That incessant banging and slamming of your outdoor trash can lid on a windy day is more than just an annoyance—it can damage the bin and create a racket for the whole neighborhood. Fortunately, you don't need to resign yourself to the noise. Here are several practical and effective ways to keep that lid securely in place.
One of the simplest and most popular methods is using a bungee cord. Stretch a heavy-duty bungee cord from one handle, over the closed lid, and hook it onto the handle on the opposite side. This applies downward pressure, holding the lid firmly shut against the wind's gusts. For a more permanent, low-profile solution, consider installing lid stabilizers or a lid lock kit. These are often sold as aftermarket accessories for specific bin models and physically prevent the lid from flipping open past a certain point.
If you prefer a DIY approach, adding weight is a great option. You can place a couple of bricks or heavy pavers inside the bin, but be sure to position them on the underside of the lid itself. You can use strong adhesive like liquid nails to secure them, or create a small fabric pouch filled with sand or pebbles and attach it to the lid's interior with zip ties. Another clever trick is to drill a small hole on each side of the lid and the corresponding bin body. Then, thread a carabiner or a sturdy zip tie through the holes to act as a simple hinge lock, preventing the lid from opening fully and catching the wind.
For a quick, no-cost fix, try repositioning your bin. Move it to a more sheltered spot, like behind a fence, a wall, or even against the side of your house or garage where it's protected from the direct force of the wind. Sometimes, the easiest solution is to simply turn the bin so the lid's hinges are facing the direction the wind is coming from, which makes it much harder for the wind to get underneath and lift it.
With these straightforward tips, you can finally enjoy a peaceful day without the distracting and disruptive sound of a slamming trash can lid.