As spring officially begins next week, UK households are being urged to clean their recycling bins to prevent flies and maggots. Flies become more common once daytime temperatures consistently reach 10°C in late March, and recycling bins can become breeding grounds due to moisture from rainfall or residual liquids.
Moisture in bins fosters mould, bacteria, and attracts flies, whose eggs require damp organic matter to develop. Cleaning a bin with soapy water is recommended, but it may not be enough to permanently deter flies as liquid can accumulate again.
Wychavon District Council advises lining the bottom of recycling bins with newspaper to absorb moisture and prevent waste from sticking. The newspaper mops up residual juice, milk, or rainwater, stopping the pool that attracts flies. Damp paper also captures odours from decomposing liquids, discouraging flies from hovering.
Alternatives to newspaper include cardboard, supermarket paper carrier bags, old magazines, or household bin liners. The paper should be replaced at least once a month, ideally fortnightly. Keeping bins out of direct sunlight also reduces decomposition and odours.
When cleaning bins, using disinfectant, boiling water, or bleach can eliminate any maggot eggs already deposited. These simple steps can help keep recycling bins clean and maggot-free throughout spring.
