Food waste bins can become unhygienic quickly, especially in warmer weather. A British refuse collector, known as the No1 Binman on TikTok, has shared advice to prevent maggots and bad smells.
Ashley, the binman, warned against leaving food waste bins in direct sunlight. Many bins are made of dark-coloured plastics that absorb heat, raising the internal temperature and causing food to spoil, attracting flies and leading to maggots.
He also stressed the importance of using liners for food waste. Loose scraps cause persistent odours and mould, which refuse collectors will not clean. Using biodegradable liners or newspaper helps maintain hygiene and reduces the need for frequent cleaning.
By following these two tips—keeping bins out of the sun and bagging waste—households can avoid unpleasant encounters with flies and maggots, making food waste disposal more manageable.
