Tossing items in the trash is easy enough, but a common nuisance often arises. As the bin fills, the weight of the garbage pulls on the bag, causing the drawstring to slip off the rim and disappear into the can. At that point, you may have no choice but to reach into the slimy bin…
A Solution You’ll Be Hooked On
The drawstring on a garbage bag is essential for keeping it secure. To make it work, however, you need something to hook the loops onto. This is where adhesive hooks come in; they can be affixed to the sides of the bin for additional support.
When we say adhesive hooks, we mean products like Command hooks, which feature a sticky backing that adheres to most surfaces. Attach two hooks to opposite sides of the bin’s exterior, making sure they’re upside down so the “hook” part faces the floor. If they face upward, the drawstring won’t catch. Place the hooks about a third or a quarter of the way down from the top of the garbage bin and secure them firmly so they don’t slide off.
The next time you replace a garbage bag, start by putting it in the bin as usual. Loop the loose ends of the drawstrings — without pulling them tight — around the adhesive hooks to hold the bag firmly in place and prevent it from sliding into the bin. If you’re a visual learner, here’s an example of what that looks like.
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Note that this hack works best with narrower bins — like those found in kitchens — where the bag is slightly larger than the bin. It’s most effective in setups with extra space around the sides, such as pull-out models. It may not work as well with freestanding bins, where the walls typically sit too close to allow enough room for the adhesive hooks.
When the bag is full, removal is simple: Just unhook the loops, tie up the bag, and take it to the curb or the garbage chute. Best of all, the adhesive hooks will be ready and waiting for the next garbage bag.
