How To Keep Your Bins Clean

Some people can have problems with their bins becoming smelly and unpleasant – here are some ideas to help you keep your bin clean and avoid problems.

Refuse Bin

Recycle as much waste as possible to reduce the amount of waste you need to put in the bin.
Always bag your rubbish before putting it in the bin. You can re-use old carrier bags to tie up your rubbish if you don’t use black bags or swing bin liners.
All food waste including meat and fish can be recycled using your food waste bin.
Always keep your bin lid closed. This stops flies and vermin from entering the bin as well as preventing cats, dogs, birds and foxes from getting access to your rubbish and splitting the bags open.
Use a wheelie bin liner. These are large refuse sacks designed to fit inside the bin which can be used in addition to other bin bags/liners. Alternatively use a sheet of newspaper in the bottom of the bin to absorb any moisture and prevent loose waste sticking to the bottom of the bin.
If possible, store your bins out of direct sunlight. This will slow decomposition of the waste, reducing smells and also slow the development of any maggots.
Clean/wash your bin out regularly to get rid of any residues. Use an anti-bacterial cleaner, disinfectant or bicarbonate of soda to kill off any germs and reduce any smells.
You can use professional bin cleaners if you don't want to clean it yourself. For details of wheelie bin cleaners in your area check local press /yellow pages.
Maggots and flies' eggs can be killed by using bleach, boiling water or disinfectants. If maggots get into your wheeled bin, most of them will be removed with the refuse when your bin is emptied.
Number/name your wheeled bins using the stickers provided to ensure you get your own clean bin back after your collection.
Any pet waste (faeces) should be double bagged.
Do not to leave dog/cat food out uncovered because flies can lay their eggs in it.
Solid waste from nappies can be emptied in the toilet before being double bagged and put in the bin. Real nappies are recommended as they will reduce the amount of waste in the bin. For further information go to Real Nappies.

Recycling Bin

Rinse bottles and cans to remove any food residues and allow them to drain thoroughly before putting them into your recycling bin. To save water this can be done at the end of the washing up or by using any spare space in your dishwasher.
Put some of your newspapers for recycling in the bin first to help absorb any moisture and keep the bin clean.
Follow the general advice for refuse bins above such as keeping the lid closed and washing the bin regularly.

Food Waste Bin

Do not leave waste food uncovered inside the home before putting it in the food waste bin as flies can lay eggs during this time. Use the kitchen caddie provided to store the waste in the kitchen.
Use newspaper or a compostable bag to line your food waste caddie and food waste collection bin.
Try to remove some of the moisture from the waste before it goes into the bin by draining peelings or wrapping them in a sheet of newspaper.
If you use compostable bags to contain your food waste squeeze the air out once they’re full. The lack of air should reduce smells by slowing down decomposition. Keep the lids of your containers closed at all times and keep the handles in the locked position.
The food waste caddie can be washed in a dishwasher.
Reduce your food waste by following the advice from the WRAP “Love Food, Hate Waste” campaign.

Garden Waste Bin

Most garden waste will not a cause a problem provided it is not too wet. Therefore measures such as keeping the bin lid closed and if possible storing the bin under cover will help.
In summer large quantities of grass clippings can go soggy and smelly and may stick in the bottom of the bin. You can help prevent this by mixing clippings with other dry woody garden waste before it goes into the bin.
Wash the bin regularly to prevent the build up of residues and make sure the bin is dry before refilling.