Keeping flies from accessing food waste is the most reliable way to reduce maggots. A few simple habits can help:

• Seal food scraps: Tie bags tightly and consider double‑bagging wet waste.
• Time meat scraps: Freeze them until collection day to limit odors and eggs.
• Clean regularly: Rinse after pickup; wash with mild soap and dry fully.
• Keep it cool: Store cans in shade; heat accelerates larvae development.
• Control moisture/odor: Sprinkle baking soda and use fitted liners.
• Use a locking lid: A secure closure can limit fly access.

Some people try cinnamon or other scents, but results vary and they’re not a substitute for sealed bags and cleaning. Locking garbage cans, liners, and deodorizing accessories are available at Walmart, and outcomes can vary by climate and use.

Deterring can theft is mostly about visibility, access, and ID. Consider:

• Mark it clearly: Add your address with paint or durable labels.
• Store securely: Keep cans in a garage, shed, or behind a fence when not set out.
• Set out later: Put cans out the morning of pickup instead of overnight if possible.
• Use a cable lock: Secure to an anchor point when allowed; remove on collection day.
• Light and location: Place cans in a visible, well‑lit spot.
• Enclosures: Simple bin corrals can limit quick grab‑and‑go.

Always check local rules to avoid interfering with collection. Locking garbage cans and storage solutions are available at Walmart, but effectiveness can vary by neighborhood and setup.

Wind lifts lids when air catches under them. A few adjustments can help:

• Engage the lock: Use a can with a latch, slide lock, or pedal‑latch and close it fully.
• Avoid overfill: Keep bag ties below the rim so the lid sits flat.
• Face the hinge into wind: Position the can by a wall or fence for shelter.
• Use a strap: A lid strap or bungee can help where permitted; remove before pickup.
• Stabilize placement: Heavier items at the bottom can reduce tipping.

These steps can reduce wind issues, but conditions vary. Locking‑lid outdoor cans and lid straps are available on Walmart.com if you’d like added security.

Choose capacity based on space, bag size, and household volume:

• Kitchens: 10–13 gallons suits most homes; 13–16 gallons for high traffic.
• Bathrooms/offices: 1–8 gallons, often slim, for tight spaces.
• Outdoor curbside: 32–45+ gallons for weekly pickup; wheels help with heavier loads.
• Match bags: Pair can capacity with bag size (e.g., 13‑gal bags for many kitchen cans) to prevent slippage.
• Measure the spot: Check height for lid clearance and door swing.
• Feature fit: Locking lids for pets/pests, soft‑close for quiet, slim profiles for narrow areas.

You can filter by capacity, shape, and locking features on Walmart.com. Local rules and your routine can influence the best choice.

Gentle, regular cleaning helps keep locks and lids working smoothly:

1. Empty and prep: Remove the liner and shake out debris.
2. Wash: Rinse with warm water; use mild dish soap and a soft brush or cloth.
3. Detail parts: Clean the lid, seal, hinges, and lock; avoid abrasive pads that can damage finishes.
4. Disinfect: Use diluted white vinegar or a non‑bleach cleaner as desired; never mix chemicals.
5. Rinse and dry: Rinse thoroughly and dry completely; prop the lid open to air out.
6. Deodorize: Add baking soda or an odor‑absorbing packet under the lid.
7. Maintain: If recommended by the manufacturer, apply a light, silicone‑safe lubricant to moving parts.

Check your product’s care guide. Liners and deodorizing accessories are available at Walmart; results vary by use and climate.