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Tips for a healthy organic waste bin in the summer months

Summer is here, and with it the challenge of keeping our compost bins free of odours and pests, or keeping material from sticking to the walls. In summer, these nuisances seem more prevalent. Not sure if you should compost during a heatwave? Don’t panic! Here are a few practical tips to keep your organics bin clean and odour-free during the warmer months of the year. 

Limit odours 

  1. Freeze leftover meat

    Freeze or chill your meat, poultry and fish leftovers and don’t take them out until the morning of your collection day. If you have room, store your food scraps in a container in the freezer. 

  1. Newsprint and essential oils

    Place newsprint at the bottom of your bin and spray it with a mixture of a few drops of tea tree essential oil diluted in lukewarm water. You can also pour two drops of oil directly onto the paper. After collection, remove the paper and clean the bin with white vinegar. 

  1. Sun protection

    Keep your bin out of direct sunlight and take it out for every collection, even if it’s not full. 

  1. Clean with vinegar

    Regular cleaning is essential. Wash your bins with pure or diluted white vinegar (25 ml of vinegar in 1 litre of water). Spray vinegar inside and outside the bin, then rinse and allow to dry before adding residual materials. 

  1. Baking soda or clay

    Pour baking soda or white or green clay into the bottom of the empty bin to absorb odours. You can also add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil. After collection, remove any remaining bicarbonate or clay and clean the bin with white vinegar. 

Prevent the emergence of flies and maggots 

  1. Wrap your leftovers

    Wrap leftover meat, poultry or fish in paper or a paper bag before placing in the bin. You can also freeze leftovers until collection day. 

  1. Alternate layers of waste

    Alternate your table scraps with dry materials such as paper towels, newsprint, sawdust, wood shavings or dead leaves. 

  1. Avoid liquids

    Don’t put any liquids in your bin. 

  1. Protection and regular collection

    Keep your bin out of the sun with the lid tightly closed and take it out for every collection, even if there’s not much in it. 

  1. Eliminate grubs

    If grubs appear, spray them with hot water, salt or a mixture of water and vinegar. 

With these simple tips, you can keep your compost bin clean and odour-free all summer long. Enjoy the warm season while reducing your environmental footprint.