How to Stop Bad Smells in Bins
Nobody wants to open the back door on a warm day and be greeted by the smell of a wheelie bin.
Wheelie bins are essential, but when they're stored close to your house, driveway or garden, unpleasant smells can quickly become a nuisance. Fortunately, a few simple changes can make a big difference.
Why Does My Wheelie Bin Smell?
Most wheelie bin smells come from food and other organic waste breaking down. Leaking rubbish bags can also leave liquids and residue at the bottom of the bin.
Warm weather makes the problem worse, so keeping your bin clean and thinking carefully about where you store it is important.
1. Keep Food Waste Properly Bagged
Avoid putting loose food directly into your general waste bin.
Tie rubbish bags securely and check that they're not leaking. The less residue that reaches the bottom of your bin, the easier it is to keep clean and fresh.
2. Keep Wheelie Bins Out of Direct Sunlight
Where you store your bins matters.
A wheelie bin sitting in direct summer sunlight can become extremely warm, making unpleasant smells considerably worse.
A wheelie bin storage unit gives your bins a dedicated home and can help shield them from direct sunlight while also hiding them from view.
3. Choose Ventilated Wheelie Bin Storage
If you're considering enclosed wheelie bin storage, look for a design that allows airflow.
You don't want heat and odours becoming trapped inside a completely sealed enclosure.
Good ventilation is particularly important for double and triple wheelie bin stores, where several bins are kept together.
4. Keep the Lid Closed
Make sure your wheelie bin lid closes properly.
A closed lid helps contain smells, prevents rainwater getting inside and makes it harder for flies and pests to reach the waste.
If the lid is damaged or no longer closes properly, contact your council about a replacement.
5. Clean Your Bin After Collection
Once your bin has been emptied, check the bottom and sides for spills or residue.
Clean it with an appropriate household cleaning product when necessary and allow it to dry before adding new rubbish.
Keeping the bottom of the bin clean and dry can make a significant difference.
6. Create a Dedicated Bin Area
Bins often end up wherever there's spare space - next to the front door, against a wall or lined up across the driveway.
A double, triple or four-bin wheelie bin store keeps everything together in one organised location and hides unattractive plastic bins from view.
For front gardens and driveways, this can make a surprisingly big difference to the appearance of your home.
Does Wheelie Bin Storage Stop Smells?
A wheelie bin store can't remove smells from the rubbish itself, so keeping your bins clean is still important.
However, good storage can help by giving bins a dedicated location, shielding them from direct sunlight and keeping the surrounding area tidy.
When choosing a store, look for appropriate ventilation rather than a completely sealed enclosure.
Where Is the Best Place to Keep Wheelie Bins?
Ideally, choose somewhere that is:
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Away from doors and windows where possible
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Easy to access
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On firm, level ground
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Not constantly exposed to direct sunlight
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Convenient on collection day
Remember that a full wheelie bin can be heavy, so don't put your storage somewhere that's difficult to reach.
Keep Your Bins and Garden Looking Better
Keeping wheelie bins fresh is mostly about good habits: secure your rubbish bags, minimise leaks, clean the bins when necessary and choose a sensible place to store them.
A well-designed wheelie bin storage unit then gives those bins a proper home, hiding them from view and creating a much smarter-looking outdoor space.