Don't Let Your Trash Blow Away!

It’s happened to most—if not all—of us here in Wyoming. You put the recycling bin out and a gust of wind either flips the lid or knocks the whole container over. Suddenly, you’ve got garbage confetti all over your driveway. Worst party ever.

But the City of Cheyenne’s Sanitation Department has good news for residents: recycling bin latches are available for purchase, giving homeowners an easy way to keep lids shut and loose materials contained on windy days.

Why just for recycling bins?

Because that’s where the mess really starts. Recycling is typically loose—cardboard, paper, plastics—so when the wind hits, it doesn’t just tip the bin, it sends everything inside it flying. The City’s latch system is designed specifically for those containers, helping keep lids closed and materials contained when Wyoming weather does its thing.

And while it might be tempting to DIY a solution—bungee cords, bricks, or whatever you’ve got in the garage—the City actually discourages homemade fixes. They can interfere with collection, damage the bins, or even create safety issues for sanitation crews. The approved latches are designed to work with the trucks, so everything still gets picked up smoothly.

If you’re interested in getting one, recycling bin latches are available through the City of Cheyenne’s Sanitation Division for $9.97. Residents can contact the department directly or stop by to purchase, and they’ll make sure you get the right fit for your container.