How to keep people from putting their trash on my porch late at night?

Question

I keep two large plastic trash cans on my porch that are not used until Sunday night, when I put my trash out for Monday Morning. I have found "things" in my trash cans on some nights, including spilled syrupy drinks. My trash cans are not public property. I do not want to have to haul such large cans from the back yard to the front to keep people from putting things in them, the front porch is the most convenient place to keep them. I am a small female. Do they have simple trash cans that have a place for a padlock? Also I have a problem with people just leaving pop cans and used milk shake cups on my porch as well, not always in the trash cans, as if I am responsible for throwing their trash away. I live next to apartments that rent to college students on one side. The other side is a little old lady who never leaves her house (I know she is not the culprit). My porch is right on the sidewalk, and has only thin iron railings around it. I cannot police it constantly. Help!

Answer 1

This is but one web site that advertises locking trash cans.  I'm sure there are others.

http://trashcansunlimited.com/plastic_tr...

As far as folks leaving trash on your porch, sometimes a "kindly" sign of some sort will make some people pause and consider, while others would probably place a soda can on the sign! Anyway, a friendly sign may reduce the amount of trash being left.

good luck

Answer 2

You poor thing.

I sympathise with you. short of cctv, or a rotweiler I cant think of anything.

But under no circumstanes confront those idiots...could get ugly.

Answer 3

As tacky as it might look, have you considered putting up a sign that says "Private Property" or "No Trespassing" or something like that?  I don't know how effective it would be but should at least give the kids a heads-up that your home is not part of their domain.  Short of calling the police every time you see them out there, I like the dog idea.  Get one that won't really hurt anybody, but can make a big, intimidating ruckus.