An animal-resistant system for a profiled plastic container has a lid hinged to the container and a latch mechanism having a plurality of radially extending latching pins supported by the lid. A rotary handle actuates the latching pins radially to engage pin receiving holes at the top edge of the container. The cam actuates the latching pins radially outward against biasing to engage the top edge and when the handle is rotated, the cam releases the latching pins to be biased inwardly to release the lid for opening to an open position. Collection equipment can engage lifting bars and remotely actuate the latch mechanism through a release linkage to the cam. An internal safety release can be incorporated into the cam to disable the cam and permit the latching pins to bias to the unlatched position.