A binman has warned that putting one everyday household item in the wrong bin can attract maggots. Leftover cat or dog food, when placed in the general waste bin, can draw the pests, according to Ashley, who runs the No. 1 Binman account.
Which bin should pet food go in?
Ashley suggested that households put any remaining cat or dog food in the food waste bin rather than the general waste bin. He noted that the packaging should be handled separately.
He said: "As long as it is only the food. The packaging itself can't be recycled, and it wouldn't go with it in the food waste bin. It wouldn't go in the recycling if it is a pouch; it would go in the general waste bin."
How to prevent maggots
Pet food can attract maggots because it typically has a strong smell and high moisture levels. When left in pet bowls, flies can deposit their eggs on the food before it is put in the bin, and if the eggs go unnoticed, maggots can emerge rapidly and spread.
Ashley advised wrapping the pet food in small bags before placing it in the food bin. He said: "Make sure you put it in a bag before you put it in, because that will stink. You will get maggots for days. So, bag it up and put it in a compostable bag and in your food waste bin."
The binman stressed: "Make sure you put it out every single week, otherwise you will get the maggots and the smells. It is not worth it." He also encouraged households to check with their local council, as regulations differ by location. He said: "Your council may be different, do check. But most councils will let you put your dog or cat food waste in the food waste bin."
