Great question! Securing trash bins to concrete is a common challenge, especially in windy areas. The good news is, there are several effective anchor types and methods.
For a permanent, heavy-duty solution, concrete anchor kits are your best bet. These typically include a steel anchor plate, a robust vinyl-coated cable, and a lock. You drill into the concrete, install a sleeve anchor or wedge anchor to hold the base plate, attach the cable to your bin, and lock it. It's very secure but requires tools and leaves a permanent hole.
A more flexible and popular option is a heavy-duty strap system. These are often made from UV-resistant polyester or nylon with a buckle or ratchet. You loop the strap around the bin, place the anchor plate on the ground, and drive large included stakes through the plate's holes into the ground next to the concrete. The strap then connects to this anchored plate. It's less invasive than drilling and allows you to move the bin for cleaning.
For a simple DIY approach on a concrete patio, you can use large sandbags or weight bags placed on the base of a strap system's anchor plate. While not as absolute, the combined weight can prevent most tipping. Some people also use bungee cords hooked to a fixed wall or fence post adjacent to the concrete pad.
The key is choosing an anchor that matches your threat level—occasional breezes versus strong storms—and your willingness to modify the concrete surface. Always ensure your bin's lid can still open fully when anchored. A little effort here saves you the hassle of chasing spilled trash down the street!