8 Tips for Keeping Your Organic Waste Bin Fresh and Clean This Summer

During the warm summer months, keeping your organic waste bin clean can be challenging. Fortunately, there are some simple and effective tips to keep bad odors and unwanted insects at bay. Here are 8 tips to keep your organic waste bin fresh and clean this summer:

1. Use a Small Indoor Organic Waste Bin and Regularly Empty It into a Larger Outdoor Bin

A smaller kitchen bin encourages more frequent emptying, preventing food scraps from sitting too long and starting to smell. This also helps keep fruit flies and other insects away.

Tip: Choose a well-sealing bin and use appropriate compostable bags to minimize odors. An aerated compost bin, like BioMat's AirBox, can prevent odors by allowing ventilation.

2. Place the Organic Waste Bin in the Shade

Sunlight can significantly increase the temperature inside the bin, speeding up the decomposition process and causing unpleasant odors. Try to place your bin in a shaded area to avoid this.

3. Use Biodegradable or Paper Organic Waste Bags

Biodegradable or paper bags are better for the environment and help keep your bin clean. They prevent food scraps from sticking to the sides and make emptying the bin easier.

Tip: Biomat bags are specifically designed for organic waste and break down faster than regular compostable bags. They are sturdy enough to prevent leaks and are home-compostable, certified by the OK Compost Home label.

4. Drain Food Scraps

Before throwing food scraps into the bin, drain excess moisture. This helps prevent mold growth and bad odors.

5. Let Grass Clippings Dry

Freshly cut grass can quickly rot in the bin, producing foul odors. Let the grass dry a bit before adding it to the bin to avoid this.

6. Wrap Animal Waste in Newspaper or Compostable Bags

Animal waste like meat and fish scraps can quickly stink. Wrap these scraps in newspaper or use compostable sealing bags to minimize odors, deter maggots, and keep pests away.

7. Use Bags with a Seedling Logo or OK Compost Logo

Ensure your compostable bags are truly compostable. Only bags with the seedling or OK compost logo are tested and can be safely composted without leaving plastic residues.

8. Use an Anti-Odor Lid If Odors Persist

If you still experience bad odors, consider using an anti-odor lid for your bin. These lids are designed with carbon filters or ventilation systems to neutralize smells and keep your bin fresh.

Want a Fresh Organic Waste Bin This Summer?

Looking for a small countertop bin or handy compostable bags for animal scraps? Or a large paper bag for your outdoor bin? Check out our Biomat range for all sizes! Order by 4 PM on weekdays and start using them the next business day!