Did you know: Composting food scraps through your curbside green organics bin is one of the easiest ways to reduce waste and help the environment.
But if you’ve ever dealt with the smells, mess, or fruit flies that can come with it, you’re not alone. Thankfully, a few simple habits can make a big difference in keeping your bin fresh and hassle-free.
Your compost sidekick
Start by using a kitchen caddy to collect food scraps throughout the day. Many retailers offer caddies with charcoal filters built into the lid, which help absorb smells before they escape. Find one that fits your kitchen space and empty it regularly, especially during warmer weather.
Clean bin, happy bin
To make cleanup easier, line your caddy. Brown, kraft paper from favorite online retailer is ideal., A few sheets of newspaper, a paper bag, or paper towel also work well. They help prevent “gunk” at the bottom and absorb excess moisture.
Speaking of moisture, adding food-soiled paper like napkins, paper towels, and greasy pizza boxes can make a big difference. These items help soak up juices from wet scraps and keep your bin from getting soggy.
Keep it cool to stay fresh
To tackle possible odors, try freezing your food scraps until bin day. You can also sprinkle a little baking soda in the bottom of your bin to tackle smells before they begin. Citrus peels do double duty, adding a pleasant scent while breaking down easily with the rest of the waste.
Shoo fly, don’t bother me
If flies are an issue inside your kitchen, it usually means the scraps have been sitting too long or the lid isn’t sealing properly. Keep your caddy closed, empty it every couple of days, and give it a quick clean each week with vinegar or soap and water.
If you are getting flies and bugs in your curbside green bin, try this simple but effective DIY fruit fly trap- set out a small dish of vinegar with a drop of dish soap nearby. Adding your food scraps on top of yard trimmings already in your green bin will help soak up excess moisture and limit pests.
Unsure if an item belongs in the green bin? Check with your local waste hauler or visit WastefreeSD.org to search places you can donate non-perishable items!
