Help with auto-closing slides for garbage cabinet so my dog stops eating trash

Submitted by smackin_6585 t3_z6f5t4 in DIY

dog keeps getting into the trash and eating paper towels, resulting in costly vet visits (and lots of panic for the dog parents) and I'm looking to replace the slides on this garbage can cabinet with something that automatically retracts. There's lots of 'soft close' options but having trouble finding options that are auto-retractable... might be searching the wrong thing, but should I be looking into self-closing drawer slides and adapting them for a two-can garbage pull-out cabinet?

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Lee2026 t1_iy14nqe wrote

Bungee cord and some eye hooks

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smackin_6585 OP t1_iy15g2d wrote

That was my initial thought too but the bungees aren’t elastic enough to ensure that the cabinet closes all the way each time it’s been opened… if that makes sense

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Lee2026 t1_iy15se2 wrote

For this to work, the bungees need to be pre-tensioned so when the door is closed, they are pulling the door shut. However it may be hard to open the door enough to actually use the garbage.

Maybe springs would be better suited for this.

You could also maybe use a pulley system with a weight at the back of the cabinet/garbage can

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Valdrothos t1_iy17axs wrote

Use the bungee in an L shape. Attach it to the top in the back, run it around a rod or pulley at the bottom in the back, then attach it to whatever you need it to pull. It'll be slightly tense from the start that way.

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theoriginalstarwars t1_iy1l0uj wrote

Look into child locks. Had to put some on my shoe rack due to puppy going after shoes when bored.

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EdSmelly t1_iy1npxj wrote

Counter-weight on a cable.

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Bob_12_Pack t1_iy1ac0l wrote

My dog can open the cabinet. We used thick rubber bands looped around the handle and onto the hinge of the next cabinet over. That worked for my lab unless someone forgot to hook the rubber band, which is often when you have kids. Then we got a Great Pyrenees, she just busts the rubber band. Currently we put a stool in front of the cabinet when we leave her alone (she doesn’t get in the trash when we are around) or just make sure the trash is empty. I’m considering getting some child proof safety latches but all I can find is plastic and she’ll likely just rip that apart too.

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ntyperteasy t1_iy1s7bq wrote

They make a spring loaded kit that includes a magnetic catch to help hold it closed - I think you can find more online - this is one example. They sell them as hands-free openers. You push it closed with your foot, and release the mechanism with your toe and the bunjee pulls it open. It stays open until you push it closed. We have dogs and this keeps them out of the trash. I _Really_ like the no-touch aspect - especially with kids in the house - the handle for the trash can was always gross. This way you don't touch anything with dirty hands.

You can remove the handle completely so there isn't anything for doggo to grab onto.

https://www.amazon.com/Door-Opener-Pull-out-silver/dp/B00AAZJ46G

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Sawdust-n-Gaming t1_iy2t6bl wrote

Accuride makes a self closing glide. DZ3832-SCSelf Close Drawer Slide

I haven't used it personally but if you contact the local accuride rep near you they can provide more information

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hamcake t1_iy3i0zg wrote

Why is the garbage drawer not getting closed after it's been used?

Maybe you could change the angle of the drawer slides to slope down toward the back. Then gravity would pull them closed. If there's a cabinet face, you'll have to realign that somehow though.

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