The present invention generally relates to locking devices for waste containers, particularly residential or commercial waste containers. The present invention also relates to a waste container having a locking device which keeps the container closed when a sudden jerking or jarring, such as ground impact, is applied on the container, but allows the container to be opened during the dumping or tipping process. The locking device contains an impact detecting paddle or rolling member to provide a mechanical impact sensor that can detect whether the container has been unintendedly tipped over in the forward direction or whether it is being tipped over, such as for dumping.