Winter can be tough on outdoor trash cans. Freezing temperatures, snow, and ice can cause plastic to become brittle and crack, or metal to rust. Here's a natural, step-by-step guide to winterizing your bin to make it last.
First, give it a thorough clean. Hose it out and use a mild detergent to remove grime and residues. This prevents odors and stops leftover waste from freezing solid to the interior. Let it dry completely.
Next, find a good spot. If possible, move the can to a sheltered location, like against a building wall or under an eave. This provides some protection from direct wind and driving snow. If it must stay in the open, consider raising it slightly off the ground with bricks or wooden blocks to prevent it from freezing to the pavement.
Then, think about insulation. For metal cans, applying a thin coat of automotive wax can help protect against moisture and rust. For plastic bins, you can't really insulate the material itself, but you can prevent waste from sticking. Lining the can with a sturdy plastic bag is a simple trick. For extra protection in very harsh climates, some people use a bungee cord to secure the lid tightly, which helps keep out snow and freezing rain.
Finally, be mindful of what you toss in. Avoid disposing of hot ashes or large amounts of liquids, which can melt snow and then re-freeze into a solid block. Try to keep the can from becoming overfull, as a jammed lid can leave contents exposed.
A little prep in the fall saves you from dealing with a broken, stuck, or smelly trash can come spring. Just these simple, realistic actions can significantly extend the life of your urban trash can through the winter months.