How do you cover outdoor trash cans?

Covering outdoor trash cans serves several important purposes. First and foremost, it helps contain odors and prevent pests like raccoons from getting into the trash. A covered trash can also helps keep trash dry in rainy weather. Finally, it gives a neater, more polished look to your curb or yard.

There are a few options for covering outdoor trash cans. The most common choices are trash can lids, bungee cords, and straps. You can also improvise with things like tarps or old sheets. The best option depends on your specific needs and trash can setup.

Why Cover Outdoor Trash Cans?

Here are the main reasons you may want to cover your outdoor trash containers:

Contain odors

Uncovered trash cans allow smells to freely escape. This can be unpleasant for you, your family, and your neighbors. A tight-fitting lid contains odors so they don’t spread.

Keep out pests

Raccoons, rodents, and other wildlife are attracted to the smell of trash. Covering cans prevents access and deters these unwanted pests.

Keep trash dry

If rain gets into your trash cans, it can create a smelly, dirty mess. Lids and covers keep contents dry so they don’t turn into a soggy mess.

Look neat and tidy

Covered cans have a more polished, orderly appearance than overflowing open cans. This is especially important for curbside cans.

Trash Can Lid

The most obvious solution is to use the provided trash can lid. This attaches to the top of the can and flips open when you need to throw trash away.

Advantages:

• Comes with most cans
• Fits tightly and securely
• Easy open and close
• Opens fully for large items

Disadvantages:

• Can blow open or off in wind
• Plastic may crack or warp over time
• Lid can get lost

Lids are the best all-around option for covering cans. Try weighting lids down or latching them if wind is an issue. Replace cracked or warped lids to keep odors contained.

Bungee Cords

Bungee cords (also called shock cords) are elastic cords with hooks on the ends. They can be used to firmly secure tarps and other makeshift covers.

Advantages:

• Inexpensive
• Easy to find
• Adjustable
• Can be used repeatedly

Disadvantages:

• Not as neat looking as a lid
• Must be removed entirely to put in trash
• Can wear out over time

To use a bungee cord:

1. Cut a tarp or heavy fabric slightly larger than the top of the can.
2. Place over the open top of trash can.
3. Secure all edges with bungee cords.
4. To throw trash away, unhook bungees and remove cover.

Bungees are a versatile, budget-friendly way to cover cans of any size. They work best when combined with a tarp or sheet.

Straps

Straps fasten around the can to hold covers or lids in place. They are similar to bungee cords but don’t stretch.

Advantages:

• Low cost
• Reusable
• Come in various lengths

Disadvantages:

• Need a lid or cover
• Less secure than bungees
• Can loosen over time

Nylon straps are a handy way to secure ill-fitting lids. Run the strap horizontally around the can, crossing the top center. Pull tight so the lid stays put. Straps can also hold tarps or plastic sheets in place.

Improvised Covers

If you don’t have a lid or cover on hand, you can improvise with items like:

• Tarps
• Old sheets or blankets
• Cardboard
• Wooden board
• Metal trash can lid

Use bungee cords, cargo straps, rope, or creative fastening to secure improvised covers. Make sure they are anchored tightly enough not to blow or slide off.

Improvising takes more effort but can work in a pinch. It’s also handy for unusually shaped trash receptacles.

Key Considerations

Here are some tips for choosing and using outdoor trash can covers:

• Make sure covers are larger than the can opening so they fully cover the top.
• Elasticized edges help create a tight seal to contain odors.
• Weight down light plastic or fabric covers so they don’t blow away.
• Use durable, water-resistant covers to keep contents dry.
• Secure tightly with multiple fasteners if wind is an issue.
• Replace faded, torn or warped covers when they are no longer effective.
• Consider critter-proof latches if pests are a problem.

And when in doubt, remember the simple standard trash can lid does the job nicely in most situations.

Covering Different Style Cans

Outdoor trash cans come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The best covering method depends on the specific can.

Standard Trash Barrels

These are the typical plastic or metal barrels found in most yards and at curbs. They have a round top with straight sides.

• Use the matching lid.
• Bungee a tarp or sheet if no lid.
• Anchor lightweight lids with straps or Weights.

Decorative or Square Receptacles

Decorative cans are often left uncovered as a design choice. Square recycling bins also pose a challenge.

• Use improvised covers like cardboard or wood cut to shape.
• Wrap and fasten a tarp or plastic sheeting around the top.
• Invert a matching lid from a round can. Secure with straps/bungees.

Metal Garbage Cans

These large metal cans don’t have lids. Their smooth sides can make covering difficult.

• Bungee a tarp or plastic tightly over the top rim.
• Place a wooden board across top and secure underneath with straps.
• Invert a plastic or metal lid from another can.

Dumpsters

Commercial dumpsters have hinged lids or openings on top. These can be secured closed to thwart pests.

• Use lid restraints like chains, straps, or slide bolts.
• Install a lock on the lid or door.
• For roll off dumpsters, cover opening with tarp and bungee in place.

DIY Cover Ideas

You can make your own custom covers if you want something more permanent and decorative. Here are some creative ideas to try:

Wooden Crate Lid

1. Measure the top of your trash receptacle.
2. Cut a piece of plywood to size.
3. Screw cleats around the underside edges.
4. Paint or stain the wood.
5. The cleats will fit snugly over can top.

Canvas Cover

1. Take dimensions of can top.
2. Cut canvas 6 inches wider all around.
3. Turn edges under and sew hems.
4. Attach zipper or fasteners on one side.
5. Add ties, elastic or straps to secure cover.

Framed Lid

1. Construct a four-sided frame using 1×1 boards cut to fit can top.
2. Staple weatherproof fabric or plastic sheeting tightly across frame.
3. Attach hinges and hardware to fasten to can.
4. Paint or stain frame.

Conclusion

Keeping your outdoor trash cans covered is an easy, inexpensive way to keep odors at bay, prevent pests, and maintain a tidy appearance. Standard lids are usually the simplest solution, but tarps, straps, and improvised covers also work well. And you can build creative covers suited to your own needs and home decor style.

With the variety of effective options available, there’s no reason to leave your garbage exposed. Do your home, neighborhood, and the environment a favor by covering up!

Covering Method	Pros	Cons
Trash can lid	Secure fit, comes with can, opens fully	Can blow away, warp over time
Bungee cords	Inexpensive, adjustable, reusable	Messy looking, inconvenient access
Straps	Low cost, reusable, various sizes	Need lid or cover, can loosen
Improvised covers	Use existing items, fits odd shapes	Less durable, takes more effort
DIY covers	Customized, decorative, very secure	Higher cost, time to build