Any suggestions how we can keep a motther raccoon and her three babies out
of our yards and garbage containers?

Get a better garbage container. The standard metal one with the tight
fitting lid[1] might be enough. I don't think raccoons require the
heavy duty ones like this:
http://www.bearproofinc.com/view_ima.../95MRW_400.jpg
(for those who aren't bothering with looking at the image, the web
site name BearProofInc.com should provide a hint).

The raccoons should spend little/less time in your yard with no
garbage to attract them. I'm not sure it would be easy (or necessary)
to exclude them entirely.

[1] http://www.janisan.com/witt/Galvanized.html