Hello neighbours (I'm in Burlington, Ontario)!

What a great idea to build these enclosures. They look great and must make your life so much easier. I think that Lee Valley (www.leevalley.com) would probably have the right mechanism to support your doors but I couldn't find anything on their site when I had a quick look. I'd recommend you give them a call and describe what you're looking for. I'm sure it's a matter of knowing the right term for them--it's impossible to search the site for a 'whatsis thingie'... LOL

Hope this helps.

Cynthia

Small world, we live in Milton. Wondering if it's too late to reconfigure the tops into sliders or cut the fronts to make doors and trash cans could be rolled out? Easier in winter as well, when there is a ton of snow on top.

I don't think sliders would be practical for Canadian winters... The one in your photo appears to be made of plastic? I think the solution is to have some sort of lifting mechanism like you'd have on a toy box that wouldn't slam down when you release it. I looked up "hinges" but that's not the right thing. It's more of a bracket type of thing... We need the right vocabulary to find the ideal solution, so that's why I suggested phoning Lee Valley. Those people are really knowledgeable and helpful and there's a store in Burlington as well as numerous ones in the Toronto area.

I like the slider idea but wonder if the entire top would need to be replaced. The bins can be rolled out from the front facing the street. We couldn't do it at the side since there is a gas line that comes into the house there and at the other side, the contraption would have covered the front door view. I looked up hydraulic hinges and found one that supports 100 lbs but it only extended 19" so the lid could not be lifted enough to gain the opening necessary. The same hinge with a larger extension may be been better. I will call Lee Valley. Thank you both for your suggestions.!

Oooh I love the idea of remote control! How cool is that! LOL It's amazing what we think of when we put our heads together! :)