Tips for the Proper Upkeep of Your Organic Waste Bin During the Summer Months

Limiting the Odours

Freeze leftover meat

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

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 the compost collection has passed, remove the paper and clean the bin with white vinegar.

Sun protection

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

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 and allow to dry before adding waste.

Baking soda or clay

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

Prevent the Emergence of Flies and Maggots

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.

Alternate layers of waste

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

Avoid liquids

Don’t put any liquids in your bin.

Avoid the sun and take out regularly

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.

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.