How to keep your wheelie bin lid closed

by Craig Pryce June 26, 2020

The majority of us have a wheelie bin at home. But did you know that wheelie bins are actually way more important than you might initially think? With this in mind, it is vital to keep them in a good and safe condition.

Why do I need to keep the lid closed?

If your wheelie bin lid is open, the inside of the bin could sustain environmental damage. Firstly, the wheelie bin could be damaged by the weather, as if the lid is open, rain can get into the bin, which will leak onto rubbish. This can create an unpleasant smell for all involved.

More importantly, if your wheelie bin lid is open, rubbish can get out and impact the environment. Statistics show that 51 trillion microscopic pieces of plastic (269,000 tonnes) currently pollute the ocean.

Two-thirds of plastic comes straight from land-based sources, so when litter is left on the beach or washed down a drain or river, the chances are that it will reach the sea. By keeping your wheelie bin lid closed, you will help reduce ocean pollution by avoiding any rubbish escaping your bin.

Finally, keeping your wheelie bin lid closed will prevent vermin and animals getting into the rubbish in your bin. As well as reducing the chance of infestation, this will reduce the chance of spreading both germs and disease.

Wheelie bins with lids open, one has fallen to the ground.

How do I keep the wheelie bin lid closed?

There are different methods for keeping your wheelie bin lid closed, and some are simpler than others. Below are some methods for keeping your bin lid closed, with some pros and cons about each technique!

Wheelie bin lock

First up, we have a wheelie bin lock.

This product has more pros than cons. Firstly, it is a simple and easy lock that will keep your wheelie bin lid closed, even on a windy day. Not only does it prevent rubbish from leaving the wheelie bin, but it also discourages scavengers from trying to access waste in your bins.

Some people argue that a con of the wheelie bin lock is that you have to physically remove the lock when you put the bin out for collection.

Bin straps

Secondly, we have bin straps.

A bin strap keeps the lid of your wheelie bin sealed and secure in all kinds of weather and prevents rubbish from escaping your bin if tipped over.

Although people do not have many negative things to say about a bin strap, some have argued that the product occasionally does not stick well, and bin lids end up opening.

Bungee cords

Lastly, a few councils in the UK have suggested bungee cords to secure a wheelie bin. A bungee cord can be attached around the middle of the bin and secured to a fence, or over the lid to prevent contents from spilling.

Although this is a simple option, it is a lot of effort to tie and untie your wheelie bin constantly. As well as this, many people will not have an appropriate fence to tie the bungee cords.

Heavy rock on top of the lid

Next, we have a heavy rock on top of the wheelie bin lid.

The pro of this method is that its quick and easy. However, there are some vital cons to this method that must be discussed.

For example, having a rock on top of the lid could result in a serious injury. If the rock falls, and lands on your foot, it is not going to be good. Another negative is the lifting required when you put your bin out for collection; you will have to remove the rock and then put it back on, so it isn’t a practical solution.

Craig Pryce

With over 17 years of experience in the waste and recycling industry, Craig is passionate about making recycling easier and reducing the negative impact of litter. He has been the managing director of Wheelie Bin Solutions (WBS) since January 2016, and prides the company on his expert knowledge, top-quality products, and customer service. His proudest moment was when WBS supported the 2012 Olympic Games, working in partnership with Contenur UK to supply over 9000 bin containers to all Olympic venues. Craig is always keen to share his knowledge, so whether you need advice about the benefits of a wheelie bin lock, or ideas for alternative uses for your wheelie bin, Craig will ensure your recycling and waste disposal habits are gold medal worthy.