We recently got the new green bins but the locking mechanism freezes after it rains or moisture. Sometimes if you force it left or right it cracks the ice, but I prefer spraying something to prevent this from happening. I have several types of sprays like WD40, silicone, crown rust etc. What would is the ideal one? Thanks
What to spray in these new green bins to prevent them from locking?
- Thread starter Zaibetter
- Start date
Try mixing 2 parts isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and 1 part water in a spray bottle. Spray it on and the ice will melt. Works well for windshields too.
Just for fun, call 311 and see what the City of Toronto recommends. Be sure to ask they what happens if the lock is frozen when they come to empty it on collection day.
If you're having this issue already, something tells me they did all their testing in the southern US and forgot about colder climates.
If you're having this issue already, something tells me they did all their testing in the southern US and forgot about colder climates.
I called them, they didn't know they said to put it in the garage or something. That's why I posted here.
I'd try washing it with warm water, wiping it with alcohol and then spraying it with Silicone spray.
The silicone should repel the water and even if it does freeze, should allow it to break away easily.
If that doesn't work, then Crown Rust/Rust Check would be my next attempt. NOT WD 40. Leaves a waxy residue that holds grit.
Then escalate the issue to your City Councillor. Their office can't solve the issue either, but it's the only way we can keep the swivel servants focussed. We have the stupid new oversized bins with their over-complicated locks because we left them alone, instead of keeping an interested eye on them. So they thought no one gave a crap, and most likely did exactly as GameBoy suggested.
You could e-mail:
Kathy Raddon
Coordinator Material Recycling and Reduction
Customer Service and Waste Diversion Implementation
Solid Waste Management Services
City of Toronto
kraddon@toronto.ca
She tried diligently to address the issues I had with these things earlier this year
Some of you mention Krown Rust or Rust Check sprays. I recall buying a can of Krown Rust spray from a Krown Rust depot years ago. Do they still sell them from their various locations, or can you buy these products even at Cdn Tire, Wal Mart, etc?
They still sell it at their locations and they have different varieties now, but don't know if other shops still carry it.
A lot of the stuff mentioned above will work, it is just messy and greasy. It will also attract dirt. If you have a door on your car that sticks when it rains in the winter you can use Armoural on the rubber part and wax the metal part so it will not stick. I am sure if you applied Armoural or some car wax to your bin locks it will have the same effect without the mess. Be sure to also apply some wax on the lid lip where it meets the bin. You can use the greasy stuff on the hinges.
Someone mentioned what happens on garbage day if the lock is frozen. The lid opens when the bin is upside down. It is supposed to stay in lock position on garbage day. I know this doesnt solve the problem of it freezing on you and you cant open to put garbage in but at least you dont have to worry about it staying locked on collection day.
It could prove very difficult. If water can get into the seem, it's going to freeze and that's it.
It should be sealed against water infiltration really.
You could pack it with grease, but that would awfully messy as it would seep out. I guess some sort of spray may prevent the ice from locking onto the plastic, but if it's filling up the cavity, the water going to freeze no matter what and create a physical block to rotation or sliding.
Back to the drawing board.
It should be sealed against water infiltration really.
You could pack it with grease, but that would awfully messy as it would seep out. I guess some sort of spray may prevent the ice from locking onto the plastic, but if it's filling up the cavity, the water going to freeze no matter what and create a physical block to rotation or sliding.
Back to the drawing board.
I've never run into this. And mine is out in the open. So ask them to replace it with another one and see if the unit is defective before going to all the other trouble.
You may have gotten a bin that has tight fitting parts. I would do the following to minimize the possibility of freezing.
1) Slip a flat head screw driver under the lock handle and spray with silicone spray or WD40, do the same on the under side of the lid.
2) Lube hinges with silicone spray or WD40.
3) Wax the rim of the bin and the lid surface that touches the rim of the bin.
4)Wax the lock cam and the surface where it catches on to the bin.
