5 Ways to Cleverly Hide Outdoor Trash Cans

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You work hard to keep your backyard looking beautiful. So why let an eyesore like an outdoor trash can ruin your visual design?

Whether it's to comply with HOA regulations, increase your curb appeal, or fend off unwanted critters, there are plenty of creative DIY ways to hide outdoor trash cans. You can make backyard aesthetic improvements without sacrificing the practicality of your waste bins with these DIY outdoor living space ideas.

1. Build or Buy an Outdoor Garbage Can Enclosure

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If you're looking for garbage can storage ideas, investing in a trash can enclosure is one way to keep them hidden in style. 

If you're looking to save some money and build your own DIY outdoor garbage can enclosure, you'll need to:

1. Determine the size and location of your enclosure. Measure your trash cans to figure out the dimensions for your enclosure so you can buy the right amount of materials. You should also pick a location that's easily accessible so taking out the trash doesn't become an inconvenience. Placing it near your kitchen, for example, lets you easily transfer garbage from your kitchen trash outdoors.
2. Choose your materials. Whether you're repurposing leftover decking boards or buying new products, the material you choose will affect the longevity of your DIY trash can enclosure. Using composite materials, like leftover Trex deck boards or lattices, can help stretch the lifespan of your enclosure.
3. Prepare your foundation and fence posts. Your choice of foundation can vary from concrete to pavers, but having a flat base for your cans to sit on is essential. After determining the size of your enclosure, you can measure your fence post spacing, dig post holes, and install the fence posts that will hold up your enclosure.
4. Cut materials. Take the proper measurements for your enclosure so you don't waste materials while cutting. Compare your sections to ensure each cut piece is the same size before installing.
5. Install your boards. Once your pieces are cut and prepared, you can install them to your fence posts. Your enclosure should be properly ventilated to air out trapped heat or smells from the garbage.
6. Customize your enclosure. After your enclosure has been built, you can then customize it to fit your visual style. Stain or paint the boards to match the color scheme of your home. Adding outdoor lighting could also make it easier to access the space at night.
7. Critter-proof your trash cans. Your outdoor garbage cans will attract rodents like mice, rats, and racoons with the scent of food scraps. Consider building a lid to keep out animals or buy a racoon-proof lid lock for each trash can. Adding repellants or DIY solutions like baby powder and sand to your enclosure can also keep out pesky raccoons.

While building your own enclosure may help cut costs, it's not the right choice for everyone. You may not have the time or tools to build your own structure, or you may not feel comfortable doing it yourself. Which is why you might choose to purchase an enclosure that matches your style or hire a contractor to build one on your behalf.

2. Use Plants to Help Conceal Trash Cans

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For a more natural approach when trying to conceal garbage cans, you can use tall plants like grasses, trees, or shrubs. The key to this method is ensuring you pick plants that not only match your landscaping but also provide concealment year-round.

Picking a mix of evergreen options, like arborvitae trees and rhododendrons, will help you keep consistent coverage for a DIY way to hide trash cans during every season. Make sure to prune new trees and maintain the health of your soil to ensure you don't lose coverage soon after planting.

Adding colorful and chic planters will also elevate your trash can-hiding efforts. Include a diverse mix of colors and styles that match your landscaping to add extra flair to an otherwise unsightly area.

3. Incorporate a Trellis to Hide Garbage Cans

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Using a trellis to hide garbage cans can create a beautiful visual design that mixes natural beauty with man-made screening so you don't have to invest in major landscaping options like trees and shrubs.

Similar to trellises, lattices are panels that can support plants but also have a geometric pattern for added style. Consider using the Trex lattice for a durable and decorative approach to concealing your trash cans and incorporating natural elements into your design. Using high-quality lattice panels from brands like Trex, you can build a decorative structure that hides trash cans and elevates your landscaping.

4. Store Trash Cans in a Garage or Shed

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If you have the space available, you may want to consider storing your trash cans in the garage or in an outdoor trash storage shed. This option keeps your trash cans out of the way and removes them from your landscaping entirely. It also makes it possible to take the trash out from your bathroom or kitchen garbage cans without having to go entirely outside.

However, you will likely want to find ways to hide your trash cans once you move them indoors. Consider concealing trash cans in a bench with a hidden compartment or blending them into your space using a decorative trash can cover.

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5. Add a Partial Fence or Screen

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While it may be one of the more expensive options, adding a privacy fence or screen offers complete outdoor trash can concealment. 

When building a DIY fence to hide garbage cans, pick materials that have a mix of both durability and style, like bamboo, vinyl, or Trex composite fencing. If you already have a fence, match your new materials to your existing structure to create a cohesive look.

If you decide that a decorative screen is more your style, consider which of these materials would best fit your needs:

• Wood screens have a natural look, but require significant maintenance and wear down more easily. 
• Composite privacy screens offer a variety of size and design options that last longer and require less maintenance than natural materials.

Whichever option you choose, take both practicality and visual appeal into consideration when planning your design.

• Include an opening on one side of your design to bring your trash in and out. 
• Orient the opening to face the back of your yard so you can access your trash without guests being able to see the cans from your deck or the street. 
• Add on to your existing fence to create a trash can area using the same materials for maximized cohesion and concealment.

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