Raccoon invading multi unit trash carts

[Sam Leon]

I have a 4 plex in South Florida whose trash carts were being invaded by raccoons recently.

For over 4 years we had no issue.

But about a month ago I noticed trash everywhere on the ground around the trash carts as a result of  raccoons digging through the trash.  This has happened three other times.

I have notified the tenants to make sure they don't just throw raw trash into the bins without bagging them up first, or to not throw in tall objects like a stick which prevents the lids from fully closing, then the odor draws the creepers to the bins.  But it's too late now that the raccoons have made a habit of visiting.

These bins were issued by the city, two regular trash bins, two recycle waste bins, two yard waste bins, of different colors.  I could not buy my own.  The city comes by with a truck that automatically clamps on to the bins, lifts and dumps in the truck's back.

I am looked online for clues on how to deal with this, and would appreciate other landlords who faced and solved similar problems.

Does spraying ammonia around the trash bins help repulse the raccoons?

Does putting down chilli pepper powder help repulse the raccoons?

I saw online they sell coyote urine...does that work?

I also saw products that looks like a bungee cord that wraps around the bin and str

[Robert Melcher]

Racoons are smart, they'll figure our how to be a nuisance in a new and exciting way.  Call animal control to have them trapped and relocated.