Last time my dog got into the trash, she had a bowel obstruction that cost a very expensive vet visit: X-rays, SC bolus of 500 cc of IV fluid, and a week's worth of probiotics. She's 2 1/2 years old now, and we're just now leaving her out of the crate (after dog proofing the whole house) when we leave her alone during the day.
we have the luxury of a laundry room our three house dogs go there when we leave