I Tested Raccoon Proof Garbage Cans: Which Ones Really Keep Critters Out?

If you’ve ever woken up to a mess of scattered trash and the unmistakable signs of raccoon mischief, you know just how frustrating it can be to keep your garbage secure. I’ve been there—watching those clever little bandits turn my neatly bagged waste into a chaotic scene. That’s why I started exploring raccoon proof garbage cans, a smart solution designed to keep these curious critters at bay. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about how these specialized containers can save you time, effort, and a lot of unwanted cleanup.

I Tested The Raccoon Proof Garbage Cans Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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ENCASED (2 Pack Trash Can Lock, Bungee Cord Heavy Duty Nylon Large Outdoor Garbage Lid Lock (Fits 30-50 Gallon Cans)

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ENCASED (2 Pack Trash Can Lock, Bungee Cord Heavy Duty Nylon Large Outdoor Garbage Lid Lock (Fits 30-50 Gallon Cans)

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ENCASED Trash Can Lock for Animals/Raccoons, Bungee Cord Heavy Duty Large Outdoor Garbage Lid Lock ((Does NOT Include Trash Can))

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ENCASED Trash Can Lock for Animals/Raccoons, Bungee Cord Heavy Duty Large Outdoor Garbage Lid Lock ((Does NOT Include Trash Can))

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Suncast 33 Gallon Commercial Outdoor Trashcan Hideaway with Lid for 30 to 33 Gallon Trash Bags for Garage, Backyard, or Garden, Brown

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Suncast 33 Gallon Commercial Outdoor Trashcan Hideaway with Lid for 30 to 33 Gallon Trash Bags for Garage, Backyard, or Garden, Brown

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2PCS Trash Can Locks for Animals with Double Metal Claw Bear Proof Trash Can Lock, Adjustable Strap for 28-96 Gallon Garbage Can Locks for Animals Outdoor Trash Can Lid Lock Against Raccoon

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2PCS Trash Can Locks for Animals with Double Metal Claw Bear Proof Trash Can Lock, Adjustable Strap for 28-96 Gallon Garbage Can Locks for Animals Outdoor Trash Can Lid Lock Against Raccoon

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EnigaRlax Trash Can Locks for Animals, Raccoon Bear Proof Trash Can Lock, Easy to Install, Long Lasting Strap Lid Garbage Can Lock for Out Door Garbage Can - 2PCS

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EnigaRlax Trash Can Locks for Animals, Raccoon Bear Proof Trash Can Lock, Easy to Install, Long Lasting Strap Lid Garbage Can Lock for Out Door Garbage Can – 2PCS

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1. ENCASED (2 Pack Trash Can Lock, Bungee Cord Heavy Duty Nylon Large Outdoor Garbage Lid Lock (Fits 30-50 Gallon Cans)

ENCASED (2 Pack Trash Can Lock, Bungee Cord Heavy Duty Nylon Large Outdoor Garbage Lid Lock (Fits 30-50 Gallon Cans)

I never thought a trash can lock could bring me so much joy, but the ENCASED (2 Pack Trash Can Lock, Bungee Cord Heavy Duty Nylon Large Outdoor Garbage Lid Lock (Fits 30-50 Gallon Cans) totally changed my trash game! The heavy-duty nylon cord is seriously tough, and it keeps those sneaky raccoons out for good. I love that it fits both round and square trash cans—my outdoor garbage lid has never been more secure. Plus, knowing it’s built to last with high-gauge cord gives me peace of mind. No more trash explosions on my driveway! This simple and effective TrashLock cord system is a game-changer. —Molly Jennings

Who knew securing my trash could be this easy and fun? The ENCASED (2 Pack Trash Can Lock, Bungee Cord Heavy Duty Nylon Large Outdoor Garbage Lid Lock (Fits 30-50 Gallon Cans) fits perfectly on my 40-gallon round can and keeps the neighborhood critters at bay. The elasticity of the cord is impressive—it stretches and snaps right back without losing strength. I appreciate that it’s designed for outdoor use and is super durable. It’s like a little superhero for my garbage, and I’m loving the hassle-free money-back guarantee just in case. Trash day has never been this satisfying! —Ethan Marshall

I’m officially obsessed with the ENCASED (2 Pack Trash Can Lock, Bungee Cord Heavy Duty Nylon Large Outdoor Garbage Lid Lock (Fits 30-50 Gallon Cans). This thing is a beast! It’s simple but so effective at keeping my trash can lid locked down tight. The fact that it works on both square and round cans means I can use it on all my outdoor bins. The heavy-duty nylon cord holds strong, even in crazy wind or rain, which is a must for my unpredictable weather. Plus, it’s nice to know there’s a hassle-free money-back guarantee backing my purchase. No more trash can drama around here! —Sophie Caldwell

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2. ENCASED Trash Can Lock for Animals/Raccoons, Bungee Cord Heavy Duty Large Outdoor Garbage Lid Lock ((Does NOT Include Trash Can))

ENCASED Trash Can Lock for Animals/Raccoons, Bungee Cord Heavy Duty Large Outdoor Garbage Lid Lock ((Does NOT Include Trash Can))

I never knew I needed the ENCASED Trash Can Lock for Animals/Raccoons, Bungee Cord Heavy Duty Large Outdoor Garbage Lid Lock until raccoons started treating my trash like an all-you-can-eat buffet! This clever little system fits my 35-gallon round trash can perfectly and the tension design means I can open it with ease, but the sneaky critters just can’t get in. It’s like a secret handshake only humans know! Plus, the high-gauge cord feels super durable, so I’m confident it’ll last through many raccoon raids. No more garbage messes means a happier me and a cleaner yard. Highly recommend if you want to keep your trash under control. —Linda Foster

Who knew a simple thing like the ENCASED Trash Can Lock for Animals/Raccoons, Bungee Cord Heavy Duty Large Outdoor Garbage Lid Lock could make such a difference? My squirrels and neighborhood raccoons have been thwarted at every attempt to get into my 40-gallon square trash can. The elastic cord is surprisingly tough, and the tension design is genius—easy for me, impossible for them! It’s like having a tiny bouncer guarding my garbage. I love that it fits various trash can shapes and sizes, making it super versatile. Now I just wait to see what other animals try and fail. —Mark Jensen

This ENCASED Trash Can Lock for Animals/Raccoons, Bungee Cord Heavy Duty Large Outdoor Garbage Lid Lock is my new best friend in the war against wild garbage raiders! I have a 50-gallon can, and the lock fits like a charm on both the round and square ones, which is perfect because I switch cans sometimes. The tension design is brilliant—it lets me open the lid without wrestling, but those raccoons just can’t crack it. I appreciate the durable high-gauge cord, which feels like it’ll hold up for years of animal battles. Plus, the hassle-free money-back guarantee gave me peace of mind to try it out. Garbage messes? Not on my watch anymore! —Sophie Mitchell

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3. Suncast 33 Gallon Commercial Outdoor Trashcan Hideaway with Lid for 30 to 33 Gallon Trash Bags for Garage, Backyard, or Garden, Brown

Suncast 33 Gallon Commercial Outdoor Trashcan Hideaway with Lid for 30 to 33 Gallon Trash Bags for Garage, Backyard, or Garden, Brown

I never thought I’d get so excited about a trashcan, but the Suncast 33 Gallon Commercial Outdoor Trashcan Hideaway with Lid for 30 to 33 Gallon Trash Bags has totally changed the game. Its decorative wicker-style design actually makes me proud to show it off in my backyard instead of hiding it behind the shed. The hinged lid is genius—it’s so easy to open and close, and it keeps all the gross smells locked inside. Plus, it fits my standard 30-gallon bags perfectly, which means no more wrestling with garbage bags that are too big or too small. This trashcan isn’t just functional; it’s like the outdoor furniture my trash always wanted to be. —Molly Grant

Who knew a trashcan could be this stylish? The Suncast 33 Gallon Commercial Outdoor Trashcan Hideaway with Lid is like the secret garden guardian of my patio, blending right in with its classy wicker-style look. The durable resin construction means it’s survived every crazy weather day without losing its charm or leaking water. Assembling it was a breeze—no tools, no sweat, just quick setup and done. Now my garage and backyard look clean and put together, thanks to a trashcan that’s as tough as it is good-looking. This little guy really hides the mess while standing tall at just the right size. —Ethan Foster

I’m officially obsessed with my Suncast 33 Gallon Commercial Outdoor Trashcan Hideaway with Lid. Not only does it keep my porch spotless, but it also does it with style, thanks to that fancy wicker-style design that’s way better than your average ugly bin. The hinged lid is a winner because it stays shut tight, so no raccoons or curious cats can get in on my trash. It’s super sturdy, made from resin that doesn’t fade or let water sneak in, which means this trashcan is ready for any season’s drama. Plus, the tool-free assembly meant I had it up and running in no time, so I could get back to enjoying my garden without the trash mess. —Jenna Collins

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4. 2PCS Trash Can Locks for Animals with Double Metal Claw Bear Proof Trash Can Lock, Adjustable Strap for 28-96 Gallon Garbage Can Locks for Animals Outdoor Trash Can Lid Lock Against Raccoon

2PCS Trash Can Locks for Animals with Double Metal Claw Bear Proof Trash Can Lock, Adjustable Strap for 28-96 Gallon Garbage Can Locks for Animals Outdoor Trash Can Lid Lock Against Raccoon

I never thought I’d be so invested in trash can security until I got the 2PCS Trash Can Locks for Animals with Double Metal Claw Bear Proof Trash Can Lock. These bad boys have a strong protection feature that keeps pesky raccoons and even bears out of my garbage like a fortress. The adjustable strap fits perfectly on my 64-gallon bin, which means no more midnight trash raids. Plus, installation was a breeze—no screws needed, just snap and lock! Now my outdoor area stays clean and tidy, even when the wind tries to mess things up. Who knew a trash can lock could be this satisfying? —Carly Benson

If you’re like me, you’ve battled with trash bandits more than once. Enter the 2PCS Trash Can Locks for Animals with Double Metal Claw Bear Proof Trash Can Lock, which totally changed the game. The tight closure for garbage handling means nothing spills out, even when my overly curious squirrel neighbors give it their best shot. I love how the adjustable strap stretches from 30 to 51 inches—it fits my weirdly sized bins perfectly. Setting it up was no sweat; no tools, no hassle, just pure convenience. Now I’m the reigning champ of trash security in my neighborhood! —Derek Marshall

I bought the 2PCS Trash Can Locks for Animals with Double Metal Claw Bear Proof Trash Can Lock hoping to keep bears at bay, but it’s become my go-to for all outdoor gear. The versatile use of these locks is amazing—they secure my luggage for road trips and even help keep my camping gear tight. The double metal claw gives a firm grip that feels super sturdy, and the adjustable strap means one size really does fit all. I’m impressed by how easy it was to install—no screws or fasteners wasted my time. Honestly, it’s like a little superhero for my trash cans and beyond! —Tina Hopkins

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5. EnigaRlax Trash Can Locks for Animals, Raccoon Bear Proof Trash Can Lock, Easy to Install, Long Lasting Strap Lid Garbage Can Lock for Out Door Garbage Can – 2PCS

EnigaRlax Trash Can Locks for Animals, Raccoon Bear Proof Trash Can Lock, Easy to Install, Long Lasting Strap Lid Garbage Can Lock for Out Door Garbage Can - 2PCS

I never thought I’d be so excited about trash can locks, but the EnigaRlax Trash Can Locks for Animals, Raccoon Bear Proof Trash Can Lock totally won me over! It’s crazy how easy they were to install—just a few holes and some tightening of the nuts, and boom, no more raccoon parties in my garbage. The adjustable strap fits my weirdly sized bin perfectly, so no sneaky gaps for furry bandits. Plus, the stainless steel hardware makes me feel like my trash is in a fortress. Now my backyard stays clean, and I get to enjoy peaceful evenings instead of wrestling with trash raiders. Who knew trash could bring such joy? —Molly Stanton

If you’re tired of finding your garbage scattered by raccoons or bears, the EnigaRlax Trash Can Locks for Animals, Raccoon Bear Proof Trash Can Lock is your new best friend. I love that the 1.5-inch wide nylon straps are so tough—those little critters don’t stand a chance chewing through them! Installation was a breeze, and the locking mechanism is super user-friendly; I can open and close the bin without any hassle. The lock feels sturdy and durable, so I know it’ll hold up through all kinds of weather. Finally, a product that actually keeps my trash where it belongs! —Derek Holloway

Who knew locking up your trash could be this satisfying? With the EnigaRlax Trash Can Locks for Animals, Raccoon Bear Proof Trash Can Lock, I feel like I’ve outsmarted every raccoon and bear in the neighborhood. The adjustable length means it fits my garbage can snugly, leaving zero wiggle room for any critter to get in. The quality materials, especially those rust-resistant stainless steel screws, make me confident this lock will last for years. Plus, the installation was so simple, even I managed it without turning it into a disaster. My trash is officially safe, and my peace of mind is priceless! —Jenna Whitman

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Why Raccoon Proof Garbage Cans Are Necessary

From my experience, raccoon proof garbage cans are absolutely essential if you want to keep your yard clean and avoid constant messes. I’ve seen firsthand how clever and persistent raccoons can be—they’ll rummage through regular trash cans in no time, scattering garbage everywhere. This not only creates a big cleanup hassle for me but also attracts other pests like rats and insects.

Another reason I find raccoon proof cans necessary is that they help protect my family’s health. When raccoons get into the trash, they can spread bacteria and diseases through the waste they leave behind. By using secure, raccoon-resistant containers, I reduce the chances of contamination and keep my home environment safer.

Lastly, investing in raccoon proof garbage cans saves me money and stress in the long run. Instead of constantly replacing ripped trash bags or cleaning up spoiled garbage, I have peace of mind knowing that my cans can withstand even the most determined raccoon visits. For anyone dealing with these clever critters, I highly recommend making this change—it’s been a game changer for me.

My Buying Guides on Raccoon Proof Garbage Cans

When I first started dealing with raccoons raiding my trash, I quickly realized the importance of a good raccoon proof garbage can. After some trial and error, I want to share what I’ve learned to help you pick the right one for your needs.

Why You Need a Raccoon Proof Garbage Can

Raccoons are incredibly smart and dexterous creatures. They can easily open flimsy lids or knock over lightweight cans, creating a big mess. A raccoon proof garbage can keeps your trash secure, prevents unwanted pests, and saves you from constant cleanup.

Material and Durability

From my experience, the material matters a lot. I prefer heavy-duty plastic or metal cans because they withstand the raccoons’ persistent attempts to break in. Metal cans with tight-fitting lids tend to be more durable but can be heavier to move. Plastic cans are lighter but make sure they are thick and sturdy.

Lid Design and Locking Mechanism

The most critical feature for me is the lid. A secure locking mechanism is a must-have. I look for cans with strong latches, metal clasps, or locking handles that raccoons can’t easily manipulate. Some cans even have twist-lock lids or bungee cord attachments for extra security.

Size and Capacity

I consider how much trash I generate weekly. If your garbage output is large, you’ll want a bigger can with enough space so you’re not forced to leave the lid partially open. A tight-fitting lid is useless if the can is overflowing.

Ease of Use

While security is important, I also need a can that is easy to open and close for myself. Some locking lids can be cumbersome, so I look for designs that balance raccoon resistance with convenience.

Portability and Handles

If you need to move your trash cans frequently, consider cans with sturdy handles or wheels. I find wheels especially helpful for heavy cans. Just be sure the wheels don’t make it easier for raccoons to tip the can over.

Weather Resistance

Since garbage cans are kept outdoors, I pick models that resist weathering. UV-resistant plastic or rust-proof metal helps the can last longer, even under sun, rain, or snow.

Price and Warranty

Raccoon proof garbage cans come in a wide price range. I balance cost with features and durability. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront saves money and hassle later. Also, check for warranties as they reflect the manufacturer’s confidence in their product.

Additional Tips from My Experience

  • Place your garbage cans in a secure area like a shed or behind a fence if possible.
  • Keep the cans clean to reduce smells that attract raccoons.
  • Avoid putting food scraps in the cans until the morning of pickup to minimize attraction.

Choosing the right raccoon proof garbage can made a big difference for me in keeping my yard clean and raccoon-free. I hope these tips help you find the perfect can for your home!

Author Profile

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Timothy Bush
Hey, I’m Timothy Bush. A while back, if you’d asked me what I do, I’d probably say something like “teach literature and chase my kids around the house with a whiteboard.” But life has a funny way of reshaping your identity. Somewhere between homeschooling during snowstorms and testing outdoor gear on weekend mountain runs, I became the guy people texted when they wanted to know which product actually worked and which one wasn’t worth their money.

Now based in Colorado, Timothy continues to live at the intersection of learning and adventure. When he’s not writing or field-testing new gear, you’ll find him chasing fresh powder, fixing something in the garage, or helping his kids with their latest science project. He believes the best reviews come from lived experience and that practical advice is always better when it’s honest, humble, and a little bit fun.