How to Keep Raccoons Out of a Trash Can

Last Updated: October 8, 2022 References

The results of a nocturnal raccoon raid on a trash can are often quite devastating: smelly trash strewn all over a lawn, an unsightly and unsanitary mess. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can employ to keep these devious creatures from having their way with your waste.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Physical Barriers

1
Weigh down your lid. For an easy solution, simply place a heavy rock or cinder block on top of your lid. Just make sure everyone who needs access to the can is strong enough to lift it (besides raccoons, of course)!
2
Pick a locking metal trash can. A flimsy or loose can won’t stand up to a cunning raccoon. Choose a metal trash can with a locking lid. While some plastic cans can lock, raccoons are often able to chew through plastic.^{[1]
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3
Install an extra lock (or two). Attaching clamps, a chain-and-padlock combo, bungee cords, or specially designed garbage-lid straps are all good strategies to keep your lid secure from intruders. Don’t hesitate to use multiple locking mechanisms.^{[2]
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4
Seal each trash bag. Tightly sealing trash bags before putting them in your can will help prevent tempting scents from escaping. If a trash bag contains an especially smelly item--such as a piece of meat--try sealing it with an extra bag.
5
Secure your can upright with stakes. Oftentimes, raccoons open trash cans by tipping them and spilling their contents. Tie the handles of your trash can to a metal or wooden stake secured in the ground to keep raccoons from tipping them over.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Chemical Deterrents

1
Sprinkle a raccoon repellent around your trash cans. Specifically designed commercial repellents can ward off raccoons from even entering the vicinity of your can.
- Try granular products such as Havahart Critter Ridder, or liquids such as Just Scentsational synthetic wolf urine. ^{[3]
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- Avoid using naphthalene (the active ingredient in mothballs), as it has been identified as a possible carcinogen by the EPA. ^{[4]
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2
Use ammonia. Ammonia smells like raccoon urine, making it a highly offensive--and highly effective--repellent. Try spraying ammonia or placing ammonia-soaked cloths in and around your trash can. Additionally, you can spray other areas of your property where raccoons seem to congregate to discourage them from entering your yard in the first place.^{[5]
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3
Use natural raccoon-repellant spices and oils. Racoons hate the smell of many commonly available spices and oils, including mint, cayenne pepper, and oil of mustard. Try spraying or sprinkling any (or all) of these items in and around your can for additional protection.^{[6]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Altering Your Trash's Location

1
Put your bin behind closed doors. Keeping your trash cans in a shed, garage, basement or other enclosure will surely prevent overnight pillages; racoons simply cannot open doors. If you need to leave trash out for pickup, wait until the morning to remove your cans from their haven; raccoons tend only to strike at night.^{[7]
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The Humane Society of the United States
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2
Turn up the radio. Keeping a radio on constantly around your cans will help deter raccoons. The noise of human voices (such as though from a news or talk station) will scare off the furry burglars. Try a low volume at first, and turn it up if your raccoon problems persist.^{[8]
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3
Turn on the lights. Install motion-detection lighting around the area where you keep your trash cans. Raccoons prefer darkness and might be deterred by a sudden bright light. For an easier solution, simply install a strand of blinking Christmas lights over the trashcan.^{[9]
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4
Bolster your fences. If you have a fenced yard, consider adding mesh wire to the bottom of the fence and extending it several inches underground to deter raccoons from burrowing under and getting to your trash cans.

EXPERT TIP

Hussam Bin Break
Pest Control Professional
Hussam Bin Break is a Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator and Operations Manager. He and his brother Hussam co-founded Diagno Pest Control in the greater Philadelphia area in 2018, and have since expanded their services to include the New Jersey market. Diagno Pest Control has received Home Advisor's Top Rated and Elite Service Badges for quality of work and customer service.

Hussam Bin Break
Pest Control Professional

The best method to deter raccoons is exclusion. Most states don't allow people to catch raccoons because they might be carrying rabies. Instead, you can use different methods to prevent the raccoons from getting near or into your house or trash cans.

Warnings

If you have outdoor pets, avoid leaving their food and water out overnight, as these might attract raccoons to your yard.

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Do not attempt to trap or snare raccoons yourself. These animals can become ferocious and might even carry rabies. Always contact a professional wildlife control company to handle animal entrapment.

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