Disclosed is a trash container with a user actuated release mechanism that releases the container from the base allowing lifting of the container off the base, thereby leaving the filled trash bag disposed on the base of the trash can. The trash container of the present invention enables removal of the trash bag without requiring lifting of the filled trash bag to the top of the trash container. In this manner, the filled trash bag can be dragged or lifted slightly when being taken out to the curbside for pickup. In another embodiment of a trash container, a door panel is locked in place using a locking ring that once removed enables opening of the door panel to remove the trash bag. In this manner, the filled trash bag can be dragged or lifted slightly when being taken out to the curbside for pickup.