Wind Proof your Garbage Cans

Wind Proofing your Garbage Cans

Let's face it, wind is a natural enemy when trying to keep order among your trash cans. Lids become awesome little wind catchers and seem to fly like airplanes quite often becoming your neighbors new yard ornament. The great news is that with some simple tricks, you can quickly gain the upper hand and stop the 52 bottle pickup after every wind storm.

Keeping Lids where they belong...on the can

This is the most important thing you can do.  Even if the wind blows your can across the street, your garbage will stay put as long as your lid is secure. Since every can is a little different we will cover the most common types.

Toter Style Cans

Toters - Typically 40 - 95 Gallons

These are great cans that are naturally wind and pest resistant and much easier to move around. They have a fixed lid on the rear and are incredibly easy to secure.   

The best way is to drill a small hole through the bar on the front and through the front of the lid. Run a bungee cord through the rod and squeeze closed and then bend the other end of the bungee to make a little square hook and secure to the hole in the lid. This is also easy for garbage companies like County Trash to use.

You can also run a cord from the rod over the lid to the back handle.  This usually requires looping the cord back to itself and typically does not hold as well especially if the can is overfull or the can takes a big hit from falling over.

Medium Cans - Typically 45 Gallons

These cans are easier on the budget but are bit top heavy and easy to knock over in the wind. The lids sort of lock by the handle(s) gripping a groove in the lid. These handles over time tend to lose their grip though or bounce out when the can squeezes from falling.

To secure, either run a bungee from handle to handle over the top or in the case of the can in the picture, from the handle to a small hole drilled into the front of the can.

Small Cans - Typically 30 Gallons

These cans are simple, small, and lightweight.  The only issue in windy cities is their ease of flying away.  The other caution is in cold climates, the plastic handles can break or crack very easy.

The best way to secure these is to run a bungee from the main part of the handle (where you grip it) over the lid to the other handle. The grip part of the handle is significantly stronger than the edges and easier to hook to. 

Keeping your cans Upright and in one spot

This is always the next question I typically get and again their are several possibilities depending on your landscape, fencing and building skills.

The easiest is to bungee your can to a an existing fence near the pickup location.  Rope also works well if you can loop one side and bungee it to remove slack.  The key is making sure it is quick and easy to remove for your Garbage Collector.

Another solution is always a mailbox or tree that can be tied up to.   Some folks use a simple steel T post to secure to or a large rock or brick on top.

The most complex but also most secure is building a rectangular holding pen for your garbage cans. To do so, partner with a local store like Wal-Mart to secure a 2' x 4' wood pallet.  Attach four 2x4 uprights approximately 2-3' in length (use your can style to judge) to the sides.  Run support 2x4s across the top of the back, right and left sides leaving the front open.  To secure the front, run either a rope or chain across the front using a hook one side.  You can then decorate your structure with cedar slats, more 2x4's or diamond paneling to spruce it up.

Remember to partner with your local trash collector on all of these ideas to ensure they will work with you for your solution.  The folks at County Trash in Sheridan, Wyoming would prefer to find a good solution rather than having your trash and recycling cans over at your neighbors house!