Rat-proof and Raccoon-proof Magnetically Sealed Trash Can

I was tired of cleaning up mess spilled across my driveway when critters managed to get into the trash can and rummaged through for food.

In addition to a drill, the critical thing this project needs is a set of high power magnets which are coated in plastic or rubber. The coating is needed to keep them from chipping when they slam into each other. Typical neodymium-iron-boron magnets are very brittle and won't survive regular bashing. Ideally the magnets are countersunk on one side so that they can sit against each other flush.

KJ magnets has a great set: https://www.kjmagnetics.com/proddetail.asp?prod=BCC4DCSPC-BLK

Other needed gear are some bolts with shoulders that'll fit into the countersinking, matched nuts, and some washer to distribute the load a little better across the plastic. Finally a marker to identify where to drill holes.

And a trash bin that has a flip-over lid.

Evenly space and mark where you want the magnets to go.

Drill holes through the top of the trash can all the way through to the edge on the other

A couple of pointers:

1. You want the magnets to touch each other, so place them appropriately
2. Use the countersunk bolts to allow the magnet to have a flat surface to meet
3. Use the washers to distribute the load of the nut so you don't distort the plastic of the trash can
4. Make sure you get the polarity correct – you want the magnets to stick to each other, not repel

Stick something smelly and tasty into your bin and see if critters get in.

I took particular joy in seeing attempts to get in with scratch and claw marks around the edges.