It's incredibly frustrating to come home to a tipped-over trash can with debris scattered across your yard. Strong winds can turn your reliable garbage bin into a neighborhood nuisance. Fortunately, preventing this is easier than you might think. Here are several effective strategies to keep your trash can grounded.
First, consider adding weight. A simple solution is to place a few heavy bricks or large rocks in the bottom of the empty can before you line it with a bag. This lowers the center of gravity, making it much harder for the wind to topple. You can also purchase sandbags designed for this purpose.
If weight isn't enough, try securing it. Use bungee cords or sturdy rope to tie the handle of your trash can to a nearby fence post, deck railing, or even a ground anchor. This physically prevents the bin from being blown away. Just ensure you can easily untie it on collection day.
Strategic placement is another key factor. Position your trash cans in a sheltered spot, like behind a wall, garage, or a row of sturdy shrubs. These structures act as a windbreak, significantly reducing the force of the gusts that hit the bin. Avoid placing them in open, exposed areas.
For a more permanent setup, consider investing in a trash can storage enclosure or a caddy with wheels that can be locked. These are specifically designed to protect bins from the elements and keep them upright. Alternatively, you can build a simple wooden frame to hold your can in place.
Finally, if you have multiple bins, stack them together or strap them to each other. A group of bins has more mass and wind resistance than a single, isolated one. By combining a few of these methods—adding weight, securing it, and placing it wisely—you can finally win the battle against the wind and keep your trash can right where it belongs.