Odour and vermin prevention tips

Tips to keep your wheelie bin vermin and odour-free.

• Use bags with the seedling logo (Dutch) and/or OK compost (Dutch) to collect vegetable, fruit, garden waste, and food scraps (VFG+F). These bags are compostable and can be placed in the VFG+F bin. 
• Avoid placing the bin in direct sunlight. 
• Only put the bin out for collection in the morning.  
• Do not throw damp waste into the bin.  
• Allow wet waste to dry first, or alternate it with dry gft+e waste (such as dried grass or leaves).  
• Place a wad of newspaper at the bottom of the bin to help absorb moisture.
• Clean the bin regularly with water and green soap. Avoid using bleach or insecticides.  
• Spray the bin with vinegar, a natural deterrent for pests.  
• Place a stick between the lid and the bin to allow ventilation.  
• Add a piece of ivy (Hedera) to the bin to prevent maggots.  
• Put mothballs in a pair of tights and hang them on the bin handle (remove them before emptying the bin).  
• Do not compact the waste. Compacted waste can become stuck, especially in warm weather.  
• Make sure the bin is empty before going on holiday.  

Hopefully, these tips will help keep your wheelie bin fresh and pest-free!