If your wheelie bin lid keeps blowing open during storms—or worsee, if rubbish ends up all over your street—you’re not alone. Australian bins are lightweight, exposed to strong winds, and easily lifted by gusts, wildlife, and pressure changes during bad weather.
The good news? You can stop your wheelie bin lid blowing open without drilling, without padlocks, and without strapping the bin shut every week. In this guide, we’ll explain why bin lids flip open in wind, what common fixes get wrong, and the simple solution that works automatically on collection day.
Fix your wheelie bin problems permanently — add LidStop to your bin today.
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Why Wheelie Bin Lids Blow Open (The Real Reasons)
Wheelie bin lids are not designed to resist wind—they’re designed to be easy for garbage trucks to lift. Here’s why they flip open so easily:
1. Wind uplift
Bin lids act like small sails. A sideways gust pushes upward on the lid, creating lift. Even moderate wind can open an unsecured lid.
2. Lightweight design
Wheelie bins must be light enough for truck arms to lift. That means the lid has very little downward force keeping it shut.
3. Empty bins are especially vulnerable
When a bin is empty or nearly empty, there is less weight keeping it steady. With no internal pressure, lids open even more easily.
4. Wildlife interference
Cockatoos, crows and possums often test lids. Once they lift a lid even slightly, wind can push it open further.
5. Lid hinges aren’t meant for resistance
The hinge is built for free movement, not for wind protection. This is why bin lids flip open repeatedly in storms unless you add a bit of resistance.
If wildlife is part of the problem, securing the lid stops animals from opening it — more in How to Stop Birds, Possums and Wildlife Getting Into Your Wheelie Bin.
Common Fixes People Try (and Their Problems)
1. Bricks or weights
This is the classic DIY fix, but also one of the most dangerous.
Problems:
- Weights can fly off when the truck lifts the bin
- Can injure people or damage cars
- Must be removed before collection
- Doesn’t stop wildlife from lifting the lid from the side
It works—until it really doesn’t.
For a deeper weather breakdown, see How Weather Affects Your Wheelie Bin: Heat, Cold, Wind, Storms, Rain & Humidity (2025 Guide)
If your lid lifts even on calm days, our guide on Why Your Wheelie Bin Lid Doesn’t Stay Shut — And How to Fix It explains the deeper causes
2. Straps or bungee cords
Straps hold lids shut tightly, but:
Problems:
- Must be unclipped every bin day
- Very easy to forget (truck won’t empty bin)
- Can tangle or snap
- Birds sometimes learn how to bypass them
A workable option, but annoying.
3. Drilled locks or padlocks
These lock the lid tightly but introduce new issues.
Problems:
- Require drilling into the bin
- Often not allowed by councils
- Must be unlocked each week
- Garbage trucks can’t open a locked bin
Too much effort for a simple problem.
4. Doing nothing
This often leads to:
- Rubbish scattered everywhere
- Complaints from neighbours
- Wildlife spreading food scraps
- Water pooling inside the bin
- Persistent odour problems
Leaving the lid unsecured is rarely worth it.
The Simple Fix: A Gravity-Based Lid Resistance Clip
The most effective solution for most households is a gravity-based wheelie bin lid resistance clip — such as LidStop.
Instead of locking the lid tight, it adds controlled, flexible resistance.
How it works:
- Clips onto the bin handle in seconds
- When the lid lifts to ~40–45°, resistance activates
- This helps stop the lid blowing fully open in wind
- Birds or possums may lift the lid slightly, but the resistance makes it harder to open further
- On bin day, when the truck lifts the bin, LidStop flexes and the lid opens normally
- The lid is prevented from flipping past 90°, so it automatically falls closed again after emptying
This simple mechanism solves the wind, wildlife and bin-day issues all at once.
After storms, moisture can cause maggots — see How to Prevent Maggots in Your Wheelie Bin This Summer.
Why LidStop Works Better Than Other Options
✔ Resistance engages at ~40–45°
Stops wind from blowing the lid fully open while still allowing proper truck emptying.
✔ Helps reduce access from wildlife
Animals may lift the lid slightly, but the added resistance makes it harder for them to push it further.
✔ Prevents lid flipping past 90°
This is a huge advantage — the lid closes itself after emptying.
✔ Lid closes automatically after bin day
Reduces:
- Rainwater entering the bin
- Odours
- Fly and insect activity
- Wildlife interest
✔ No drilling, tools or straps needed
Clips on in seconds and can be removed with a zip tie.
✔ Safe — no falling bricks
Nothing heavy sitting on the bin.
✔ Works with 120L & 240L bins
Fits standard Australian council wheelie bins.
Step-by-Step: Installing a LidStop
- Open your bin lid slightly.
- Clip LidStop around the bin handle bar.
- Close the lid — you’ll feel light tension.
- Optional: Attach a zip tie for easy removal during deep cleaning.
That’s it. No tools. No adjustments.
When You Might Still Need Extra Measures
In extremely severe weather (cyclonic regions), you may want to:
- Turn the hinge toward the wind
- Place bins near walls or fences
- Avoid leaving bins empty
LidStop provides strong resistance but cannot counter extreme environmental forces.
FAQ
Will the garbage truck still empty the bin?
Yes. LidStop flexes naturally when the bin is lifted.
Does it fully lock the bin?
No — resistance begins at ~40–45°, not at zero degrees.
Does it stop birds and possums?
It helps reduce access by making it harder for wildlife to fully open the lid.
Does the lid close automatically after emptying?
Yes — LidStop prevents the lid from flipping backward past 90°.
Does it work on all Australian bins?
Works with standard 120L & 240L council bins.
Is it safe?
Much safer than loose weights or DIY straps.
- If your bin lid keeps lifting even on calm days, read our guide on Why Your Wheelie Bin Lid Doesn’t Stay Shut — And How to Fix It.
- If wildlife is part of the problem, see How to Stop Birds, Possums and Wildlife Getting Into Your Wheelie Bin.
- If spills and maggots appear after storms, our article on How to Prevent Maggots in Your Wheelie Bin This Summer explains how to stop it.
Simple, Safe, Automatic
If you want a solution that keeps your wheelie bin lid closed during storms, reduces access to wildlife, stops odours, and automatically closes after the bin is emptied, a gravity-based clip like LidStop is the simplest and safest choice.
Recommended Reading
- How to Stop Your Wheelie Bin Lid Blowing Open in Storms
- Why Your Wheelie Bin Lid Doesn’t Stay Shut (And How to Fix It)
- How to Prevent Wildlife, Birds & Possums From Opening Your Bin
- The 2025 Guide to Wheelie Bin Odours, Hygiene & Maggot Prevention
About LidStop
LidStop is an Australian-designed bin-lid security device that keeps your wheelie bin sealed against wind, rain, wildlife and bad smells — all while staying fully compatible with council truck lift arms. No tools, no installation, no fuss.
Explore the LidStop product
