Australian birds are clever. Crows, cockatoos and Australian white ibis (aka bin chickens) quickly learn how to flip or wedge open a wheelie bin lid to raid food scraps, leaving torn bags, scattered rubbish, smells and insects behind.
This guide shows you how to stop birds opening bins for good - without straps, drilling or removing anything on bin day.
Why Birds Keep Getting Into Your Bin
1. Easy food reward: Once a bird scores once, it returns and tells its flock.
2. Overfilled bins: A bulging bag can hold the lid ajar just enough for a beak or claw.
What Stops Birds Getting Into Your Wheelie Bin
1. Set and Forget Gravity Lock
What it is: A flexible arm that lets the lid open to ~90° for emptying, then auto-recloses.
Pros: No drilling, no removal on bin day, re-seals itself after pickup, and helps in wind and rain.
Cons: Needs to fit a standard bin handle (most 120/140/240 litre council bins are compatible).
2. Straps or Bungees
What it is: A strap that opens with a metal clip style hook
Pros: Inexpensive, easy to find.
Cons: Must be screwed into the wheelie bin. Doesn't automatically allow the bin lid to open - you have to remember to unclip this on collection day.
3. Drilled latches and locks
What it is: A seatbelt style strap that requires drilling into the bin lid and body to secure. It opens via a plastic clip.
Pros: Easy to unclip
Cons: Requires drilling (can cause leaks and weak points), you have to remember to unclip on rubbish collection day, the top part of the strap can dangle into the rubbish bin as you open the lid and get dirty/smelly.
4. Heavy Objects on the Lid
What it is: Put weight on top to keep the lid down.
Pros: Simple, no install.
Cons: Unsafe if it falls or gets knocked off. Cockatoos have learned to push bricks off bin lids, and come collection day, what do you do with the brick? There is a risk it could go into the garbage truck, or worse, come flying off the bin lid and hit something (or someone) nearby.
The Bottom Line
Birds exploit any lid gap. A self-reclosing, set-and-forget solution keeps the lid sealed before and after collection, so beaks and claws can’t pry in.
The fast fix: a set-and-forget gravity lock
Attach once, and you’re done. The lid opens normally for you and the collection truck, then automatically swings shut - so crows, cockatoos and ibis can’t wedge it back open later. It also helps keep rain out, reduces smells, and contains rubbish if the bin is knocked over.
Extra prevention that helps (with or without a lock)
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Contain the smell: Double-bag meat/fish scraps; freeze the worst offenders until bin day.
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Rinse and dry: A quick rinse after collection, then air-dry with lid open, reduces odours that attract flies and birds.
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Kerbside timing: Put bins out as late as practical on collection day to minimise “scavenge time.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common bin birds in Australia?
Crows, cockatoos and Australian white ibis are the most common bin birds. Crows and cockatoos are strong and dexterous, able to lift or wedge lids. Ibis (often called bin chickens) patrol public areas and quickly learn which bins have gaps or loose bags.
How do I stop birds opening bin lids?
Seal the lid before and after collection. A gravity-lock lets the lid open to around 90° for emptying, then auto-closes so birds can’t wedge it back up. Combine this with tied bags and sensible fill levels to remove easy rewards.
How do I stop birds pecking bin bags?
Keep bags inside a closed bin with no gap in the lid. Tie bags tightly, double-bag anything smelly, and avoid leaving loose bags beside the bin. A self-reclosing lid device prevents birds from getting their beaks on plastic in the first place.
Are cockatoos scavengers?
Sulphur-crested cockatoos are intelligent opportunists, you could call them scavengers! They learn from each other, work latches with beaks and feet, and will revisit any bin that paid off. Deny access by keeping the lid sealed without creating a new chore on bin day.
How do I stop crows from getting into garbage?
Remove the gap they use. Fit a set-and-forget gravity-lock so the lid shuts itself after collection, and keep contents tidy: tightly tied bags, rinsed containers, and no overfill. Crows give up when there’s no easy entry and no strong smell.
Ready to bird-proof your bin?
Get LidStop and keep crows, cockatoos, and bin chickens out - without fiddly straps or drilling.