It's frustrating to come home to a tipped-over trash can with debris scattered everywhere, or worse, to find the entire bin missing. Securing your outdoor trash can doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Here are some effective, real-world strategies.
First, consider anchoring your bin. You can use bungee cords or sturdy straps to secure the can's handle to a fixed object like a fence post, deck railing, or a dedicated anchor point in the wall. For a more permanent solution, install ground anchors or a post specifically designed to hold the can in place.
Weight is your friend. Place a heavy brick, paver stone, or a bag of sand/gravel at the bottom of the empty can before inserting the bag. This lowers the center of gravity, making it much harder for wind or animals to knock it over. Some people even partially fill the bottom with concrete for a permanent weight.
Upgrade your lid. Invest in a trash can with a lockable or latchable lid. Simple carabiners, child-proof locks, or even a rope through the handles can deter casual rummaging by animals and prevent the lid from blowing open. For persistent pests like raccoons, consider a can with animal-proof locking mechanisms.
Strategic placement matters. Keep your cans in a sheltered area, like a side yard, garage, or a locked enclosure if possible. If they must be on the street, try to place them close together or against a wall to reduce their exposure to strong winds. Bringing the cans to the curb only on collection morning, rather than the night before, minimizes the window of opportunity for problems.
Finally, consider theft prevention. Engraving your house number prominently on the bin can deter casual theft. For high-theft areas, a simple cable lock threaded through the handle and around a fixed object can be enough to discourage someone from walking off with it.
By combining a few of these methods—like weighting the bin and using a bungee cord—you can significantly reduce the mess and hassle, keeping your trash secure until pickup day.