That's a great question! Dealing with a trash can that constantly tips over in the wind is a universal frustration. You want it heavy enough to stay put, but still manageable for collection day. Luckily, there are several simple and effective solutions.
One of the easiest methods is to use a bungee cord. Simply hook a long bungee cord over the lid and attach it to the handles on the sides of the can. This secures the lid tightly, preventing it from flying open and catching the wind like a sail. It's also super quick to remove on collection morning.
For a more permanent weight solution, consider adding mass to the bottom of the can. You can place a few bricks or a small cinder block inside the bin before you line it with a bag. This lowers the center of gravity, making it much harder for the wind to knock over. Just be sure to place them in a way that doesn't interfere with the bag or make it difficult to empty.
If you don't want to use internal space, you can create an external anchor. Weave a sturdy rope through the handles of the can and tie it to a nearby sturdy post, fence, or even a heavy patio stone placed on the ground. This physically tethers the can in place.
Another clever trick is to use a weight on the lid itself. An old, clean gallon jug filled with sand or water can be placed on top of the lid. For a cleaner look, you can even Velcro a small sandbag to the underside of the lid.
The key is to find a balance. Test your solution on a windy day before collection day to make sure you can still easily move the can to the curb when needed. With these simple hacks, you can say goodbye to chasing your trash can down the street