That's an excellent and very practical question. The short answer is yes, absolutely. Securing outdoor trash bins is a common need for preventing theft, wind displacement, or animals tipping them over, and it can be done without causing significant damage to your pavement. The key is choosing the right method for your pavement type—be it concrete, asphalt, or interlocking pavers—and using non-destructive or minimally invasive hardware.
For permanent concrete surfaces, the most secure method involves using concrete anchor bolts or sleeves. This does require drilling, but it's a small, precise hole. You use a hammer drill with a masonry bit to create pilot holes, insert the anchor, and then bolt a mounting bracket from the bin's frame to the ground. While this creates a small puncture, it's considered a professional installation and doesn't cause widespread cracking or damage if done correctly.
For asphalt, which is softer and more flexible, surface-mounted asphalt anchors or drive-in anchors are a good option. These are often large, angled spikes driven through a base plate. They penetrate the asphalt but are relatively easy to remove if needed, leaving only a small hole that can be patched.
If you want truly zero damage, consider non-destructive weights. This involves creating or purchasing a weighted base (like a concrete slab in a wooden frame) and placing the bin on it. Alternatively, you can use freestanding anchor posts that are set into a heavy concrete footing placed *next to* the pavement, then use a chain or cable to secure the bin to the post.
For areas with pavers or loose stone, the best approach is often to remove a single paver, dig a small hole, set a ground anchor or post in concrete below the frost line, and then replace the paver. The anchoring point is then accessible between pavers, leaving the visible surface completely intact.
Always check your trash bin's design; many commercial-grade models have built-in anchor points or compatible mounting kits. The goal is to balance security with preserving your pavement's integrity, and with these methods, you can confidently achieve both.