[QUOTE=Abby10;1464874]I like not having to deal with trash cans in TV. Up north, they always seem so unsightly and then there's the problem with people leaving them out too long, wind blowing them over, and they can get pretty heavy even with wheels. Never thought it was cheapness on the part of the developer - husband and I thought it was just a better way to keep the community looking nicer. If there is a major problem with bags being torn open though, I can see the reason to change the current system.

Regarding coyotes, when we were down in September, we spotted one in the vicinity of the Villages of Sanibel/Charlotte. As we rounded a bend in our golf cart, we realized that it appeared to be tracking a couple of women who were walking their small dogs. We rushed up to alert them. They said they were aware and frightened. We escorted them home hoping the golf cart noise would keep the coyote away. Fortunately, they got home safely with their dogs. I said to my husband, instead of being on community watch, we were on coyote watch that night! :D[/QUOTE
Kudos to you! Neighbors helping out.

There is Nothing Worse Than Ripped Open Trash Bags!
 

Coyote proof. Gator proof. Let's hope it does not come to needing to bear proof TV's trash. Counties roll out bear-proof trash cans as the opportunistic eaters' range expands - Orlando Sentinel

Lions and tigers and bears.........oh my.
 

Lions, and tigers, and bears............oh my.

Lions, Tigers, Bears - The Wizard Of Oz - YouTube

Rumor has it, that there are many more cougars here than coyotes.

I'm a little lost here when you talk about the use of plastic trash bags. Even if you had trash cans for your trash, wouldn't you still be using trash bags? Unless you're speaking of disposal of recyclable materials, then I see your point, but since you mention landfills I'm thinking otherwise. :shrug:

There is no reported attack on a human, by a coyote, in the state of Florida. Southeastern coyotes do not attack pets being walked on leashes, as coyotes are opportunistic animals. They will, however, keep coming around an area where they have seen small dogs or cats running free. They will watch and wait for that opening, and they will kill your pet. But, the rules of the Villages prohibit people from letting their pets run free or tying them up outside, so, there should not be any problems with coyotes. But, there is. Every dog killed by a coyote, was illegally running free. That means the owner put their dog's life in danger as well as broke the rules of the Villages. If you love your pet, keep it on a short leash and obey the rules.

In the Port Charlotte area, giant garbage cans were provided free to all households, one for recycling. Like many, an attractive little fence was put on the driveway side of the house and we easily wheeled it to the curb. All neighborhood cans matched. From then on, only one garbage person was needed as an arm from the truck picked the cans up and put them in the truck before lowering it back in place. At first, many even us, resisted the change but soon got to like it. Later, on a trip to Toronto, we saw how people had recycling down to an art. Even kitchen leftovers and potato peels went into plastic buckets that were picked up for recycling. Most used their own recycle bags in stores. Toronto had a big garbage\landfill problem and sought ways to solve it. Even in the country areas, lots of different large containers were at strategic points for separation of various recycled items and people used them. When I came back to Florida and saw all the plastic bags being used in stores, I had a sinking feeling that we complain about the environment but do much less than we can to protect it.

If we have a rat problem, and kill off all the feral kitties, why wouldn't the coyotes move in. I'd rather cats than rats especially with the new no kill, back into the neighborhood with a clipped ear and shots Program out...our neighborhood patrol! Coyotes not so much as they kill our pets when we let them loose. We need a war on rats I think, the coyotes just might head elsewhere as it is harder to snatch a well-guarded pet.

We are from AZ and lived out in the desert 🌵 with the coyotes. They are very smart animals and will out witt you every time. Pepper spray is ok but chances are if they are that close you are already in big trouble. We are trained using firearms and I would have one on me to use as a last use option.

Throw golf balls at them. Seems to have worked in other communities. Geneva Adopts Plan to "Haze" Coyotes - NBC Chicago

Mrs. R., I have a dual rotating compost unit. I was shocked to find that (I assume was) squirrels ATE through ROUNDED edges to get inside. How do you avoid rodent problems?

Exactly. Common sense. This should not even be an issue. Keep your eyes and a leash on your pet!

I Can't Think of a Solution
 

I have had a compost bin for the past 25 years or so, no matter where I've lived.
Currently, I probably have the same one you have now (dual sided and rotating).

I have not had the problem you are having and can't think of a real solution that would work.
Can you attach a flag that would wave in the breeze or sit one of those plastic owl figures on top?

I hate to say this, but it probably isn't a squirrel. Is it happening during the day or at night? That would tell you what it is -- rat or squirrel, but it still doesn't solve your problem.

Rats have been here long before us and will be here well after we are gone.
Yeah, I know; that isn't helping solve your problem, either.
I'll put my thinking cap on and try to come up with something that might help you out.