How Can You Keep Wildlife Out of Your Trash? A mischievous raccoon stands on its hind legs, its front paws reaching for the lid of a wooden trash can.

How Can You Keep Wildlife Out of Your Trash?

Managing trash isn’t just about keeping it clean and organized – it’s also about keeping local wildlife out.  We’ve seen firsthand how pesky raccoons, squirrels, and even larger animals like deer can be attracted to improperly secured trash, leading to a mess and potential health hazards. Here’s your essential guide for keeping animals away from your trash and maintaining a clean, safe space.


Why Wildlife Loves Your Trash

Wildlife is naturally drawn to garbage bins and dumpsters for easy meals. Trash bags contain food scraps and odors that are irresistible to animals, making trash bins prime targets. For those in property management or waste management, keeping animals away from trash areas is essential to avoid sanitation issues and property damage.

Tips to Keep Wildlife Out of Your Trash

1. Use Secure, Animal-Proof Bins

Invest in wildlife-proof trash bins with secure lids and locking mechanisms. These are designed to prevent animals from accessing the trash, keeping odors inside and reducing the chances of a mess. For extra security, consider heavy-duty metal bins, which are more difficult for animals to tip over.

2. Double-Bag Trash with Strong, Scent-Sealing Bags

Using strong, high-quality trash bags reduces the risk of animals tearing through them. Scent-sealing bags are especially effective because they trap odors, making it harder for animals to sniff out food. For property managers or trash services, double-bagging trash in scent-sealed bags can make a big difference.

3. Schedule Regular Trash Pickup

Trash pickup is a vital part of keeping wildlife away. By scheduling regular pickups with a reliable waste management service, you’ll reduce the amount of time trash is exposed to animals. For property management companies, coordinating with a local trash service for consistent pickup times helps prevent animals from scavenging in bins that sit outside for too long.

4. Rinse Recyclables and Food Containers

Rinsing out food containers before disposing of them in the trash will minimize odors that attract wildlife. Even small amounts of residue can be enough to lure animals, so rinsing is a simple step that keeps odors low and wildlife uninterested.

5. Avoid Putting Trash Out Overnight

If possible, wait until the morning of pickup to place trash outside. Many animals, including raccoons and possums, are most active at night. By putting trash out during the day, you’ll reduce the likelihood of nighttime visitors raiding your bins.

6. Keep Trash Enclosures Clean and Clear

For property management teams, maintaining clean trash enclosures or dedicated areas for bins is essential. Make sure these areas are free of any food remnants, and regularly wash bins to minimize odor buildup. A clean, orderly trash area is less attractive to wildlife.

7. Use Natural Repellents Around Trash Areas

Some smells, like peppermint oil or vinegar, are known to repel animals. Spraying these natural repellents around your trash areas can help deter animals without causing harm. Another simple trick is to place citrus peels around bins, as many animals find the scent unpleasant.

Benefits of Keeping Wildlife Out of Trash for Homeowners and Property Managers

Keeping wildlife away from trash doesn’t just make cleanup easier – it also benefits your property, community, and local environment:

  • Protects property: Animals can damage bins, lids, and enclosures, leading to costly repairs for property owners and managers.
  • Reduces health risks: Wildlife can carry diseases and bacteria. Keeping them out of trash areas minimizes contamination risks.
  • Improves aesthetics: Trash scattered by animals can be an eyesore. Preventing wildlife intrusion keeps properties cleaner and more appealing.

Conclusion

Managing trash with wildlife in mind takes a bit of planning, but the benefits are well worth it. By investing in secure bins, using odor-control methods, and scheduling regular pickups, you’ll keep your property safe, clean, and free of unwanted visitors. 

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