Why Do Wheelie Bins Smell?
Wheelie bins can smell bad for several reasons. The main reason is food waste. When food rots, it creates a strong, unpleasant smell. This happens because tiny bacteria break down the food, releasing gases that stink. Other items like nappies and pet waste can also make your bin smell.
Sometimes, liquid from food or drinks leaks out of bags and collects at the bottom of the bin. This liquid can smell really bad too. Hot weather makes things worse because it speeds up the rotting process.
To stop your wheelie bin from smelling, you need to take care of what goes inside and keep it clean. Let’s look at some simple steps you can follow.
Dispose of Food Waste Properly
Properly disposing of food waste is one of the most effective ways to prevent your wheelie bin from developing unpleasant smells. Start by using a small bin inside your kitchen, such as a kitchen caddy with a secure lid, to collect your food waste. This keeps food scraps contained and prevents odours from spreading indoors. A lidded caddy also makes it easier to transfer waste to your outdoor bin without spilling or creating messes.
When it’s time to empty your kitchen caddy, use compostable bags or specially designed food waste bin liners. These liners not only make handling waste easier but are also environmentally friendly, as they decompose along with the food. Always ensure the bag is tied tightly before placing it in your outdoor wheelie bin. A securely tied bag helps trap smells and reduces the chances of liquids leaking out, which can lead to bad odours and attract pests.
If your local council provides food waste collection services, take full advantage of them. Many councils offer separate bins or caddies for food waste that are collected weekly or biweekly. Composting is another excellent option, especially for items like fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells. If you have space for a compost bin or heap in your garden, this can significantly reduce the amount of organic waste going into your wheelie bin while providing you with nutrient-rich compost for your plants.
Avoid putting large amounts of liquids, such as soups or cooking oils, directly into your wheelie bin. These can pool at the bottom, creating unpleasant smells and making your bin harder to clean. Instead, dispose of liquids by pouring them down the sink (if safe to do so) or into a sealed container before throwing it away.
By following these steps and properly managing food waste, you can dramatically reduce the odours and mess associated with your wheelie bin.
Need assistance finding wheelie bin cleaning near you?
Get a QuoteUse Bin Liners and Bags
Using bin liners and bags is another great way to stop your wheelie bin from smelling. Bin liners are plastic bags that fit inside your bin to keep it clean.
First, line your indoor bins with small bin liners or bags. This helps stop smells from escaping and makes it easier to empty the bins without spilling anything.
For your outdoor wheelie bin, you can use larger bin liners. These will catch any leaks and help keep the inside of your bin cleaner. Make sure you choose strong liners that won’t tear easily.
Always tie up the bags before putting them in the wheelie bin. This seals in any smells and prevents spills. If you have different types of waste (like recycling or general rubbish), consider using different coloured bags to make sorting easier.
Consider Hiring a Professional Bin Cleaning Service
If you’re finding it hard to keep your wheelie bin clean and fresh, you might want to hire a professional bin cleaning service. These services come to your home and clean your bins for you.
Professional cleaners use special equipment and cleaning products to get rid of smells and dirt. They often use high-pressure water jets to wash away any leftover bits at the bottom of the bin. This means they can reach places that are hard for you to clean yourself.
They also use disinfectants that kill bacteria and leave your bin smelling fresh. Some services even add pleasant-smelling sprays after they’ve cleaned your bin.
Hiring a professional service can save you time and effort, especially if you have more than one wheelie bin or if your bins get dirty very quickly.
Clean Your Wheelie Bin Regularly
Keeping your wheelie bin clean is essential for controlling odours, reducing bacteria, and preventing pests. Cleaning your bin regularly ensures it remains hygienic and manageable, especially if it’s frequently used for food or organic waste. Ideally, clean your bin after collection day when it is empty.
Start by rinsing out the bin with a hosepipe or buckets of water to remove loose dirt and debris. Use warm soapy water mixed with a disinfectant or specialised bin cleaning solution to scrub the inside thoroughly, focusing on corners, edges, and the lid where dirt tends to accumulate. A long-handled brush can make the job easier for deeper bins.
Once scrubbed, rinse the bin with clean water and leave it to air dry with the lid open. This prevents moisture from creating an environment where bacteria and mould can thrive. For extra freshness, sprinkle baking soda or use a deodorising spray to eliminate any lingering smells.
During warmer months, clean your bin more frequently, as heat accelerates waste decomposition, leading to stronger odours and attracting pests like flies or maggots. Using bin liners or heavy-duty bags can help prevent residue buildup, and securely tying rubbish bags can minimise spills and leaks.
By establishing a regular cleaning routine and using preventative measures, you can maintain a fresh, odour-free wheelie bin that keeps your home and surroundings clean and pleasant.
In this article:
