Smelly Bins
How Do I Reduce Unpleasant Smell In My Bin?
It is not uncommon for your bin to smell unpleasant and experience flies and maggots where food waste is present. This is to be expected in particular as ‘food waste’ in your bin is the next generation meal in the food chain to primary decomposers ‘flies and maggots’. To combat this there are a few simple things you can do to reduce and prevent the odours and insects:
- Keep the lid closed on the bin at all times. If your lid is damaged, please contact Connect North East and we can arrange for its repair or replacement.
- Double-bag all food waste, particularly meat and animal waste. Use biodegradable bags, they will decay in landfill. Please note that no bags are allowed in your Green Bin - even biodegradable ones.
- Recycle waste so that general refuse is minimised and the bin lid remains shut
- Keep the bin out of direct sunlight (slowing general decomposition, reducing smells and slowing the development of maggots, etc.)
- Do not leave waste food exposed inside the home before putting it in the bin, as flies can lay eggs during this time. Uncovered bins inside the kitchen can also allow flies to lays eggs on waste food
- Squeeze the air out of bags used to contain food waste, etc. before they are tied and put in the bin (the lack of air should slow down general decomposition, reduce smells and slow the development of maggots, etc.)
- Do not to leave dog/cat food out uncovered - again because flies can lay their eggs in it
- Bag all pet waste (faeces) before putting it in your bin or place it in one of the pet waste disposal bins situated on public areas around the District
- Maggots will only appear in the bin if the eggs have been laid in a suitable food source for them to develop. If bins are kept closed, flies should not be able to enter to lay their eggs. Therefore, if maggots do appear, the eggs are likely to have been laid before the food was put in the wheelie bin, especially if it isn’t wrapped in paper when put in the bin
- It is also suggested that solids are emptied in to the WC from disposable nappies before being double-bagged and put in the bin. 'Terry' type nappies and eco friendly nappies are recommended
- Good hygiene in the home is the best way of preventing the spread of disease and infection. Flies are all around and have the potential to spread disease, no matter what type of refuse collection service is in operation
- Clean your bin and the use detergents to reduce problems
- New wheelie bins are much better for protecting the contents from attacks by cats, dogs, foxes, crows, rats, etc.
For help and advice regarding collection and procedures please contact our team (details at bottom of page).
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