What's the best way to secure a trashcan in a very windy location?

Let me be honest with you—when the wind starts howling, I feel like a panicked sentry standing guard over my poor, plastic trashcan. I’ve seen it roll down the street like a rebellious tumbleweed, scattering coffee grounds and banana peels across the neighbor’s lawn. It’s humiliating. So after countless battles and a few bruised knuckles, I’ve discovered the best ways to keep my trashcan grounded when the wind wants to steal it.

First, weight is your armor. I bought a simple sandbag or two and drape them over the lid or stuff them into a pocket made from an old bungee cord harness. Another trick: fill the bottom of the can with a few bricks or heavy stones (wrap them in a bag to keep them clean). The extra pounds act like an anchor, making it nearly impossible for the wind to tip it over.

Second, ground anchors are life-changing. I installed a simple metal stake system (like those used for tents or sheds) that loops onto the handles of the can. You drive the stake into the ground and attach a short rope or bungee with a clip. Now when the wind roars, my can just sways and groans, but it stays put, like a stubborn old dog refusing to leave its spot.

Third, placement is a secret weapon. I moved my can against the side of the house or inside a fence corner, where the wind hits less directly. If you have a shed or a large planter, tuck the can there. Even parking it between two heavy objects—like a sturdy table and a wall—breaks the wind’s momentum.

Fourth, the lid is the first to surrender. So I replaced my standard lid with a locking one, or I use a bungee cord that hooks from one handle, over the lid, to the opposite handle. Some people even drill a small hole in the lid and handle, then thread a carabiner through. The lid stays shut, meaning no airborne banana peels.

Finally, the old-school technique: a cinder block on top of the closed lid. Yes, it’s ugly—but it works so beautifully. Wind hates heavy rectangles.

In short: weigh it down, stake it in, shelter it, lock the lid, and don’t be afraid to get a little MacGyver-ish. Your trashcan will thank you, your neighbors will applaud, and the wind will have to find a less determined opponent.