Unsecured green bins are deadly for wildlife

**** Via Hope for Wildlife Unsecured green bins are deadly for wildlife We are seeing a significant rise in the number of calls about raccoons being stuck in green bins. Raccoons are very clever and curious animals, and the smells coming from green bins or garbage cans are very tempting for them. But once in your bin, they may not be able to get out. Decomposing food can ferment, giving off very disorienting odours which cause them to quickly become disoriented, lethargic and unable to climb out. Or, they may be too small, or the sides too slippery to escape. In the summer they can die from the heat exhaustion or dehydration - fast. In winter, they suffer from the effects of cold. Injuries sustained trying to get out often get dangerously infected from the bacteria forming inside the bin. These animals often go undiscovered for a long periods of time, as we don't usually visit our bins daily. But it's not just raccoons. Animals like birds and squirrels can also suffer being stuck inside. Please secure the lid of your green bin with a thick rubber bungee cord that raccoons cannot pull off or chew through. You can find them at most hardware stores. Raccoons especially have strong and dexterous fingers, so make sure you have the bungee on tight. If you can’t lift the lid, neither can they!