How to Keep Raccoons Out of the Trash

If you’ve ever walked outside in the morning to find your trash cans tipped over, bags torn open, and last night’s leftovers scattered across the driveway, you’re not alone. Raccoons are incredibly clever, surprisingly strong, and always on the lookout for an easy meal — which makes your trash cans one of their favorite targets.

While raccoons are a normal part of the local ecosystem, frequent visits can lead to property messes, lingering odors, and even potential health concerns. The good news? With the right prevention steps, you can keep raccoons out of your garbage and reclaim your yard.

As a family-owned company focused on safe and effective residential pest control, Specter Pest Control helps homeowners keep nuisance wildlife away from their homes year-round. Below, we’re sharing the same strategies we give our customers to stop raccoons from treating your trash cans like a buffet.

Why Raccoons Target Your Trash in the First Place

Raccoons aren’t just mischievous — they’re opportunistic. A trash can full of food scraps, packaging, and scents is like a neon sign inviting them in. Here’s why raccoons love garbage so much:

• Strong sense of smell: Raccoons can detect food odors from surprisingly far away.
• Dexterous paws: They can pry, lift, twist, and manipulate lids much better than most wildlife.
• Nighttime habits: Their nocturnal schedule gives them the “cover of darkness” to rummage freely.
• Urban adaptation: Raccoons easily adjust to residential environments, making neighborhoods ideal for scavenging.

Understanding their motivation helps you outsmart them — and that’s exactly what the following tips will do.

1. Use Sturdy, Animal-Resistant Trash Cans

Not all trash cans are created equal. Flimsy lids or lightweight containers are an open invitation to raccoons.

Look for trash cans that offer:

• Locking or latch-style lids
• Thick, durable plastic or metal construction
• Handles that secure tightly
• A design tested for wildlife resistance

While these bins may cost more up front, they pay off by saving you time, cleanup, and repeat raccoon visits.

2. Secure Trash Can Lids Properly

Even the best trash can won’t help if the lid is loose.

A few homeowner-friendly ways to secure your lids include:

• Bungee cords
• Ratchet straps
• Built-in latches
• Clamps or locking mechanisms

Just remember: raccoons are problem solvers. Choose a method that actually locks the lid down, not just weighs it down.

3. Store Trash Indoors Until Pickup Day

If possible, keep garbage in:

• A garage
• A shed
• A sealed outdoor storage box

Raccoons are far less likely to bother trash that isn’t accessible overnight. Even storing bags inside until the morning of pickup can make a big difference.

4. Reduce Food Odors in Your Trash

Minimizing the smell coming from your garbage makes it far less appealing.

Simple odor-reducing tips include:

• Double-bag especially smelly food waste
• Freeze meat scraps until the night before pickup
• Rinse recyclable containers before tossing them
• Use scented liners or baking soda to neutralize odors

When your trash doesn’t smell like dinner, raccoons won’t stop by to investigate.

5. Keep the Area Around Your Trash Cans Clean

Even small bits of food around your bins can attract wildlife. Make it a habit to:

• Sweep or hose down the area regularly
• Clean up spills quickly
• Avoid leaving pet food outdoors
• Keep grills cleaned and covered

A clean environment gives raccoons less incentive to hang around your home.

6. Light Up the Space at Night

Raccoons prefer darkness. A well-lit yard can help discourage them from approaching.

Consider installing:

• Motion-activated lights
• Solar pathway lighting near bins
• A bright fixture near your trash storage area

Lighting won’t stop raccoons entirely, but it often nudges them to choose an easier yard.

7. Eliminate Other Attractants Around Your Property

Sometimes the trash isn’t the only thing drawing raccoons in.

Check your yard for:

• Fallen fruit from trees
• Open compost piles
• Bird feeders spilling seed
• Pet food left outdoors
• Leaky outdoor faucets (which provide water sources)

The fewer resources raccoons find, the quicker they’ll move on.

8. Know When It’s Time to Call a Professional

If raccoons keep returning no matter what you do — or if you’re worried they may be nesting under your deck, in your attic, or near your home — it may be time to call in a professional.

Specter Pest Control offers safe, modern wildlife control solutions that protect your home without putting your family or pets at risk. We can assess your yard, identify raccoon access points, and implement exclusion strategies that keep nuisance wildlife out for good.

Professional help can prevent:

• Damage to siding, shingles, or insulation
• Unwanted nesting or denning
• Repeat scavenging behavior
• Potential exposure to droppings or parasites

A quick inspection from a trusted expert gives you peace of mind — and keeps raccoons from making your property part of their nightly routine.

Final Thoughts: You Can Keep Raccoons Out of Your Trash

Raccoons may be persistent, but with a few simple adjustments, homeowners can effectively protect their trash — and their peace of mind. Strong containers, secured lids, odor control, and cleaned surroundings go a long way in keeping wildlife from turning your bins upside down.

If you ever feel stuck or suspect raccoons are spending a little too much time around your home, Specter Pest Control is here to help. Our team specializes in safe, effective wildlife prevention and exclusion for local homeowners.

Schedule your home inspection today and get fast help from your trusted pest pros.