Stop Your Trash Cans From Tipping Over In The Wind With Just One Easy Hack

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Few things are more frustrating than stepping outside on a windy day only to find your trash cans toppled over, lids flung open, and garbage scattered across the yard. Whether it's a gusty storm or just a breezy afternoon, trash cans can shift, tip, or roll right out of place (especially if they're sitting in an open area). Not only is it a hassle to clean up, but it can also invite pests and make a mess for your neighbors.

Luckily, there's an incredibly simple way to keep them steady: a basic bungee cord. This humble tool, which you may already have in your garage or utility closet, uses its stretch and tension to keep your bins right where you want them. Best of all, this trash can hack works year-round through storms, blizzards, and everything in between.

For this setup, all you'll need is a 30-inch bungee cord with hooks on both ends (or two separate bungee cords), two ¾-inch screw eyes or D-rings, a measuring tape, and a drill. It's quick, inexpensive, and doesn't require any special DIY skills, making it a practical fix for anyone tired of chasing bins down the street. For more trash can hacks, here's how to repurpose old trash cans in a variety of ways. 

Once you've gathered your tools, place your trash cans and recycling bins in a spot against a sturdy fence or wall. This will give you a stable surface to work from and help block some wind. Next, use your measuring tape to determine where you'll install the screw eyes. They should be spaced so that the bungee cord stretches slightly when hooked in place. That tension is what holds everything securely.

Drill a small pilot hole for each screw eye, then twist them in until they're snug. After that, it's as simple as hooking one end of the bungee cord to a screw eye, looping it around the trash cans, and securing it to the other screw eye. You can also attach D-rings to the side of your house and use two bungee cords per trash can. If your cans are already lined up against a fence, you can attach the hooks directly to the fence posts instead of installing screw eyes. This method is just as effective and requires even less drilling. In just a few minutes, you'll have a secure setup that keeps your trash cans in place no matter how rough the weather gets. If you don't have a wall or fence, try securing your trash can to a tree. If you have any leftover bungee cords, you can use them in other ways around your home and garden.

While this bungee cord method is quick and reliable, there are a few other smart steps you can take to keep your trash cans from tipping over. Start by making sure you never overfill them — an overflowing bin is top-heavy and easier for wind to knock down. Always keep the lid closed and secure, and if possible, place heavier bags on top of lighter ones to help weigh them down. 

If you want to go beyond a simple bungee cord, you can use heavy-duty Velcro straps for an easy-on, easy-off option. For added stability, consider storing bins in a small DIY enclosure, or build a side-by-side storage area with wood slats or lattice (which also helps hide them from view). Or, you can secure your can to a weighted magnet, such as this Generic magnetic trash can base. No matter which option you choose, securing your trash cans is a quick, inexpensive project that saves you cleanup time, keeps critters away, and ensures your neighborhood stays tidy, even on the windiest days. To elevate your property even more, here's how to hide the garbage cans on your property and up your curb appeal.