That's a great question about a common urban maintenance challenge. Anchoring a trash can on brick pavement requires a balance of security, accessibility, and respect for the historic or aesthetic value of the surface. Here’s a practical, step-by-step approach I'd recommend based on common practices.
First, assess the situation. Identify the type of trash can (commercial steel bin, public litter basket) and the brick pavement. Are the bricks set in sand, or are they mortared? Mortared joints provide a more stable base for anchoring. The goal is to prevent theft, wind tipping, and vandalism while allowing authorized personnel to empty and service the bin.
The most reliable method is using surface-mounted anchors with tamper-proof hardware. You'll need a heavy-duty anchor kit, often called a "bollard" or "litter bin anchor kit." These typically include a steel ground plate with pre-drilled holes and specialized security bolts (like shear-head bolts that break off when tightened, requiring a special tool to remove).
Here’s the basic process:
1. Positioning: Place the empty trash can where it needs to be secured. Mark the anchor plate's hole locations on the brick or, preferably, the mortar joint.
2. Drilling: Using a hammer drill with a masonry bit, carefully drill holes at the marked spots. The bit size must match your anchor sleeves. Drilling into a mortar joint is often easier and less damaging to the bricks themselves.
3. Inserting Anchors: Place the anchor sleeves (often made of lead or plastic) into the drilled holes. For maximum hold in sandy bases, you may need to use a two-part epoxy resin anchor adhesive injected into the hole before inserting the sleeve.
4. Securing the Plate: Align the ground plate over the sleeves. Insert the security bolts through the plate and into the anchors. Tighten them down firmly until the shear heads snap off, leaving a smooth, tamper-resistant head.
5. Attaching the Bin: Finally, secure the trash can to the fixed ground plate using the provided locking chains, brackets, or bolts. Many public bins have welded mounting points for this purpose.
Key Considerations:
* Accessibility: Ensure the anchoring method doesn't interfere with the bin's removal for emptying. Hinged anchors or quick-release locks (for authorized staff) are ideal.
* Minimal Damage: Using the mortar joints for drilling preserves the bricks and makes future repairs or relocation simpler.
* Hardware Choice: Always opt for corrosion-resistant, vandal-proof hardware. Stainless steel or galvanized shear bolts and heavy-duty chains are best for long-term outdoor use.
For a less permanent but quicker solution on sand-set bricks, you might consider a weighted base plate that the bin bolts onto, adding significant mass to prevent tipping. However, for true security against theft in urban settings, direct mechanical anchoring into the ground is the recommended standard. It deters opportunistic removal and keeps public spaces tidy and functional.