A bin collector has issued an urgent warning, urging Brits to stop making one common error with their food waste caddies. Numerous households use these as a means of disposing of leftover food scraps, and they are collected in the same manner as standard bins.
However, given the nature of their contents, these bins are far more susceptible to attracting pests such as maggots and flies. This presents a nuisance not only for householders, but also for the refuse workers tasked with collecting them.
Binfluencer's Plea on TikTok
According to 'binfluencer' No1 Binman on TikTok, one habitual mistake is making the problem considerably worse. The refuse collector has been fielding queries from confused Britons regarding where particular items of rubbish should be disposed of. Rather than simply responding to a comment, however, he chose to issue the warning himself, urging everybody to take note.
He said: "Please stop putting your food waste caddy in the sun. [Put them] in the shade, because they cook. You open it up, flies, maggots, everything."
Why Sunlight Attracts Pests
The reason pests are attracted to food bins in warm conditions is that the heat accelerates the decomposition and rotting of food. This creates unpleasant odours and mould, which prove highly appealing to flies and maggots. Instead, your outdoor bin or indoor caddy should always be kept in a cool, shaded location to prevent food from deteriorating.
Keeping it away from direct sunlight is the initial step, but the refuse collector also urged people to bag up their food waste prior to placing it into the container. He said: "Don't put it in loose, because then it's just going to stink forever."
Proper Bagging and Liners
Compostable liners must be used if you intend to use bags, as these will decompose properly, unlike the standard black shiny varieties. For those without bags, the binman explained that old newspaper or anything capable of preventing liquids from collecting at the base of the container can also serve the purpose.
How to Keep Your Food Bin Fresh
As well as using the appropriate bags and keeping your bin away from direct sunlight, regular cleaning is essential to prevent unpleasant odours and deter pests. Rinse it out frequently with boiling water and salt, or hot soapy water if preferred. To keep it fresh, a dash of lemon juice can be added to the mixture, or a few drops of your preferred essential oil.
Baking soda is another excellent natural deodoriser, so sprinkle some at the bottom of the bin prior to inserting the liner, which should further help to eliminate unwanted smells.
