of a variety of methods of making containers that are well known in the art. For example, top lids made of metal can be constructed by welding and top lids made of thermoplastic or elastomeric materials may be constructed by molding processes, such as an injection or rotational molding process. 
     In certain embodiments, top lid  216  is selectively locked in the closed position by one or more optional securing device (not shown) to prevent undesired entry into the container  200 , such as by potential grease thieves (using, for example, a vacuum tube), animals, etc. Any suitable securing device may be used to secure top lid  216  in the closed position and/or open position, such as one or more padlocks, locking bars, chains, straps, tie-downs, bungee cords, key locks, panel locks, sash locks, deadbolts, dead latches, bolt latches or other type of lock or latch. Additional embodiments of container may also include an additional securing device to secure top lid  216  in the open position or may not include any securing device for securing top lid  216 . For example the top lid  216  may be provided with a locking element, such as a tabbed end cap, which corresponds with a slot or other opening defined within a portion of the receptacle portion  202 . Such locking elements, which correspond with one or more slots defined within a portion of the receptacle portion  202  may be located on various portions of the top lid. For example, such tabbed end caps may be located on the rear, middle and/or sides, etc. of the top lid  216 . Furthermore, a padlock or other locking element may be inserted through one or more of the tabs of the tabbed end cap to lock the top lid  216  to the receptacle portion  202 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7-8 , the illustrated embodiment of container  200  includes a fill opening  300  defined through the top lid  216 . The filling opening  300  is generally provided to facilitate the loading of container  200  with food grease or other materials by a user, as described in greater detail herein. The fill opening  300  may have a wide variety of different shapes and sizes. In the illustrated embodiment of container  200 , the fill opening  300  has a generally rectangular shape. However, the fill opening of additional embodiments of container  200  may have a variety of different shapes. For example, the fill opening  300  of additional embodiments of container  200  may have a circular, elliptical or other suitable shape. Also, additional embodiments of container  200  may have more than one fill opening  300 . For example, certain additional embodiments of container  200  may include a pair of fill openings  300 , each defined through the top lid  216  or one or more of the walls  204 ,  206 , or  208  of the container  200 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7-8 , the fill opening  300  of the illustrated embodiment of container  200  includes a rim  302 , which surrounds the fill opening  300 . The rim  302  is generally provided to help ensure that material, such as food grease, that is being poured or otherwise inserted into the container  200  enters the fill opening  300  and does not spill out onto the top lid  216  or other portion of the container  200  or the ground or other supporting surface upon which the container  200  is positioned. The rim  302  also helps to prevent undesired entry into the container  200  via fill opening  300 . The rim  302  of various embodiments may have a wide variety of different shapes, sizes and configurations. Additional embodiments of the container  200  may be provided without any rim or may include a rim which only surrounds a portion of fill opening. 
     The fill opening  300  of the top lid  216  of illustrated embodiment of container  200  includes a screen  304 , which covers the fill opening  300 . The screen  304  is generally provided to allow for the passage of material that are desired to be inserted into container  200 , such as food grease, but to help prevent trash, debris, food matter, or other contaminants from entering container  200 . Screen  304  also generally serves to prevent undesired entry into the container  200  via fill opening  300 , such as by potential grease thieves (using, for example, a vacuum tube), animals, etc. The screen  304  of the illustrated embodiment is a mesh screen, however additional embodiments of container may include a variety of different screens, partitions, barriers or filters such as slotted plates, perforated screens, etc. The screen  304  of various embodiments may have a wide variety of different shapes, sizes and configurations. Additional embodiments of the fill opening  300  of the top lid  216  of container  200  may be provided without any screen or may include a screen which only covers a portion of fill opening. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6-8 , the exemplary embodiment of container  200  includes an optional fill opening door  222 , which selectively covers the fill opening  300  of the top lid  216  (shown in  FIGS. 7-8 ). The fill opening door  222  is mounted to top lid  216  by a pair of hinges  224 . Fill opening door  222  may include any number of hinges. Fill opening door  222  may be mounted to the top lid  216  of the container  200  in a variety of different ways in additional embodiments, including by use of various different types of hinges. In yet additional embodiments, fill opening door  222  may be unattached to the top lid  216  of container  200  and simply rest upon and be removable from the top lid  216  of container  200 . Furthermore, in additional embodiments, the container  200  may be provided with no fill opening door  222  and the fill opening  300  defined in top lid  216  may open at all times and uncovered by a door. 
     The fill opening door  222  may include an optional handle  226  to assist a user in lifting fill opening door  222 . The fill opening door  222  may include any number of handles or other suitable means to assist the opening and closing of the fill opening door  222  by a user. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6-8 , fill opening door  222  is selectively pivoted on hinges  224  between a closed position, in which the fill opening  300  (shown in  FIGS. 7-8 ) defined within the top lid  216  is covered, and an open position, in which the fill opening  300  is uncovered. Fill opening door  222  may have a variety of different suitable shapes, sizes and configurations. Additional embodiments of container  200  may include various different types of fill opening doors. For example, in certain embodiments, fill opening door  222  may be a pair of doors that each cover half of the fill opening  300 , or one or more sliding panels that slides between a closed and open position or a rotating door that rotates between a closed and open position. 
     The fill opening door  222  may be formed from a variety of materials. In the embodiment of container  200  illustrated in  FIG. 6 , fill opening door  222  is made from one or a combination of thermoplastic or elastomeric materials, such as plastic. In various additional embodiments, the fill opening door  222  may be made from one or a combination of metals, such as steel or aluminum. In yet additional embodiments, various parts of fill opening door  222  may be made from different materials to provide varied properties at discrete portions of the door. For example, in certain embodiments, a portion of fill opening door  222  may be formed of metal while the remaining portions of the door is formed of thermoplastic or elastomeric materials. In certain embodiments, the top lid  216  and fill opening door  222  mounted on the top lid  216  may be formed from the same material and in additional embodiments, the top lid  216  and fill opening door  222  may be formed from different materials. 
     In certain embodiments, fill opening door  222  is selectively locked in the closed position by one or more optional securing device (not shown) to prevent undesired entry into the fill opening  300 , such as by potential grease thieves (using, for example, a vacuum tube), animals, etc. Any suitable securing device may be used to secure fill opening door  222  in the closed position and/or open position, such as one or more padlocks, locking bars, chains, straps, tie-downs, bungee cords, key locks, panel locks, sash locks, deadbolts, dead latches, bolt latches or other type of lock or latch. Additional embodiments of container may also include an additional securing device to secure fill opening door  222  in the open position or may not include any securing device for securing fill opening door  222 . 
     Additional embodiments of the container  200  may include a support tray (not shown) located on a portion of the container  200  to provide a place for a user of the container  200  to place or rest a waste container, trash can, pail bucket or other items, while using the container  200 . For example, a user of container  200  could use optional support tray to support a grease pail while the user is opening fill opening door  222  to access fill opening  300 . Once fill opening door  222  is opened and the fill opening  300  is accessible, the user could then remove the grease pail from optional support tray and dump the contents of the grease pail into container  200  via fill opening  300 . Yet further additional embodiments of container  200  may include an overall container shape that provides the functions of the support tray. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 9-10 , the illustrated embodiment of container  200  includes a primary lid  400 , which selectively encloses the receptacle portion  202  of the container  200 . Primary lid  400  may have a variety of different suitable shapes, sizes and configurations. Additional embodiments of container  200  may include various different types of lids. For example, in certain embodiments, primary lid  400  may be a pair of doors that each cover half of the receptacle portion  202  of container  200  or one or more sliding panels that slides between a closed and open position. 
     Primary lid  400  of the illustrated embodiments of container  200  is a bi-fold lid which includes a rear half panel  402  and front half panel  404  which are joined by a pair of hinges  406 . The bi-fold lid of the illustrated embodiment allows the primary lid to be opened in several stages, as described in more detail herein. Front half panel  404  of primary lid  400  may be selectively pivoted on hinges  406  between a closed position, in which the receptacle portion  202  of container  200  is covered, and an open position, in which half of the receptacle portion  202  of container  200  is uncovered. The rear half panel  402  and front half panel  404  of primary lid  400  may be joined by any number of hinges. The rear half panel  402  and front half panel  404  of primary lid  400  may be joined together in a variety of different ways in additional embodiments of the container, including by use of various different types of hinges and joints. In yet additional embodiments of container  200 , the primary lid may be a one-piece lid or may be constructed of more than two panels. 
     The primary lid  400  is mounted to the receptacle portion  202  of container  200  by a pair of hinges  408  located on the rear half  402  of primary lid  400 . As described in more detail herein, primary lid  400  is selectively pivoted on hinges  408  between a closed position, in which the receptacle portion  202  of container  200  is covered, and an open position, in which the receptacle portion  202  of container  200  is uncovered. Primary lid  400  may be mounted to the receptacle portion  202  by any number of hinges. Primary lid  400  may be mounted to the receptacle portion  202  of the container  200  in a variety of different ways in additional embodiments of container, including by use of various different types of hinges and joints. In yet additional embodiments, primary lid  400  may be unattached to the receptacle portion  202  of container  200  and simply rest upon and be removable from the receptacle portion  202  of container  200 . Furthermore, in additional embodiments, the container  200  may be provided without a primary lid  400 . In various embodiments, primary lid  400  may include an optional handle or other suitable means to assist the opening and closing of the primary lid  400  by a user. 
     The primary lid  400  may be formed from a variety of materials. In the embodiment of container  200  primary lid  400  is made from one or a combination of metals, such as steel or aluminum. In various additional embodiments, the primary lid  400  may be made from one or a combination of thermoplastic or elastomeric materials, such as plastic. In yet additional embodiments, various parts of primary lid  400  may be made from different materials to provide varied properties at discrete portions of the lid. For example, in certain embodiments, a portion of primary lid  400  may be formed of metal while the remaining portions of the lid is formed of thermoplastic or elastomeric materials. The primary lid  400  may be manufactured by one of a variety of methods of making containers that are well known in the art. For example, primary lids made of metal can be constructed by welding or other fabrication methods and primary lids made of thermoplastic or elastomeric materials may be constructed by molding processes, such as an injection or rotational molding process. 
     The illustrated embodiment of the primary lid  400  includes an opening  410  for receiving an optional securing device (not shown) for securing the primary lid  400  in the closed position to prevent undesired entry into the container  200 , such as by potential grease thieves (using, for example, a vacuum tube), animals, etc. The opening of  410  of primary lid  400  of the illustrated embodiment aligns with an opening  700  defined through flange  414  of the receptacle portion  202  of container  200 . In this manner, a securing device may be passed through opening  410  of primary lid and opening  700  of container  200  to secure primary lid  400  in a closed position relative to container  200 . Any suitable securing device may be used to secure primary lid  400  in the closed position, such as one or more padlocks, locking bars, chains, straps, tie-downs, bungee cords, key locks, panel locks, sash locks, deadbolts, dead latches, bolt latches or other type of lock or latch. Additional embodiments of container may also include an additional securing device to secure primary lid  400  in the open position and/or the half-open position (i.e., front half panel  404  of primary lid  400  folded over on rear half panel  404  in the open position). 
     In the illustrated embodiment of container  200 , top lid  216  includes a projection (not shown) extending downwardly from the bottom surface of top lid  216  which is received through opening  410  of primary lid  400  and opening  700  of the flange  414  of the receptacle portion  202  of container  200  when the top lid  216  is in the closed position. Once the projection of the top lid  216  extends through openings  410 ,  700 , an optional securing device (not shown) is used to lock top lid  216  in the closed position. In this manner, both the top lid  216  and primary lid  400  can be locked in the closed position using a single securing device. In additional embodiments, the top lid  216  and primary lid  400  may be locked in the closed position by a variety of suitable methods. In certain embodiments, the top lid  216  and primary lid  400  are locked in the closed position independently of one another using separate securing devices. In yet additional embodiments, one or more of the top lid  216  and/or primary lid  400  are not locked into the closed position using a securing device. In yet additional embodiments, one or more of the top lid  216  and/or primary lid  400  may also be locked in an open position (or, in the case of a bi-fold primary lid, in a half-open or fully open position) by a securing device. 
     The illustrated embodiment of primary lid  400  includes an optional lip  412 . The lip  412  extends from both the rear half panel  402  and front half panel  404  over a flange  414  of the receptacle portion  202  of container  200 . The overlap of the lip  412  of primary lid  400  over the flange  414  provides additional security against undesired entry into the container  200  (such as, for example, entry into the container by a vacuum tube). For example, if the primary lid  400  is locked in the closed position, the overlap of the lip  412  over the flange  414  serves to provide an added security measure to prevent the primary lid from being opened, such as by a potential grease thief attempting to insert a tool or other element under the primary lid  400  to pry it upward or otherwise separate it from the container  200 . The lip  412  of primary lid  400  may have a variety of sizes, shapes and configurations. In the illustrated embodiment, the lip  412  extends rearward from the rear of the rear half panel  402  of the primary lid and extends forward from the front of the front half panel  404 . In additional embodiments, the lip  412  may extend outward from all edges of the primary lid  400  to cover over the flange  414  of the receptacle portion  202  of container  200 . In yet further additional embodiments, the primary lid  400  may be provided without such a lip  412 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment of container  200 , the top lid  216  is positioned above the primary lid  400  and the top lid  216  and primary lid  400  both serve to enclose the receptacle portion  202  of the container  200 . The use of the top lid  216  and the primary lid  400  in combination with one another serves to both protect against the undesired entry of contaminants into the container and also provide security against the theft of the food grease or other contents of the container  200  (such as, for example, by a thief using a vacuum tube). 
     The top lid  216  serves to protect against the elements (e.g., rain, sleet, snow, etc.), other contaminants (e.g., leaves, dirt, litter, etc.), insects or rodents from entering the container  200 . As the top lid  216  of the illustrated embodiment extends beyond and hangs over the perimeter of the container  200 , it serves as a barrier which prevents such things from entering the container. Since the top lid  216  of the illustrated embodiment serves this barrier function, the primary lid  400  of the illustrated embodiment need not be constructed in a manner that necessarily prevents the entry into the container  200  of such contaminants. For example, the hinges  406 ,  408  of primary lid  400  or the joint between rear half panel  402  and front half panel  404  of primary lid need not be water tight, as the top lid  216 , which overlies the primary lid  400 , serves to prevent undesired things, such as rainwater, from entering the container  200 . Similarly, for this same reason, the interface between the primary lid  400  and the container  200  need not provide a tight seal or be water tight. It should be understood, however, that in additional embodiments of container  200 , the hinges  406 ,  408 , the joint between rear half panel  402  and front half panel  404  of primary lid  400 , and/or the interface between the primary lid  400  and the container  200  may be water-tight. Also, it should be understood that additional embodiments of container  200  are provided without top lid  216  and only include primary lid  400 . 
     Since the interface between the primary lid  400  of the illustrated embodiment and container  200  need not provide a tight seal, the primary lid can be recessed with respect to the perimeter of the container  200  (i.e., the sides of the primary lid  400  of the illustrated embodiment do not extend to the edges of the container  200  as best illustrated in  FIG. 5 ). Because the sides of the primary lid  400  do not extend to the edges of the walls of container  200 , it is harder for a thief or vandal to insert a tool or other object under the primary lid  400  in an effort to pry or lift up primary lid  400 . Also, the top lid  216  (and fill opening lid  222 ) of the illustrated embodiment serve as an additional barrier or impediment against a would-be thief or vandal, because even if a potential grease thief were able to pry up or remove the top lid  216  (or fill opening lid  222 ), the primary lid  400  would remain to prevent unauthorized entry into the container  200 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 4-5 , the illustrated embodiment of primary lid  400  includes a fill opening  416  defined through the primary lid  400 . The fill opening  416  is generally provided to facilitate the loading of container  200  with food grease or other materials by a user, as described in greater detail herein. The fill opening  416  may have a wide variety of different shapes and sizes. In the illustrated embodiment of container  200 , the fill opening  416  has a generally rectangular shape. However, the fill opening of additional embodiments of primary lid  400  may have a variety of different shapes. For example, the fill opening  416  of additional embodiments of container  200  may have a circular, elliptical or other suitable shape. Also, additional embodiments of primary lid  400  may have more than one fill opening  416 . For example, certain additional embodiments of primary lid  400  may include two or more fill openings  300 , each defined through the primary lid  400 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment of container  200 , the fill opening  300  defined in the top lid  216  is aligned with the fill opening  416  of the primary lid  400 . The alignment of the fill opening  300  with fill opening  416  allows for food grease or other materials that are inserted into the fill opening  300  of top lid  216  by a user to pass through the fill opening  416  of primary lid  400  into the receptacle portion  202  of container  200 . Accordingly, a user may insert food grease or other material into the container  200  with both the top lid  216  and primary lid  400  in the closed position (and locked if the container is provided with securing devices to secure the top lid  216  and/or primary lid  140 ). Since the top lid  216  and primary lid  400  need not be opened (or unlocked) to insert food grease or other materials into the container  200 , the container  200  remains secure during operation from unwanted entry into the container  200  even when food grease or other materials are being inserted into the container  200 . Therefore, users of the container  200  need not utilize keys or other unlocking devices to unlock or open the top lid  216  or primary lid  400  when they desire to pour or otherwise insert materials into the container  200 . A user simply lifts the fill opening door  222  (if the particular embodiment of container  200  is provided with such a fill opening door) and inserts material into the container  200  via fill opening  300  and fill opening  416 . As previously indicated, certain additional embodiments of the container  200  do not include a top lid  216  or primary lid  400  and such embodiments will only include one fill opening. 
     The fill opening  416  of primary lid  400  of the illustrated embodiment of container  200  includes a screen  418 , which covers the fill opening  416 . The screen  418  is generally provided to allow for the passage of material that are desired to be inserted into container  200 , such as food grease, but to help prevent trash, debris, food matter, or other contaminants from entering container  200 . Screen  418  also generally serves to prevent undesired entry into the container  200  via fill opening  416 , such as by potential grease thieves (using, for example, a vacuum tube), animals, etc. The screen  418  of the illustrated embodiment is a mesh screen, however additional embodiments of container may include a variety of different screens, partitions, barriers or filters such as slotted plates, perforated screens, etc. The screen  418  of various embodiments may have a wide variety of different shapes, sizes and configurations. Additional embodiments of the fill opening  416  of primary lid  400  of container  200  may be provided without any screen or may include a screen which only covers a portion of fill opening. In certain additional embodiments, only one of the fill opening  416  of primary lid  400  or fill opening  300  of top lid  216  include a screen. For example, in certain additional embodiments, fill opening  300  may include screen  304 , but fill opening  416  may not include a screen. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 11-12 , a diverter  500  is mounted on the underside of primary lid  400  beneath the fill opening  416 . The diverter  500  of the illustrated embodiment includes a pair of angled diverter plates  502  which meet at peak  504 . The diverter  500  serves to divert the flow of material inserted into fill opening  416  in the primary lid  400 . As material is inserted into fill opening  416  of the primary lid  400  of the illustrated embodiment of container  200 , it will pass through screen  418  and then contact diverter  500 . The material will then flow down one or both of angled diverter plates  502  and enter container  200 . The diverter  500  of the illustrated embodiment includes a pair of screened sections  506  located at the lower end of each diverter plate  502  and spanning the width of the diverter plates  502 . The screened sections  506  serve to provide an additional barrier against undesired items, such as debris, entering the container  200  and to prevent undesired entry into the container  200 , such as by potential grease thieves (using, for example, a vacuum tube), animals, etc. Various additional embodiments of diverter  500  may be provided without screened sections  506 . 
     The diverter  500  serves to obstruct the view of the interior of the container  200  through the fill opening  416 . This obstruction of the view of the interior of the container  200  can serve as another deterrent against the theft of the contents of the container  200 . For example, if a potential grease thief cannot visually determine if the container  200  holds any food grease, this may discourage the potential grease thief from attempting to break into the container  200 . The diverter  500  also serves to prevent a vacuum tube or other similar device from being inserted into the container  200  via fill opening  416  in an effort to remove the contents of the container  200 . The diverter  500  may be fashioned from a variety of suitable materials, such as one or a combination of metals, such as steel or aluminum, or one or a combination of thermoplastic or elastomeric materials, such as plastic. The diverter  500  may have a variety of different shapes, sizes and configurations in various embodiments of container  200 . Additional embodiments of container  200  may be provided without a diverter  500 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 11 , each of the rear half panel  402  and front half panel  404  of primary lid  400  include a flange  508  which extends downwardly from the underside  510  of the panels  402 ,  404  of primary lid around the perimeter of the panels  402 ,  404 . Flange  508  is configured to extend downwardly into container  200  when the rear half panel  402  and/or front half panel  404  of primary lid  400  are in the closed position. The extension of the flange  508  downwardly into the container provides an additional measure that serves to prevent a potential grease thief from inserting a tool or other object under the primary lid  400  in an effort to pry up or remove the primary lid  400 . The flange  508  also provides an additional level of security against a vacuum tube or similar device being inserted into the container in an effort to remove the contents of the container  200 . In addition, an option drain could be provided for draining the contents of the container. Additional embodiments of primary lid  400  of container  200  may be provided without such a flange. 
     Containers of the instant invention are intended for use with the collection, storage and transport of a variety of materials, including waste and refuse material, such as food grease. In use, container  200  is placed in a desired location on a sufficient support surface. A user of the container  200  opens fill opening door  222  to access fill opening  300  of top lid  216 . The user of container  200  then pours the desired food grease or other material through screen  304  of fill opening  300 . The food grease or other material then passes through screen  418  of fill opening  416  of primary lid  400 , contacts diverter  500 , and flows or passes through screened sections  506  into the receptacle portion  202  of container  200 . As discussed, additional embodiments of container  200  may include a support tray or other device for use to support a container, such as a grease pail, during the loading of food grease or other materials into container  200 . 
     When container  200  becomes full or it is otherwise desired that container  200  be emptied, a waste removal vehicle is used to empty the container  200 . When it is desired that the container  200  be emptied, top lid  216  is opened (or removed if the embodiment of container  200  includes a top lid  216  that is not hingeably mounted to the container). As shown in  FIGS. 13A-13D , the primary lid  400  can be opened in stages. The front half panel  404  can first be opened using hinges  406  and folded back onto the rear half panel  402  of primary lid, as best illustrated in  FIGS. 13A-13C . With the primary lid  400  in this half-open position with the front half panel  404  overlying the rear half panel  402 , the contents of interior  700  of container  200  can be emptied by tipping container  200  forward to dump the contents of the container  200 . An optional securing device may be provided in various embodiments of container  200  to lock the primary lid  400  in this half-open position, so that one or both of the front half panel  404  or rear half panel  402  are prohibited from moving relative to the container  200  when the container is tipped to empty the contents of the container. The contents of the container may also be emptied by placing a vacuum tube or similar device into the container via the opening created by the folding back front half panel  404  onto the rear half panel  402  to suck out the contents of the container  200 . As shown in  FIG. 13D , the complete primary lid  400  may also be opened (either with the front half panel  404  folded back to overly the rear half panel  402  or otherwise) if it is desired that the opening of container be entirely unobstructed in order to empty the container  200 , clean out the interior of the container  200  or for some other desired purpose. 
     Additional Exemplary Embodiment of Container Lid/Grease Grate Tray 
     Referring now to  FIG. 14 , an additional exemplary embodiment of a top lid  600  for a container is shown. The prime symbol is utilized in  FIG. 14  to indicate elements of lid  600  which may be similar but may not be identical to elements of top lid  114 . The exemplary embodiment of top lid  600  serves to enclose the receptacle portion of a container to prevent undesired entry into the container, such as by potential grease thieves (using, for example, a vacuum tube), animals, etc. 
     Top lid  600  may have a variety of different suitable shapes, sizes and configurations. The top lid  600  of the illustrated embodiment may be formed from a variety of materials and may be manufactured by one of a variety of methods that are well known in the art. The illustrated embodiment of top lid  600  includes a top plate  115 ′ with a fill opening  116 ′ defined therethrough. As shown in  FIG. 14 , the fill opening  116 ′ of the illustrated embodiment of top lid  600  includes a rim  118 ′, which generally surrounds or borders (at least a portion of) the fill opening  116 ′. The fill opening  116 ′ of the illustrated embodiment of the top lid  600  includes a grease grate tray  602 , which generally spans and covers the fill opening  116 ′. The grease grate tray  602  is generally provided to allow for the passage of material that are desired to be inserted into the fill opening  116 , such as food grease, but to help prevent trash, debris, food matter, or other contaminants from entering container  100 . Grease grate tray  602  also generally serves to prevent undesired entry into a container via fill opening  116 ′ of top lid  600 , such as by potential grease thieves (using, for example, a vacuum tube), animals, etc. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 15A-15D , the grease grate tray  602  of the illustrated embodiment generally includes a main body  620  that is generally made up of a rear wall  620 , a pair of side walls  624 , angled front wall  626 , mesh screen portion  628 , front lip portion  632 , and interior bottom wall  660 , which combine to create a partially enclosed space. The shape and configuration of each of the walls  620 ,  624 ,  626 ,  660 , mesh screen portion  628 , and front lip portion  632  may vary in various embodiments. In addition, the overall shape of the grease grate tray  602  may also vary in various embodiments. The grease grate tray  602  is not limited to the shape of the illustrated exemplary embodiment of the grease grate tray  602  and additional embodiments of the grease grate tray  602  could have a variety of suitable shapes. The walls  620 ,  624 ,  626 ,  660 , mesh screen portion  628 , and front lip portion  632  of the illustrated embodiment of the grease grate tray  602  may be formed of one or more of a variety of suitable materials. The particular material is generally selected to be compatible with the intended purpose and desired qualities of the container  100 . For example, in various embodiments, the grease grate tray  602  may be made from one or a combination of metals, such as steel or aluminum. The grease grate tray  602  may be manufactured by one of a variety of methods, such as, for example, the grease grate tray may be constructed by welding the walls together. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 14 ,  15 B, and  15 C, the angled front wall  626  of the illustrated exemplary embodiment of the grease grate tray  602  includes a plurality of openings  650  that are defined through the angled front wall  626 . The openings of the illustrated embodiment have a generally elliptical shape. However, the openings may have a variety of suitable shapes in various additional embodiments, such as, for example, a rectangular, circular, or other shape. The illustrated embodiment of grease grate tray  602  includes 10 openings  650  arranged in two parallel rows. However, any number of openings in any number of rows or other configuration may be provided in additional embodiments. The illustrated exemplary embodiment of the grease grate tray includes an optional crossbeam or support bar  670  to provide further support for the angled front wall  626 . Additional embodiments may be provided without such a support bar. 
     When grease or other materials that are desired to be inserted into the container are poured or otherwise placed within the grease grate tray  602  they travel downward over the angled front wall  626 . All or a portion of the material will enter the openings  650  of the angled front wall and fall downwardly into the interior of the container on which the top lid is mounted  600 . However, the openings  650  are configured, to prevent undesired items, such as trash, debris, food matter, or other contaminants from entering container that are too large to fit through openings  650 . These undesired items will travel downwardly along the angled front wall (with additional grease or other material that has not entered the container through openings  650 ) and collect on the bottom wall  660  in the interior of the grease grate tray. Due to the slope of bottom wall  660  (as best illustrated in  FIG. 15D ), any remaining grease or other material that remains will travel toward mesh screen portion  628  of the grease grate tray  602 . All or a portion of such additional grease or other material will pass through the mesh screen portion  628  and travel along the front lip portion  632  and drop downwardly into the container. However, the mesh screen portion  628  is configured, to prevent undesired items, such as trash, debris, food matter, or other contaminants from entering the container that are too large to fit through the openings of the mesh screen portion  628 . These undesired items will collect on the bottom wall  660  in the interior of the grease grate tray and remain there. Such undesired items can then be removed from the grease grate tray  602  and discarded. 
     In the illustrated embodiment of grease grate tray, the mesh screen portion  628  is a metal, mesh screen, however additional embodiments of grease grate tray  602  may include a variety of different grates, screens, partitions, barriers or filters such as slotted plates, perforated screens, etc. which are formed from a variety of suitable materials. 
     The grease grate tray  602  of the illustrated embodiment and, specifically, the angled front wall  626  and mesh screen portion  628  are adapted to generally allow for the passage of materials that are desired to be inserted into the fill opening  116 ′, such as food grease, but helps to prevent trash, debris, food matter, or other contaminants from entering the container. The angled front wall  626  and mesh screen portion  628  of the grease grate tray  602  also serve to help prevent undesired entry into a container via fill opening  116 ′ of top lid  600 , such as by potential grease thieves (using, for example, a vacuum tube), animals, etc. For example, the relatively thick material used to form angled front wall  626  is adapted to be difficult to penetrate or cut through with tools other than, perhaps, a plasma cutter or substantially powerful cutting tool. As such, the angled front wall helps to deter attempts to break into the container by would be thieves. Likewise, the location, configuration and material makeup of the mesh screen portion  628  and other portions of the grease grate tray help to deter or prevent undesired attempts of entry into the container. 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , the illustrated embodiment of top lid  600  includes a shroud  610  located adjacent the rim  118 ′ that borders the fill opening  116 ′. The shroud may have a variety of suitable shapes, constructions and configuration in various embodiments of the top lid. In the illustrated embodiment, the shroud has a generally rectangular shape when viewed from the side. As shown in  FIGS. 15A-15C , the illustrated exemplary embodiment of grease grate tray  602  includes a locking plate  612  that extends outwardly from a side wall  624  of grease grate tray  602 . Opening  614  defined through locking plate  612  is adapted to receive a securing device (not shown). A variety of different types of securing device may be used in various embodiments of the grease grate tray  602 . For example, opening  614  of locking plate  612  may receive, for example, the shackle of a padlock. The locking plate  612  of the illustrated embodiment of grease grate tray has a generally rectangular shape. However, in additional embodiments, the locking plate may have a variety of different shapes and configurations. 
     In the illustrated embodiment of exemplary top lid  600 , shroud  610  includes a slot  616  that is defined in the upper surface of the shroud. The slot  616  is adapted to permit the locking plate  612  to slide or otherwise enter therethrough and travel downwardly through the upper surface of the shroud into the interior space defined by the shroud  610 . Once the locking plate is located within the interior space defined by the shroud, a padlock or other securing device can be attached to the locking plate  612  (via the opening  614  defined through the locking plate) to secure the locking plate  612  within the shroud  610  and to prevent withdrawal of the locking plate  612  from the shroud  610  until the securing device is removed from the locking plate  612  (and, thus, also prevent the grease grate tray  602  from being lifted upwardly until the securing device is removed from the locking plate  612 ). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 15A-15C , the illustrated grease grate tray  602  includes a pair of handles  630  for assisting a user to insert and remove the grease grate tray  602  from the fill opening  116 ′. The handles may have a variety of shapes and configuration in various embodiments of the grease grate tray  602  and a variety of different numbers of handles (e.g., one, two, three, four, etc.) may be provided. Various additional embodiments of the grease grate tray  602  may also be provided without any such handles. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 15B and 15D , the illustrated embodiment of the grease grate tray  602  includes a locking pin  640  that extends outwardly from the rear wall  622  of the grease grate tray  602 . The locking pin  640  may have a variety of shapes and configuration in various embodiments of the grease grate tray  602  and a variety of different numbers of locking pin  640  may be provided in various embodiments. Various additional embodiments of the grease grate tray  602  may also be provided without any such locking pin  640 . 
     To insert the grease grate tray  602  into top lid  600 , a user may grasp handles  630  and lower grease grate tray  602  into the fill opening  116 ′. Locking pin  640  is adapted for secure receipt into an aperture or opening (not shown) defined within a portion of the top lid  600 . Once locking pin  640  is located within corresponding opening defined within a portion of the top lid  600 , the rear of the grease grate tray  602  is generally secured and prevented from movement relative to the top lid  600 . The front of the grease grate tray  602  may then be pivoted downwardly and the locking plate  612  inserted through slot  616  of shroud  610 . Once the locking plate  612  is located within the interior space defined by the shroud  610 , a padlock or other securing device can be attached to the locking plate  612  (via the opening  614  defined through the locking plate  612 ) to secure the locking plate  612  within the shroud  610  and to prevent withdrawal of the locking plate  612  from the shroud  610  until the securing device is removed from the locking plate  612  (and, thus, also prevent the grease grate tray  602  from being lifted upwardly until the securing device is removed from the locking plate  612 ). 
     In this manner, the grease grate tray  602  is secured within the fill opening  116 ′ of top lid  600  and cannot be removed unless and until the securing device is removed from the locking plate  612 . The shape and dimensions of the shroud  610  of the illustrated embodiment of top lid  600  are adapted to generally enclose and house the securing device and protect the securing device to prevent a would-be thief from tampering with the securing device or attempting to remove the securing device by cutting it with bolt cutters or other tool or cutting device. When the grease grate tray  602  of the illustrated embodiment is secured within the fill opening  116 ′ it generally allows for the passage of materials that are desired to be inserted into the fill opening  116 ′, such as food grease, but helps to prevent trash, debris, food matter, or other contaminants from entering the container. Grease grate tray  602  also generally serves to prevent undesired entry into a container via fill opening  116 ′ of top lid  600 , such as by potential grease thieves (using, for example, a vacuum tube), animals, etc. It should be understood that grease grate tray  602  may be mounted and secured within the fill opening  116 ′ of the top lid  600  in a variety of suitable manners in additional embodiments. 
     When the container to which the top lid  600  is mounted becomes full or it is otherwise desired that the container be emptied, the grease grate tray  602  may be removed from the fill opening  116 ′ by removing the securing device from the locking plate  612 . The handles  630  may be grasped by a user and the front end of the grease grate tray  602  may be pivoted upward, the locking pin  640  removed from the corresponding aperture defined in the top lid  600  and the grease grate tray may be removed from the unobstructed fill opening  116 ′. A vacuum device may then be used to empty the contents of the container. A vacuum tube or other vacuum device is then inserted into the open fill opening  116 ′ and the contents of the container are removed. Once the emptying procedure is completed, the grease grate tray  602  is reinstalled, thus preparing the container to be refilled while still preventing access to the contents of the container by potential grease thieves, animals, etc. 
     It should be understood that exemplary top lid  600  and grease grate tray  602  may be used with any of the previously described embodiments and various features of the various components described herein can be selected and combined to form additional embodiments, all of which are within the scope of this disclosure. 
     While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the invention to such details. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. For example, where components are releasable or removably connected or attached together, any type of releasable connection may be suitable including for example, locking connections, fastened connections, tongue and groove connections, etc. Still further, component geometries, shapes, and dimensions can be modified without changing the overall role or function of the components. Therefore, the inventive concept, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant&#39;s general inventive concept. 
     While various inventive aspects, concepts and features of the inventions may be described and illustrated herein as embodied in combination in the exemplary embodiments, these various aspects, concepts and features may be used in many alternative embodiments, either individually or in various combinations and sub-combinations thereof. Unless expressly excluded herein all such combinations and sub-combinations are intended to be within the scope of the present inventions. Still further, while various alternative embodiments as to the various aspects, concepts and features of the inventions—such as alternative materials, structures, configurations, methods, devices and components, alternatives as to form, fit and function, and so on—may be described herein, such descriptions are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments, whether presently known or later developed. Those skilled in the art may readily adopt one or more of the inventive aspects, concepts or features into additional embodiments and uses within the scope of the present inventions even if such embodiments are not expressly disclosed herein. Additionally, even though some features, concepts or aspects of the inventions may be described herein as being a preferred arrangement or method, such description is not intended to suggest that such feature is required or necessary unless expressly so stated. Still further, exemplary or representative values and ranges may be included to assist in understanding the present disclosure, however, such values and ranges are not to be construed in a limiting sense and are intended to be critical values or ranges only if so expressly stated. Moreover, while various aspects, features and concepts may be expressly identified herein as being inventive or forming part of an invention, such identification is not intended to be exclusive, but rather there may be inventive aspects, concepts and features that are fully described herein without being expressly identified as such or as part of a specific invention, the inventions instead being set forth in the appended claims. Descriptions of exemplary methods or processes are not limited to inclusion of all steps as being required in all cases, nor is the order that the steps are presented to be construed as required or necessary unless expressly so stated.