Outdoor garbage cans are undoubtedly the most convenient solution for waste disposal. Thanks to them, you don’t have to deal with the stench of trash or disgusting garbage goop in your house.
Choosing the right garbage can, such as the best outdoor trash can with a lid and wheels, is the first step toward preventing odor, pests, and wind-related issues.
Moreover, you can easily dispose of all the junk, as it’s just a few steps from your front door. However, it can get messy if you fail to keep your outdoor garbage can secured.
Such a mess causes problems for you, your environment, and your neighbors. Risky trash cans will spread foul stink while attracting rodents and various animals.
Therefore, ensuring that your garbage can is properly sealed and not susceptible to issues like the wind is imperative. Let’s explore how you can do all of that.
Understanding What Makes a Garbage Can Vulnerable
Before delving into the methods of securing your garbage can, it can be useful to understand what makes a garbage can vulnerable. Since it’s placed outdoors, there are numerous possibilities. It could be an animal, improper placement of the trash can, or environmental factors such as a flood or, most notably, the wind.
Any rodent, bird, or even larger animal can be attracted to your trash can if you dispose of edible items. They will likely knock it over once they approach the trash can, resulting in a major mess.
The same situation can arise if you position your trash can inappropriately. Placing the trash can too close to the main road can make it susceptible to being knocked over.
For instance, if your trash can is placed at the corner of the footpath and a vehicle comes too close to the road’s edge, there is a high chance it will collide with your trash can. Similarly, if the can is on a slope, even a slight gust of wind can cause it to roll over and spill all the trash.
This brings us to the most crucial factor: the wind. In my experience, wind is a major reason behind most damage. Depending on the amount of trash inside, anything from a storm to a gentle breeze can topple your trash can.
That’s why securing an outdoor garbage can in windy conditions is essential. By implementing specific strategies, you can safeguard the trash not only from the wind but also from other environmental disasters, such as tipping over on uneven ground.
The big question is: how can you achieve all of that? How can you ensure that your garbage can is still secure even in windy situations? Well, the next part precisely addresses just that.
5 Ways of Keeping Your Outdoor Garbage Can Secure
You don’t have to do much to keep your garbage can standing and sealed up, but you must execute these few things efficiently. While you are in the process of securing the outdoor garbage can, keep in mind that it is the wind that causes most of the trouble.
The following tips will prevent your trash can from flying in the wind while keeping it safe from other factors that can push it over.
Method 1: Anchor your garbage can
One of the most effective ways to secure an outdoor garbage can is by anchoring it to the ground. This is most effective in windy situations and if there’s an overflow of water due to excessive rain or flooding.
Anchoring the trash can is a no-brainer. You must use sturdy anchoring materials such as long screws or metal stakes. Start by positioning the garbage can in the proper position.
Then, drive the screws or stakes through the bottom of the can right into the ground. This will provide stability and prevent the can from tipping over or being blown away by a storm.
If you feel this is too much of a hassle, don’t hesitate to call a professional to get it done for you.
Alternatively, you can keep the garbage steady with weight. Lay a bunch of bricks or dumbbells at the bottom of your trash can, and it should be ‘immovable.’
However, if you apply this method, you have to ensure never to dispose of the garbage directly into the garbage can. As your trash can is now immovable, it’ll be impossible to scrape out all the junk.
Instead, always use a trash bag. This way, you can pull out the trash bag and dispose of it properly, sealed.
Method 2: Reinforce the garbage can
You can reinforce your garbage can’s structural components to enhance the stability of the garbage can. For this, the first thing you have to check is the lid and the hinges. See if there are any signs of damage or wear.
Tighten all the loose screws or, if needed, replace the damaged parts entirely. You can also consider using bungee cords or straps to strictly secure the lid in place. For added protection, consider models with lockable, hinged, or snug-fit lids—they’re designed to stay sealed even during strong gusts. This will prevent the lid from moving due to strong wind gusts, keeping the contents securely contained.
Method 3: Strategically placing the garbage can
As already mentioned, the positioning of your garbage can is a crucial factor when it comes to the matter of security. You have to choose the right spot for the trash can, and this spot is where there is less exposure to windy conditions.
Keep the trash can in a sheltered area, such as against a wall or near a building. These structures can minimize the impact of strong winds. You can also utilize natural windbreaks like fences, shrubs, or trees to provide additional protection. You can also check out our guide on hiding trash cans for creative ideas on blending enclosures into your landscape.
Overall, just make sure the trash can isn’t standing in an open space more susceptible to high wind gusts. Also, don’t place the trash can in congested areas where there’s a chance of water overflowing in case of heavy rain.
Method 4: Use specialized products
Many specialized products are available in the market that can help you secure your outdoor garbage can in windy situations. My favorite is the garbage can enclosures. These tools can provide an extra layer of protection by safely enclosing the cans within a sturdy structure.
These enclosures are generally made of durable metal or heavy-duty plastic. However, these do not prevent your trash can from tripping over.
Wind-resistant garbage can liners are another reliable option. These are designed to withstand strong winds and prevent trash from escaping. The best thing about these liners is their affordable price.
Finally, I recommend anti-tipping devices. These add stability to the garbage can. This is the most widely effective product. Not only does it keep your trash can standing even during rough winds, but it’s also useful if any animal tries to push over the trash can.
However, you can use things lying in your home if you don’t want to buy anything. For example, you can tie up the garbage can to a pole with a chain or a rope. You just have to ensure the pole is sturdy and the wire, chain, rope, or whatever you use is robust.
Method 5: Perform regular maintenance and inspection
Believe me, when I say this, regular maintenance and proper inspections are more effective.
Don’t worry. It’s not as difficult as it sounds. You just have to keep the anchoring systems in check for signs of wear or looseness. If you notice any loose connections, just tighten them up. However, in the case of damaged parts, replace them as soon as possible.
You should also regularly monitor the surrounding area for potential risks, such as overhanging branches or loose objects. Remove any such things to prevent damage.
Most importantly, regularly dispose of your trash. As trash is the root of your problem, getting rid of it regularly is the ultimate solution. Do not keep the trash can full overnight; empty it as often as possible.
And that’s all you have to do. I know you can apply all these methods as none are hard or complicated. So, get to it and have your trash securely contained.
My Last Few Words
You want to avoid cleaning up the mess a tripped-over garbage can creates. This is why it’s crucial to secure your outdoor garbage can. It’s not only the wind but many things that can damage your trash can and cause an environmental hazard.
Fortunately, suppose you have read the entire article. In that case, you are now familiar with the 5 methods that will reduce the risks related to unsecured cans.
Anchoring, using advanced components, strategic placements, using specialized products, and keeping your trash under regular maintenance keep you free from all the worries. This ensures a more secure and tidy outdoor environment for you and your neighborhood.
So, if you are worried about the safety of your outdoor trash (which you should be), implement these strategies and protect your property, prevent pest infestation, and, most importantly, prevent diseases. This way, you’ll be contributing to a cleaner and safer community!
