We've all been there – you wake up after a blustery night to find your trash cans have taken a tour of the neighborhood. Not only is it a nuisance to chase them down, but spilled garbage creates a huge mess. The good news is that preventing this is easier than you might think. Here are some simple, effective strategies to keep your bins upright and secure, even on the windiest days.
One of the most straightforward solutions is to add weight. A heavy object placed inside or on top of the can lowers its center of gravity, making it much harder for the wind to topple. For a quick fix, you can place a heavy brick or a large rock in the bottom of the trash bag before you tie it up. Alternatively, you can purchase commercial trash can weights that hook onto the rim of the bin. These are designed specifically for this purpose and are easy to put on and take off.
If you have a fence, deck railing, or a sturdy post, use it to your advantage. You can tether your trash cans to these solid structures using a bungee cord or a sturdy rope. Simply loop the cord through the handle of the trash can and secure it tightly to the anchor point. This method physically prevents the can from being blown away. Just be sure the cord is tight enough to restrict movement but has a little give to prevent damage.
Where you place your bins matters immensely. Avoid open, exposed areas where the wind can hit them head-on. Instead, try to position them in a sheltered spot. Good locations include the leeward side of your house, garage, or a sturdy shed. Even placing them close to a wall or in a corner can dramatically reduce their exposure to strong gusts. If you store them against a fence, make sure it's a solid one, as a slatted fence won't offer much protection.
For a more permanent and discreet solution, consider building or buying a trash can enclosure. These structures, often made of wood or plastic, are designed to house your bins, shielding them from the wind and hiding them from view. Some even come with locking lids for added security. If you're handy, a simple three-sided enclosure from lattice or fencing panels can be a great weekend project that solves the problem for good.
When it's time to buy new cans, look for models designed for stability. Some outdoor trash cans feature a low, wide profile that is inherently less tippy than tall, narrow ones. Others may have reinforced bases or built-in anchor points for straps. While they might be a bit more of an investment upfront, a well-designed bin can save you from countless clean-ups in the long run.
By combining a few of these methods—like placing a weighted brick inside a bin that's also tucked into a sheltered corner—you can create a nearly foolproof system. No single solution works for everyone, so experiment to find what keeps your specific bins securely in place. With a little effort, you can say goodbye to chasing runaway trash cans for good.