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I've always lived in fairly rural areas, but when I moved into my current home that's essentially located in the woods, I discovered just how persistent wildlife could be in getting into trash cans. I tried everything — bungee cords, chains, only putting the trash out the night before going to the dump — but these critters persevered. I would have resorted to keeping the garbage cans on my enclosed porch, were it not for fear of a determined bear coming along and simply letting himself into my home.

At last, I started experimenting with all manner of animal-proof garbage cans. Finally, I found solutions to keeping the raccoons, squirrels, rodents, neighborhood dogs, and just about everything else out.

Keeping animals out of your garbage cans can be a big task, but it's also an important one. While some of the garbage cans in this list are on the more expensive side, they're likely worth it in terms of the time and frustration they'll save you, especially if you're dealing with persistent visits from wildlife. Plus, if you have a dog who is attracted to your garbage or who might come across a spilled container before you're aware of it, then these garbage cans could save your dog from serious digestive upset and a potential emergency trip to the vet. (When you consider the cost of an emergency vet trip, these cans will pay for themselves.)

We've evaluated these garbage cans according to their design, overall performance, ease of use, and the types of animals they're built to keep out. These garbage cans are ideal for homeowners or renters who live just about anywhere. In cases like mine, they're useful for keeping all sorts of wildlife out (even bears), but they're also ideal for urban residents who are dealing with rats, raccoons, and other animals.

If you're looking for additional ways to keep animals from bothering your garbage cans, strategies such as sprinkling some ammonia on each trash bag can help to deter raccoons and dogs. Leaving your garbage cans in an area that's well-lit or with lights that are on motion sensors at night may also help.

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Our top picks for the best animal-proof garbage cans

Best overall: Toter 64-Gallon Bear-Tight Wheeled Trash Can - See at The Home Depot
The extremely strong and durable Toter 64-Gallon Bear-Tight Wheeled Trash Can is your best defense against all types of wildlife.

Best budget: United Solutions 32 Gallon Wheeled Outdoor Trash Can - See at Amazon
The United Solutions 32-Gallon Wheeled Outdoor Trash Can gives you protection against animals, at a budget price.

Best rodent-proof: Behrens 20-Gallon Metal Garbage Can - See at Ace Hardware
If rodents are chewing their way through your plastic garbage cans, the Behrens 20-Gallon Metal Garbage Can will stop them in their tracks.

Best compact: Rubbermaid Animal Stopper Trash Can - See at Rubbermaid
The Rubbermaid Animal Stopper Trash Can offers effective protection against animals without being too large or difficult to lift.

Best trash can lock: Doggy Dare Trash Can Lock - See at Amazon
The Doggy Dare Trash Can Lock can animal-proof any ordinary garbage can.

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