Neodymium Magnets for outdoor garbage can lid

I was thinking of trying to use magnets to keep the lid shut (and keep raccoons out of) our garbage bin (which we generally keep outside, and not in garage, due to flies).

In any case, I bought some neodymium magnets with screws, but didn't realize that I purchased 110lb holding force magnets! I searched around further and the smallest I can find is 30 lb. I assume that's still probably too strong for keeping the lids closed. Or maybe it's ok? I of course don't want it being too hard to open...

Should I try just a regular magnet, and not neodymium as those might be too strong?

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

I don't think magnets will be of value. My dog can open a garbage can lid that is magnetized. Too strong and you can't open it much less the garbage men who pick it up.
A mechanical means is your best bet. Perhaps sone type of rubber Bunji cord can do the job.

 

There are many types of garbage cans.
A picture of what you have will help us help you...... How to insert pictures.

A friend of mine tried bunjis. They chewed thru them.

I keep a tightly sealed can in the garage. No smells - no flies.
I leave the lid on loose when I put the can out because it's tough to open.

 

Sorry, yeah, guess that would have helped

Here's a random pic of the type of bins we have (not my actual bin):


I figured a 'not too strong' magnet would work to keep the racoons out, but not be so strong that we couldn't easily open it/the weight of the garbage pushing down on the lid (when the truck lifts/flips it) would sitll allow for the lid to open.

Right now we just keep a brick on it so the raccoons can't open it, but it's a bit annoying at times if our hands are full to remove the brick, open lid, toss garbage. A bungee solution would have the same issue where we have to manually undo it when we need to toss garbage. I figured a magnet might be good b/c I could open it with one hand and never have to deal with moving/replacing a brick or bungee or whatnot.

 

These are the most common. How are the coons getting to the top? It seems difficult to climb that shape if it's standing alone not near anything. Try putting away from any wall, fence, pole or anything that the coons can climb up to access the lid.

You might be able to jury-rig a luggage type clip in the lid to clip to the can section. Will take a bit of trial and error.

 

The raccoons use the metal bar to pull themselves up, and then from there they are able to reach the top and pull themselves up. It's impressive to watch on camera...