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Top 3 Raccoon Proof Trash Can Options and DYI

Finding a raccoon proof trash can be a pain in the you know what. Finding one that actually works is even harder. There are only a couple on the market that claim to keep raccoons out of the trash but most fall short. Raccoons are smart little critters and always seem to find a way to get into the trash.

We are going to cover the best raccoon proof trash cans along with DYI instructions for those of you that would like to make your own.

Raccoon Proof Trash Can

As you probably already know, just having locking handles doesn’t make a trash can animal proof. Pets like raccoons are very smart and can open those handles with ease. You need another way to lock the lid down so animals can’t get into your garbage. Here are the options:

  1. Raccoon Proof Trash Can with Locking Handle StrapsThe first raccoon proof trash can is the “The Animal Stopper” by Rubbermaid. This is a 32 gallon outdoor trash can that locks with a device built in to keep the handles locked tightly. It is a pretty basic looking garbage can so it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb. The customer reviews seem to point out that this device seems to work well in most areas. You can read all the customer reviews by clicking on the above photo. The price is very attractive and is the same or maybe even cheaper than regular outdoor garbage cans. If you are looking for something tougher and want a bear proof trash can as well, check out the next choice.
  2. Bear Proof Trash Can with Locking LidNext is the larger Toter animal proof trash can. This can is offered in 64 and 96 gallon options and also has the lift bar for trash companies that use the garbage truck to lift the can to empty it. Besides this trash can keeping out raccoons, it is also a bear proof trash can with the lid locking tight. The customer reviews on this raccoon proof trash can are very good. But, with the garbage can being larger in size and keeping out larger animals like bears, expect a larger price tag. You can see all the customer reviews here.
  3. TuffBoxx Grizzly raccon and bear proof gabage binOur last choice for a raccoon proof garbage can is a trash bin or some call an outdoor trash box. These come in handy if you keep your trash cans in the garage but raccoons always do the break in when the trash is put out at the curb. An outdoor trash bin is not portable and is made to be kept out by the street. The trash company opens it and removes the bags. You can also expect a large price tag on these but depending on where you live, are worth every penny. It is a one time purchase that should last many, many years. It will defiantly keep the raccoons and bears out of your garbage. You can check out all the options at Amazon here.

How Raccoons Get Into You Trash

Before getting into raccoon proof trash cans DYI, I wanted to show just how smart raccoons are. If you have ever watched one, you will notice this. You will see their actions be very thought out and always knowing what is going on around them. I’m sure you have seen the mover the The Great Outdoors. That scene with the raccoons is priceless. Check out the video below and then we move on to raccoon proof trash can DYI.

DYI Raccoon Proof Trash Can

If the above options are not what you are looking for, you may find that adding a part to your existing garbage can may be better in your situation. This is good if you are trying to keep raccoons out of your garbage but not so much bears. The goal here is to make your own raccoon proof trash can.

Needed Parts

  • Your outdoor garbage can
  • Lid locking straps or stainless steel bin straps
  • Drill and drill bits

Steps for DYI Raccoon Proof Trash Can

  1. Use your drill and drill bit sized from instructions, drill two holes in the lid of your trash can.
  2. Using a Philips screw driver bit, attach the strap to your trash can lid.
  3. Take the strap you just attached, measure length don the side of your trash can and mark the didtsance with a pencil.
  4. Retrieve the receiver clips from your parts. Using your drill, attach the clip to the of your trash can.
  5. Repeat step 4 on the other side of your garbage can.
  6. Snap in the connections from the strap into the receivers.
  7. Pull on straps to make tight.

You now have a raccoon proof trash can by DYI.

Below is a photo of what the locking lid strap option would look like:

DYI Raccoon Proof Trash Can