An anchoring mechanism for anchoring an outdoor trash can or other item to the ground includes a base mountable on the trash can and an anchor which is movable between a raised position and a lowered anchoring position. A reinforcing plate may be used inside the trash can to help secure the anchoring mechanism thereon. A foot press member is provided on the anchor to facilitate the pressing of the anchor into the ground. The anchoring mechanism is configured to prevent the trash can when empty from blowing around in fairly high winds and helps prevent the tipping of filled trash cans.