Last Updated: 11 January 2024
You won't be alone in thinking that storing any kind of food waste at home is a fairly dirty, smelly affair. But, fear not, there are plenty of ways to mitigate the mess and avoid your food waste recycling becoming a pongy pain. Here we look at some of the best ways to deal with cleaning and odours when it comes to your food waste bin.
There's no getting away from the fact that organic matter breaks down quickly, causing unpleasant smells that can quickly invade your kitchen. Thankfully, it's perfectly possible to avoid such problems. Just take a look at some of the advice below to help you on your way to rosier recycling.
Cleaning rituals:
- Weekly wash down: Whether you store your food waste in a kitchen caddy or it goes straight into your food waste bin, these containers are going to need a bit of essential maintenance from time to time. A weekly scrub with hot soapy water is all it takes to refresh most vessels. Add a squeeze of lemon juice or tea tree oil for a natural antibacterial boost while washing.
- Every now and then: More stubborn remains can be removed using a paste made with baking soda and a little water or neat vinegar, then rinse and air dry. This should banish any stuck-on bits and have your container squeaky clean again in no time.
- Filter fun: If your caddy uses a filter (often found underneath), don't neglect it! Wash it regularly along with the caddy, and consider replacing it every couple of months.
Odour annihilation:
- Lid logic: This might seem obvious, but keeping your caddy lid closed is essential. It traps the worst smells and keeps unwelcome flies from throwing a party.
- Paper power: Line your caddy or container with either a bag to fully contain the food waste, making it easy to dispose of in time for collection day, or use newspaper in the container to absorb moisture and neutralise odours.
- Citrus surprise: Tuck a few lemon or orange peels in your caddy for a natural deodoriser.
- Soda saviour: Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda on the bottom of your caddy before adding the liner and any food scraps. It works wonders against unwanted smells, as do carpet and household cleaning powders.
Other top tips:
- Location, location, location: Keep your caddy away from heat sources such as ovens and radiators. Warmth accelerates decomposition and promotes odours. Similarly, if you're storing your bin outside, try to find a shaded spot for it, out of direct sunlight.
- Scrappy smarts: Chop larger scraps into smaller pieces to prevent your caddy liner bulging or splitting.
- Fruity finesse: Wrap up particularly smelly items such as banana peel or fish bones in newspaper before adding them to the caddy.
- Spread the word: Share your caddy care wisdom with friends and family! The more informed we are, the greener our planet becomes.
By following these simple tips, you can turn your food waste bin into a place of cleanliness and sustainability. Remember, every scrap you send for anaerobic digestion powers homes and reduces landfill waste. So, embrace your inner kitchen crusader, conquer the culinary cast-offs, and join us in creating a future fuelled by good food and even better choices!