Dealing with a constantly tipping trash bin is a universal frustration, especially on windy days. If your outdoor garbage can lives on a concrete surface like a driveway or patio, securing it is key to preventing messes and lost bins. Fortunately, you have several effective options, ranging from simple DIY fixes to more permanent installations.
One of the simplest solutions is to add weight to the bin itself. You can place a heavy paver stone or a bag of sand at the bottom of the can, underneath the trash bag. This lowers the center of gravity, making it much harder for the wind to knock it over. For a more contained solution, consider building or buying a weighted base that the bin sits on.
For a semi-permanent hold, you can use a bungee cord or heavy-duty strap. Loop the cord through the bin's handles and then around a sturdy, stationary object nearby, like a deck post or a fence railing. This allows you to easily remove the bin for collection while keeping it anchored the rest of the time.
If you're comfortable with tools and want a truly permanent solution, direct concrete anchoring is the way to go. You can purchase a metal anchor strap or a specialized bracket designed for trash cans. Using a hammer drill and concrete screws or anchors, you securely fasten the bracket to the concrete. The bin then sits within this bracket, locked firmly in place against even the strongest gusts.
Finally, the market offers commercial products like ground anchors or freestanding weighted bases. A ground anchor is driven into the ground (or a crack in the concrete) next to the bin, and a cable or strap connects the anchor to the can. These are often very effective and require minimal DIY skill.
The best method for you depends on your needs. For quick and easy security, go with a weighted base or a bungee cord. For a set-it-and-forget-it solution on your own property, a concrete-mounted bracket is unbeatable. With your bin finally secured, you can say goodbye to chasing trash cans down the street.