I am surprised to hear that so many people have had problems. I have had mine for at least 4 years and only one issue - the inside ring has split but we glued it and it is fine. I really think that was our fault - the bag was too heavy and we pulled on it to get it out and the ring got stuck. As far as the lid not opening - if you press the open or close button instead of just waving your hand accross it will not work (motion) until you turn it off and back on and it "re-sets" it. I learned that after I had company that pressed the button because they did not know it was a motion sensor. I have only replaced my batteries twice in 4 years. I was on here looking at them for a friend that loved mine when she came to visit me. They are much cheaper now, I paid almost $100 when I got mine.