Last week’s wind storm left a lot of us cleaning up debris, checking for damage, and, for many, wondering where our trash cans went. If your bin disappeared during the storm, you’re not alone. High winds can send empty bins tumbling blocks away. The good news is that most of them turn up with a little detective work.

Where Did It Go?

Strong winds can carry a lightweight bin surprisingly far. After a storm like this one, missing cans are commonly found:

• In neighboring yards or driveways
• Against fences, hedges, or the sides of houses
• Blocks away, in the direction the wind was blowing
• In ditches, drainage areas, or wooded lots

Step 1: Check With Your Neighbors

Take a walk around your block and ask the neighbors. Your bin may have landed in their yard, or they may have already picked it up to keep it from blowing farther.

Tip: If you find a bin that isn’t yours, let your neighbor know. They may be searching too!

Step 2: Still Can’t Find It? Call Our Work Order Line

If you’ve checked with your neighbors and your trash can still hasn’t turned up, we’re here to help. Call our work order line and we’ll start a request to get you taken care of.

Call our work order line at 907.753.1023, Option #1

Because of the storm, we may be receiving more calls than usual. Thank you in advance for your patience.

Protecting Your Bin From the Next Storm

• Label your bin. Write your address on a piece of blue painter’s tape and stick it on the side of the bin so it’s easy to identify if it ends up elsewhere.
• Store it in your garage. Residents are required to store trash cans in the garage, which also keeps them safe from high winds. Please don’t leave bins outside, even when a storm isn’t in the forecast.
• Bring it in promptly. Return your bin to the garage right after collection so it isn’t sitting at the curb when the weather turns.

Thank You, Neighbors

Storms are never fun, but they tend to bring out the best in a community. Check with your neighbors first, and if your bin is still missing, call our work order line and we’ll take it from there.