Why You Should Drill Holes in Your Trash Can

Updated: Oct. 07, 2020

Make taking out the trash and replacing the bag much easier by simply drilling a few holes in your trash can.

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We’ve all been there. You’re trying to quickly get the trash out and the full, heavy bag of garbage vacuum seals itself into the bin. Shifting the bag back and forth until it finally slips free can be time-consuming and quite the workout, but pulling the bag too hard will just rip it open spilling your trash all over the place. Luckily, this simple trick will stop the problem in its tracks!

holey trash can 2Family Handyman

“When a trash bag fits tightly around the rim of the trashcan, it forms a seal. This leaves a new bag bubbled up and hard to fill, and makes a full bag hard to remove. A few 1/4 in. holes drilled into my plastic trashcans solves both problems.” – Jim Manning

Now about that trash can smell… here’s how to get rid of it in 10 seconds or less.

Drilling holes into the side of the bin allows air to enter the garbage can beneath the seal of the bag making it impossible for the bag to vacuum pack itself in. You’ll be able to easily slide the full bag out of the bin and remove it from your home. Problem solved! Our friends at The Family Handyman found that a couple of 1/4 inch holes do the trick. A power drill like this one is the easiest way to achieve this, but depending on the material of your trash can, you may have to get creative. A metal trash can will require specialized tools, and maybe a professional’s assistance, just like with these DIY projects you shouldn’t try to do yourself.

The Family Handyman
Originally Published on The Family Handyman