Rubbermaid - Adventures in Organization

Everyone has a Water Jug but my son

As some of you may know my son Shannon plays soccer. While I was hanging out at soccer practice the other night I was struck by an interesting realization. Nearly everyone on the soccer team had a Rubbermaid Water Jug except Shannon (although I'm positive none of the other team members have as many Blue Ice blocks as we do). I thought this was rather funny. Anyway, here are some pictures.

The owner of this water cooler must get really thirst.

One of our 1/2 gallon victory jugs in our new blue color.

 

Another 1/2 gallon Victory water jug in our older blue color.

Attack of the Animals - Why do they chew on plastic?

It seems that no matter the time of year, Rubbermaid Consumer Services receives a number of phone calls regarding animals chewing our refuse containers, sheds, or other outdoor storage items.  While this is not a manufacturing issue, it is an irritating one to those who fight the battle.

 

Animals are not attracted to the plastic; they are attracted to the odors emitted from items stored inside.  Here are some suggestions on how to deter animal chewing (and to overpower the odors that attract animals):

1.  Using a sock or cheesecloth, place mothballs inside and tape to the underside of the refuse container lid.  Caution: mothballs are toxic when ingested and may kill birds.

2.  Rub Capsaicin (an arthritis cream) on the outside of the container.

3.  Make your own repellent

    - 1 small bottle of hot pepper sauce

    - 1 gallon of water

    - 1 tsp. of mild liquid detergent such as dishwashing detergent.

    - Combine all ingredients and spray on containers or shed.

4.  Place rags soaked with ammonia inside the item.

5.  Rub cayenne pepper onto the unit.

 

There are many companies that offer deer and squirrel repellent sprays that can be found in home improvement and gardening stores.  Follow manufacturer's instructions when using.

 

In the instance that a piece of your shed is damaged or the lid to your refuse container needs to be replaced, please call Rubbermaid Consumer Services for pricing and availability.  We can be reached by calling 1-888-895-2110 Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm ET.

 

Note: The Animal Stopper Refuse Container does offer a defense mechanism for keeping animals out by locking the lid in place.  While it does keep animals from removing the lid, it does not prevent animal chewing.

Hope that helps answer some of the common questions about why animals chew on plastic.

Deck Box Assembly Insights

With working in Consumer Services for a few years, summertime is peak season for technical questions with our outdoor product line.  There is one scenario that plays over and over throughout the department on the average work day:  "My deck box falls apart every time I open it".  From a consumer perspective, it can be very aggravating that such a simple assembly can result in such a frustrating situation.  The answer to the problem, in most cases, is that the floor is upside down. 

I understand that this does not seem possible as the deck box looks exactly like the photo on the carton.  No worries, let me explain.

To verify correct assembly, you will need to open the deck box and look down at the floor.  If you can see a part number molded into the plastic or there are deep dents and "valleys" visible, your floor is upside down.  Disassemble the unit and flip the floor over so that the "smooth" side is facing up and the sloped lip of the floor is in the front; reassemble.

The deck box should now function as intended and open without falling apart. Mission accomplished!

If you need further assistance, our Consumer Service Department can be reached by calling 1-888-895-2110 Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm ET.