A locking belt is used with a container having an annular end portion defining a top opening and a removable cover overlying the opening. The locking belt comprises a split circular ring, generally U-shaped in cross section, having first and second ends and including an outer circumferential wall. A through opening is in the outer circumferential wall proximate the fist end. An arm extends outwardly from the outer circumferential wall proximate the second end to define a notch opening away from the second end. A lever arm has a near end and a distal end. The lever arm comprises an arcuate handle having sides proximate the near end to be received in the split circular ring and includes a tongue connected between the sides and extending outwardly from the near end. A connecting strap is provided for integrally connecting the split circular ring second end and the lever arm. The ring, the connecting strap and the lever arm are of one piece plastic construction. In use, the lever arm is threaded through the through opening so the connecting strap is received in the through opening and the tongue is received in the notch with the lever arm overlying the split circular ring at the second end to retain the cover on the container.