Some people swear by using duct tape, others are fans of Gorilla brand outdoor adhesive. Still others swear that metal coat hangers will do the trick. The truth is, any solution you may put in place will work if the trash can is on a hard floor surface like linoleum or tile. But if you have a smooth-finished wood floor then none of the above will work. The secret to how to keep trash can from sliding on floor is making sure it doesn't shift in the first place, so that it always stays in the same spot. This means you will have to anchor the trash can to your floor (or another fixture on it) with a well-thought out combination of hardware. The first thing you need to do is put a small screw into the bottom of your trash can (NOT through the wall) about every 8 inches, so that the trash can won't move on you. These screws will be hidden by the brown paper wrapping from the store, and after a few weeks gone from your home these will be almost invisible. These screws are meant to keep the bottom of your trash can stationary on your floor. The next most important step is to secure the sides of the trash can to the floor. Depending on your trash can's ability to hold screws, you should use drywall or deck screws. For example, if your trash can has a plastic housing and plastic liner (with holes in it), then you could screw through the side of the trash can into these holes. If your plastic is more solid, then you may not be able to do this. But if you can screw into the plastic, do it- make sure to use drywall screws or anchored screws that will not be able to fall out. If the sides of your trash can are solid metal or plastic, then you should still be able to secure it to the floor. At the very bottom of your side walls are two corners. Screws on each corner will keep it from sliding outward, while still allowing the lid to open and closed normally. The last step is to secure the lid to the trash can. You may be able to do this with a single screw, in which case you should put the screw near the hinge. Or, you may have to drill a few holes through the plastic bottom of your trash can, into which you fit screws. Either way, make sure the lid can still open and close. To keep animals away from your trash cans, you may want to place something in the can that will keep them out. If you're not a fan of cats or rats, then you could get an animal-proof trash can. These cost less than $10 and are made using plastic (which can be purchased in most stores). Whatever you do, we hope you keep your trash can from sliding on your polished hardwood floor!