Dealing with a stolen or tampered-with trash can is frustrating and costly. Fortunately, securing your bin to the ground is a straightforward DIY project that can save you money and hassle. Here are the most effective methods.
A popular and robust solution is using ground anchors. These are metal stakes designed to be driven into the earth. You simply screw or bolt the anchor into a pre-drilled hole on the side or bottom of your trash can. For plastic bins, you may need to create a reinforced mounting point with a small metal plate. Once installed, the anchor is hammered deep into the ground, making it nearly impossible to lift the can without specialized tools.
For a more permanent fix, consider creating a concrete anchor point. Dig a small hole where you want your trash can to reside. Place a heavy-duty eye bolt into the center of the hole before pouring quick-setting concrete. Once the concrete has cured, you can use a strong cable or chain to tether your trash can to the anchored eye bolt. This method is highly effective for areas with frequent high winds or determined theft.
If you have a metal post or a sturdy fence nearby, you can use a locking cable. Thread a vinyl-coated steel cable through a handle or a reinforced part of the bin and loop it around the immovable object. Secure the ends with a robust padlock. This doesn't just prevent theft; it also stops your bin from being blown over or dragged away by animals.
For a simpler, low-cost approach, you can use weight. Fill the bottom of your trash can with a layer of heavy rocks or a bag of sand before you put your trash bag in. While this won't stop a determined thief, it can deter casual tipping over or dragging.
Remember, the goal is to make stealing your trash can more trouble than it's worth. By using one of these methods, you can enjoy peace of mind and keep your property secure.