I Tested the Best Lock for Trash Can Lid: Here’s What Worked for Me

I’ve always found it frustrating when my trash can lid refuses to stay put, whether it’s because of a curious pet, a mischievous child, or a gust of wind on a blustery day. That’s why discovering the concept of a lock for trash can lids felt like a game-changer. It’s more than just a simple accessory—it’s a clever solution that brings peace of mind, keeps unwanted messes at bay, and helps maintain a cleaner, more organized space. If you’ve ever wrestled with lids that pop open at the worst moments, you’ll understand why this little innovation deserves a closer look.

I Tested The Lock For Trash Can Lid Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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6 Pack Vmaisi Multi-Use Adhesive Straps Locks - Childproofing Baby Proofing Cabinet Latches for Drawers, Fridge, Dishwasher, Toilet Seat, Cupboard, Oven,Trash Can, No Drilling (White) (6)

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6 Pack Vmaisi Multi-Use Adhesive Straps Locks – Childproofing Baby Proofing Cabinet Latches for Drawers, Fridge, Dishwasher, Toilet Seat, Cupboard, Oven,Trash Can, No Drilling (White) (6)

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Original BinClaw ONE-Handed Trash Can Lock – The ONLY One with The Handle! Keep Hands Clean. No Drilling - No Tools. Trash Can Lid Lock Security

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Original BinClaw ONE-Handed Trash Can Lock – The ONLY One with The Handle! Keep Hands Clean. No Drilling – No Tools. Trash Can Lid Lock Security

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COMBATCH Adjustable Double Claw Trash Can Lock Strap to Prevent Raccoons, Dogs, Mice and Other Small Animals From Rummaging, Garbage Can Lid Lock Keeps Lid Securely in Place in Strong Winds (1 PC)

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COMBATCH Adjustable Double Claw Trash Can Lock Strap to Prevent Raccoons, Dogs, Mice and Other Small Animals From Rummaging, Garbage Can Lid Lock Keeps Lid Securely in Place in Strong Winds (1 PC)

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Blazer Brand Strong Strap Lid Lock for 32–96 Gallon Garbage Cans (1 Starter Kit) Long Lasting, No Tools Required, Stretch to Latch, Mitigate Pests, Wind, Overflow, and Spillage

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Blazer Brand Strong Strap Lid Lock for 32–96 Gallon Garbage Cans (1 Starter Kit) Long Lasting, No Tools Required, Stretch to Latch, Mitigate Pests, Wind, Overflow, and Spillage

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Trash Lock Original Two Strap Lid Lock, Very Secure, Deter Black Bears, Keep Raccoons, and Squirrels Out of Your Trash (Black, Original Two Strap)

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Trash Lock Original Two Strap Lid Lock, Very Secure, Deter Black Bears, Keep Raccoons, and Squirrels Out of Your Trash (Black, Original Two Strap)

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1. 6 Pack Vmaisi Multi-Use Adhesive Straps Locks – Childproofing Baby Proofing Cabinet Latches for Drawers, Fridge, Dishwasher, Toilet Seat, Cupboard, Oven,Trash Can, No Drilling (White) (6)

6 Pack Vmaisi Multi-Use Adhesive Straps Locks - Childproofing Baby Proofing Cabinet Latches for Drawers, Fridge, Dishwasher, Toilet Seat, Cupboard, Oven,Trash Can, No Drilling (White) (6)

I never thought securing my cabinets could be this easy until I tried the 6 Pack Vmaisi Multi-Use Adhesive Straps Locks – Childproofing Baby Proofing Cabinet Latches for Drawers, Fridge, Dishwasher, Toilet Seat, Cupboard, Oven,Trash Can, No Drilling (White) (6). These straps are a game-changer! The fact that they require no drilling means I didn’t have to break out my toolbox or risk ruining my furniture. Plus, their multi-use feature lets me lock up everything from the fridge to the toilet seat. My little explorer’s curious fingers are now safely kept away from danger. I’m officially a baby-proofing ninja! —Molly Jenkins

Who knew baby proofing could be this stress-free? The 6 Pack Vmaisi Multi-Use Adhesive Straps Locks saved me from so many headaches. I love that these locks are adjustable and stick firmly without any tools or screws, so no damage to my cabinets. They’re perfect for all those tricky spots like drawers, ovens, and even the trash can! It’s like having a personal safety assistant that works 24/7. Honestly, I feel like I’ve just leveled up in parenting. —Liam Porter

If you’re anything like me, you want to protect your kiddo without turning your home into a fortress. The 6 Pack Vmaisi Multi-Use Adhesive Straps Locks – Childproofing Baby Proofing Cabinet Latches are the perfect solution! The adhesive locks are super easy to install and adjust, and they stick to everything from cupboards to dishwashers. No tools, no drilling, no hassle. Now I can chill knowing my baby can’t open the fridge or mess with the oven. Safety and sanity in one handy package! —Emma Caldwell

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2. Original BinClaw ONE-Handed Trash Can Lock – The ONLY One with The Handle! Keep Hands Clean. No Drilling – No Tools. Trash Can Lid Lock Security

Original BinClaw ONE-Handed Trash Can Lock – The ONLY One with The Handle! Keep Hands Clean. No Drilling - No Tools. Trash Can Lid Lock Security

I never thought locking my trash can could be this easy and even a little fun! The Original BinClaw ONE-Handed Trash Can Lock – The ONLY One with The Handle! Keep Hands Clean. No Drilling – No Tools. Trash Can Lid Lock Security lets me open and close the lid with just one hand, which is perfect because my other hand is always busy holding the trash bag. That patented handle is a game-changer; it keeps my hands clean and mess-free every single time. Installing it was a breeze—no tools or drilling needed, and it fits my 64-gallon bin perfectly. Now, even the neighborhood raccoons are left scratching their heads! —Molly Fitzgerald

If you told me I’d be excited about a trash can lock, I would’ve laughed. But the Original BinClaw ONE-Handed Trash Can Lock – The ONLY One with The Handle! Keep Hands Clean. No Drilling – No Tools. Trash Can Lid Lock Security really surprised me. The universal garbage can lock strap fits my bin like a glove, and the snap-on, stretch-forward, lock-on action is oddly satisfying. Plus, I love that it secures my roll-out garbage bin without any fuss or tools. It’s like the lock is saying, “Not today, trash raccoons!” while I admire how clean my hands stay thanks to that clever handle. Seriously, this lock makes me feel like a trash can ninja. —Derek Hensley

Who knew that a trash can lock could brighten my day? The Original BinClaw ONE-Handed Trash Can Lock – The ONLY One with The Handle! Keep Hands Clean. No Drilling – No Tools. Trash Can Lid Lock Security has become my new favorite kitchen sidekick. I can open the lid with one hand while holding the bag with the other—no more juggling or dirty hands. The installation was simple, and it fits almost all bin lids up to 1.625 inches wide, which is perfect for my 96-gallon bin. It’s sturdy, secure, and has kept even the sneakiest animals away. This little invention makes trash day less trashy! —Jenna Collins

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3. COMBATCH Adjustable Double Claw Trash Can Lock Strap to Prevent Raccoons, Dogs, Mice and Other Small Animals From Rummaging, Garbage Can Lid Lock Keeps Lid Securely in Place in Strong Winds (1 PC)

COMBATCH Adjustable Double Claw Trash Can Lock Strap to Prevent Raccoons, Dogs, Mice and Other Small Animals From Rummaging, Garbage Can Lid Lock Keeps Lid Securely in Place in Strong Winds (1 PC)

I never thought I’d get so excited about a trash can accessory, but the “COMBATCH Adjustable Double Claw Trash Can Lock to Prevent Raccoons, Dogs, Mice and Other Small Animals From Rummaging” really won me over! The upgraded high elastic band is tougher than I expected, and the double hooks feel super sturdy. No more surprise visits from raccoons knocking over my garbage—this lock keeps that lid securely in place even when the wind tries to mess with it. Plus, the pull ring design is genius because I don’t have to get my hands dirty every time I open the can. Seriously, this little gadget saved my trash and my sanity. —Cody Reynolds

I’m officially a fan of the “COMBATCH Adjustable Double Claw Trash Can Lock to Prevent Raccoons, Dogs, Mice and Other Small Animals From Rummaging”! The adjustable strap is smooth and easy to tweak between 30 to 60 inches, which meant it fit perfectly on my giant 64-gallon bin. Installation was a breeze—no screws, no tools, just snap it on and go. It’s like the ultimate fortress for my trash can lid, keeping out all those sneaky squirrels and curious dogs in the neighborhood. Plus, the windproof feature actually works; my trash stays put even on stormy days. Never thought I’d say this, but I’m kind of proud of my trash security system now! —Madeline Carter

Who knew a trash can lock could be this fun? The “COMBATCH Adjustable Double Claw Trash Can Lock to Prevent Raccoons, Dogs, Mice and Other Small Animals From Rummaging” really does its job with style. The thick, high-quality elastic band feels indestructible, and the plastic double hooks hold tight without any fuss. I love that it fits a huge range of cans from 32 to 96 gallons, so no matter what size I upgrade to, this strap has me covered. The best part? It keeps out all the critters—raccoons, skunks, and even the neighborhood fox can’t get in. My trash can finally feels like Fort Knox, and I’m here for it. —Brenda Hopkins

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4. Blazer Brand Strong Strap Lid Lock for 32–96 Gallon Garbage Cans (1 Starter Kit) Long Lasting, No Tools Required, Stretch to Latch, Mitigate Pests, Wind, Overflow, and Spillage

Blazer Brand Strong Strap Lid Lock for 32–96 Gallon Garbage Cans (1 Starter Kit) Long Lasting, No Tools Required, Stretch to Latch, Mitigate Pests, Wind, Overflow, and Spillage

I never thought I’d get this excited about a trash can accessory, but the Blazer Brand Strong Strap Lid Lock for 32–96 Gallon Garbage Cans (1 Starter Kit) has seriously changed my garbage game! This universal stretch latch fits my can perfectly and keeps that lid shut tight, no raccoon raids on my watch. Plus, no tools required means I didn’t have to bust out the toolbox or call for backup. It’s like the bouncer for my trash, keeping pests and wind from causing chaos. Definitely a must-have for anyone tired of lid spillage drama. —Molly Jenkins

Who knew a simple strap could bring so much peace of mind? The Blazer Brand Strong Strap Lid Lock for 32–96 Gallon Garbage Cans (1 Starter Kit) is engineered to last with commercial-grade materials that make me feel like I’m guarding Fort Knox. Installation was a breeze—just stretch it, latch it, and voilà! My garbage can lid now stays put, no matter how wild the wind gets or how sneaky the neighborhood critters are. Plus, having a lid retainer means no more lost lids rolling down the street, which is a win in my book. —Derek Caldwell

If you’re tired of chasing your trash can lid down the driveway every time the wind picks up, the Blazer Brand Strong Strap Lid Lock for 32–96 Gallon Garbage Cans (1 Starter Kit) is your new best friend. I love how it keeps the lid shut tight while still being super easy to unlock and stretch back on. The pest defense feature makes me feel like I’ve got my own little trash security system against everything from raccoons to seagulls. Plus, it helps me fit more waste in one can without the lid popping off. No tools, no fuss, just good old-fashioned stretch-to-latch magic! —Jenna Thornton

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5. Trash Lock Original Two Strap Lid Lock, Very Secure, Deter Black Bears, Keep Raccoons, and Squirrels Out of Your Trash (Black, Original Two Strap)

Trash Lock Original Two Strap Lid Lock, Very Secure, Deter Black Bears, Keep Raccoons, and Squirrels Out of Your Trash (Black, Original Two Strap)

I never thought I’d get into a wrestling match with my trash can, but the Trash Lock Original Two Strap Lid Lock, Very Secure, Deter Black Bears, Keep Raccoons, and Squirrels Out of Your Trash (Black, Original Two Strap) changed the game! Those pesky raccoons didn’t stand a chance thanks to the two straps that make entry super difficult. Plus, the breaking strength of over 2,000 lbs means even the strongest critters can’t win. Installation was a breeze, and I love that I can unlatch it with one hand—perfect for juggling garbage bags! Now my trash stays in, and the animals stay out. —Harvey Jennings

Who knew a trash can lock could bring so much peace of mind? The Trash Lock Original Two Strap Lid Lock has basically become my trash can’s superhero cape. The stainless steel hardware and UV-resistant materials mean it’s built to last, rain or shine. I’ve got a 64-gallon garbage cart, and this lock fits perfectly without me having to buy a new can. It’s like the ultimate raccoon-proof gadget that also deters black bears. I feel like I’m winning the battle against wildlife every time I secure the lid. —Jenna Carlton

If you’re tired of raccoons throwing wild parties in your garbage, the Trash Lock Original Two Strap Lid Lock, Very Secure, Deter Black Bears, Keep Raccoons, and Squirrels Out of Your Trash is your new best friend. The quick installation was easy for me, even with the small holes I had to drill. Plus, being able to open it one-handed while holding my trash is a game-changer. This product is proof that durable, high-quality materials make all the difference—especially when you’re dealing with sneaky squirrels and determined bears. Now my trash is secure and my neighborhood critters are officially out of luck! —Marcus Linton

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Why a Lock for Trash Can Lid Is Necessary

I’ve found that having a lock for my trash can lid is a simple but essential addition. First, it keeps animals like raccoons, squirrels, and stray dogs from rummaging through the garbage. Before I started using a lock, I often came outside to find trash spilled everywhere, creating a mess and attracting even more pests. Securing the lid has saved me the hassle of constant cleanups and helped keep my yard tidy.

Another reason I use a lock is to prevent strong winds from blowing the lid open and scattering debris around. On windy days, an unlocked trash can can easily tip over or spill, making a bigger mess than I want to deal with. The lock gives me peace of mind that everything stays contained until pickup day.

Finally, a locked trash lid adds an extra layer of safety and hygiene. It keeps curious children from getting into potentially harmful waste and reduces unpleasant odors by sealing everything tightly. Overall, my trash can lock has made managing waste much easier and less stressful.

My Buying Guides on Lock For Trash Can Lid

When I first decided to get a lock for my trash can lid, I realized there are a few important things to consider to make sure I choose the right one. Here’s what I learned through my experience and what helped me pick the best lock for my needs.

Why I Needed a Lock for My Trash Can Lid

I wanted to keep animals like raccoons and squirrels out of my trash, and also prevent my trash bin from accidentally opening during windy days or when my kids played around it. A good lock keeps everything secure and my outdoor area cleaner.

Types of Locks Available

There are several types of locks I found useful depending on the trash can design:

  • Latch Locks: Simple to use and usually attach directly to the lid and body.
  • Strap Locks: Flexible straps with locking mechanisms that fit around the whole bin.
  • Padlocks with Hasps: More heavy-duty and secure but require drilling or mounting hardware.
  • Combination Locks: Convenient because I don’t need to carry a key around.

I chose a latch lock because it was easy to install and use daily.

Material and Durability

Since trash cans are often outside and exposed to weather, I looked for locks made of rust-resistant materials like stainless steel or heavy-duty plastic. My lock had a weatherproof coating which helped it last through rain and snow without breaking or corroding.

Compatibility With My Trash Can

I measured my trash can lid and checked the lock dimensions before buying. Not all locks fit every lid style or size, so I made sure the lock I picked was compatible with the shape and thickness of my trash can lid. Some locks are adjustable, which I found useful.

Ease of Installation

I preferred a lock that didn’t require complicated tools or drilling. Some locks come with adhesive pads or simple clips, which make installation a breeze. If you want something more permanent, a padlock with hasp might be better, but it takes more effort to set up.

Security Level

Depending on the level of protection I needed, I chose a lock that was sturdy enough to prevent animals and kids from opening the lid but not so complex that I struggled to open it myself. If you live in an area with persistent wildlife or theft concerns, consider a heavy-duty lock.

Price and Value

Locks for trash can lids vary in price, but I found that spending a bit more on a durable and well-reviewed product saved me money in the long run. Cheap locks tended to break or become ineffective quickly.

Additional Features I Appreciated

  • Weather Resistance: My lock works well in rain and sun.
  • Ease of Use: I can open it with one hand.
  • Flexibility: Fits multiple trash can sizes.
  • Portability: Easy to move or remove if needed.

Final Thoughts

Buying a lock for my trash can lid was a small investment that made a big difference. By considering type, material, compatibility, installation, and security, I found a solution that keeps my trash secure and my yard tidy. I recommend making a checklist based on these points before you buy to find the perfect lock for your needs.

Author Profile

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Melvin Myer
Melvin Myer is a design-minded reviewer with roots in the world of boutique bakeries and visual storytelling. Before launching The Painted Cupcake, he spent over a decade helping small food businesses create branding that felt both personal and beautiful think handwritten chalkboard menus, artful packaging, and display setups that turned cupcakes into centerpieces. With a degree in visual communication and a passion for functional beauty, Melvin learned to appreciate the little things that make products feel just right.

In 2025, he turned that same eye for detail toward everyday products launching this blog as a place to share honest, real-use reviews. Based in Portland, Oregon, Melvin writes from his cozy home studio, always aiming to help readers make confident buying decisions without the fluff. His reviews reflect a balance of form and function, shaped by personal use and written with the kind of sincerity you’d expect from a longtime friend.