That's a great question! Keeping your curbside or alley trash can secure in the city can be a real headache, but you don't necessarily need to spend money on a fancy new model. Here are some effective, low-cost ways to make your existing bin more secure.
First, consider simple physical restraints. A heavy-duty bungee cord or a ratchet strap hooked through the handles and under the lid's lip can deter casual rummaging by animals or people. For cans with flip lids, you can drill a small hole through the lid and the bin's rim and use a carabiner or a simple padlock to lock them together. Just remember to unlock it on collection day!
Location and weight are your allies. If possible, move your bin to a more visible spot, as darkness and seclusion invite tampering. You can also make the bin heavier and harder to tip over by placing a few bricks or a bag of sand at the bottom, underneath your trash bag.
Finally, get creative with existing features. If your bin has handles, use a bicycle lock or chain to secure it to a fence, railing, or post. For shared or public areas, clearly marking your bin with your house number can deter accidental theft or confusion with neighbors' bins.
The goal is to create enough of a deterrent that pests and opportunistic thieves move on to an easier target. With a little DIY effort, your current trash can can become much more secure.