Living in a rural area like Oglethorpe County, Georgia comes with countless perks including peaceful surroundings, a slower pace of life, and proximity to nature. But that same nature can bring some unwanted guests: raccoons, opossums, stray dogs, and even the occasional bear rummaging through your trash. If you’ve ever woken up to find your garbage scattered across the yard, you’re not alone. Keeping critters out of your trash cans is a common challenge for many Oglethorpe County residents, but with a few smart strategies, you can win the battle.
Here is what our trash pickup service in Oglethorpe County recommends as the best ways to secure your trash cans and keep wildlife where they belong.
1. Invest in Animal-Proof Trash Cans
Start with the basics: a sturdy, animal-resistant trash can. Many standard plastic cans are no match for a determined raccoon or a strong dog. Look for heavy-duty bins with locking lids or twist-to-lock mechanisms designed specifically to deter wildlife.
Steel cans or thick plastic bins with reinforced lids tend to hold up better over time. Some brands even offer “bear-proof” models certified by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee, which are more than enough to deal with the critters common to Oglethorpe County.
2. Use Bungee Cords or Lid Straps
If you already have a decent trash can, but it lacks a locking lid, add a couple of strong bungee cords or ratchet straps to hold it shut. Loop them over the top and secure them to the handles or base. Raccoons are clever but usually not strong enough to undo well-fastened cords.
Make sure the cords are tight and secure enough to prevent the lid from opening even if the can is knocked over.
3. Avoid Putting Trash Out Too Early
One of the most effective but often overlooked strategies is simple timing. Try not to put your trash out the night before pickup, especially if you’ve thrown away food scraps or anything with a strong scent. Instead, put the cans out early the morning of pickup. This reduces the window of opportunity for critters to investigate.
If early morning isn’t convenient, consider storing the trash in a garage, shed, or secure enclosure until collection day.
4. Rinse and Double-Bag Food Waste
Critters are mostly drawn by smell, so minimizing odors can go a long way. Rinse out food containers and consider double-bagging meat scraps, bones, and anything else pungent. Freezing particularly smelly food waste until trash day is another trick that can reduce the scent trail leading animals to your bin.
5. Secure the Area Around the Trash
If your cans are kept outside all week, consider storing them in a trash can corral or enclosure. You can build a simple wooden fence around your bins, use a locked storage box, or install a chain-link kennel with a latched door. This not only keeps animals out but also helps prevent cans from tipping over in the wind.
Some residents even use motion-activated lights or sprinklers as an extra deterrent. The sudden light or splash of water can scare off nighttime scavengers.
6. Avoid Feeding Pets Outdoors
Feeding pets outdoors or leaving bowls of kibble on the porch can attract the same animals that get into your trash. Once critters associate your property with food, they’re more likely to return. Feed your pets indoors when possible and remove any leftovers immediately.
7. Community Effort Matters
In small communities like those in Oglethorpe County, a neighborhood-wide approach can make a big difference. If only one household secures their trash while others don’t, animals will simply move from yard to yard. Talk with your neighbors about critter-proofing strategies, especially if you notice a surge in nighttime visitors.
Call AAA Sanitation for Garbage Removal Services in Northeast Georgia
Keeping wildlife out of your trash in Oglethorpe County requires a mix of smart habits and secure equipment. From locking lids to changing your trash routine, a few small adjustments can save you a lot of mess and frustration. Respecting local wildlife doesn’t mean inviting them to dinner, securing your trash, and both you and the critters can live a little more peacefully.
Georgia residents have access to a range of garbage removal services tailored to their location and needs. While there are differences between urban and rural areas, by staying informed and following local guidelines, Georgians can do their part in keeping their communities clean and environmentally responsible.
Fortunately, AAA Sanitation & Garbage Removal is here to help residents in Athens, Oconee, Oglethorpe and Madison counties by ensuring timely waste management. AAA Sanitation provides reliable services tailored to your needs. We’re committed to keeping your community clean and running smoothly. Let AAA Sanitation make your trash management better by contacting us today to learn how we can support your residence or business!
AAA Sanitation & Garbage Removal
79 Business Dr Ste A
Hull, GA 30646
(706) 543-7788
https://aaasanitationco.com/
Leave A Comment