Keep Your Bin Fresh and Clean

Keep Your Bin Fresh and Clean as the Weather Heats Up

Who doesn’t enjoy a lovely hot summer? But while you are sunning yourselves in a beer garden, all might not be well with your faithful wheelie bin.

Bacteria thrive in warm conditions, and this can cause bad odours and attract unwanted pests. But the good news is that if you take some simple steps, your bin doesn’t have to become a stinky problem.

Keep your bin clean

Cleaning your bin is not a task that most people look forward to, but if you make a point of doing it regularly, the less arduous it will be.

Disinfecting your bin will get rid of bacteria that cause unpleasant odours. Rinse your bins out every few weeks with an antibacterial cleaner, or even just soapy water. If you want to, you can invest in a professional bin cleaning service, which is usually reasonably priced. Here are some more tips on keeping your bin fresh and clean:

Make sure bin bags are securely fastened before putting them in the bin

If bin bags aren’t secured, waste can fall out into the bin and rot, causing an unpleasant odour, and attracting pests. Don’t overfill bin bags either, as they can burst, which causes the same problem.

Empty all containers

All of the recyclable containers you use end up in your recycling bin, and many of these will have contained some type of food product. If they aren’t cleaned properly before they are put in the bin, bacteria will multiply and odours will develop.

Buy a wheelie bin liner

This reduces the risk of residue lingering in your bin and leading to bacterial growth and nasty smells.

Give your bin some TLC

• Try to keep your bin out of the sun in the summer months, as the bacteria will thrive in the heat. Make sure that the lid is secure to prevent pests from getting in. Flies and maggots breed like wildfire in the warmer weather.
• Check you bin for damage regularly. A damaged bin won’t do its job as well, and germs can breed in any cracks. Ask your local council for a replacement if your bin is not in good repair.
• If liquid always seems to accumulate in the bottom of your bin, pad it out with cardboard or newspaper. This will absorb the liquid then it can be disposed of afterwards.

We are all busy, but taking a few minutes to prepare your rubbish before it goes in the bin will help you to avoid a smelly and sticky bin. Wash out any residue from containers and double bag discarded meat or fish to prevent wildlife from rifling through your bin for a tasty morsel!

Cut down on your waste in the first place

Think before you throw anything away. Can you reuse boxes or tins to store things in? Can you use cardboard or egg cartons for school projects? This also applies to food waste. Can you start a compost pile in your garden? The less you throw away, the happier, cleaner, and fresher your bin will be.