Effing Raccoons
2 parter:
Toter with the attached lid and
keep the cans away from decks, trees, or anything they can get leverage on to push the can over.
We love our Rubbermaid Animal Stopper cans with lids that lock on (sort of a built in bungee). If the lids are closed properly we have no problems. Once they were closed incorrectly (bungee engaged, but locking handle not) and the raccoons tried and failed to get in.
1. Metal trash can with metal lid
2. These TrashGard velcro lid fasteners: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B008PQK6NM/
Unfortunately, I think some of the substitute trash collectors didn't know how to unstrap them, so they tore them off or cut them, making them unusable. However, after using them for a while, the raccoons couldn't get the can to open, and stopped coming. So then we were able to just use a bungee cord (see #3).
3. Bungee cord from one side handle-to- side handle, passing through the lid top handle to prevent lid from coming off if can is knocked over.
Years ago my dad put several large rocks in the bottom of our trash can. They're still in there, and though I see a raccoon out back nearly every night, the can remains unmolested. It does slightly reduce the volume available for trash bags though.
Have you tried Mint-X or another brand of rodent repellent trash bags (Wal-Mart has their own brand, less $$)?
We found that despite having a very secure lid (we have Rubbermaid), the raccoons would eventually tip the trash can over, and the lid would sometimes come off. Our solution was to build a small stand that the trash can sits in (we used 2x4s), making it virtually impossible to tip over the can. Since we did that, we've had no more trouble with raccoons getting into the garbage.
What worked for us (when still in NJ). Toter 32 gallon cans with 4 ft bungee (looped from lift bar to hinge and back).
Anyone have luck with special garbage cans or the like to keep these #%^*!!! raccoons out of our garbage cans? Morning garbage cleanup routine getting old.