HOW TO KEEP YOUR BINS CLEAN

Some people may have concerns about their bins becoming smelly and unpleasant with the forthcoming changes to the collection schemes – here are some tips for keeping your bin clean.

GREY RUBBISH BIN

1. Always wrap up all your rubbish before putting it in to the bin. You can re-use old carrier bags to tie up your rubbish. If your rubbish is thoroughly wrapped there should be no way for flies to get access to it.
2. Always keep your bin lid down. This stops flies as well as cats, dogs and birds from getting access to your rubbish.
3. In summer you can help prevent meat and fish waste from smelling by double wrapping it.
4. Regularly clean out your wheeled bin to get rid of any residues. You can do this yourself, use anti-bacterial cleaner to kill off any germs. If you use a cleaning product like Jeyes Fluid, the smell of the cleaner will also deter flies.
5. Purchase a bin deodorant to kill off any smells in your bin (e.g ‘Adsorbex’ powder). Visit www.adsorbex.co.uk for details.
6. Use a wheeled bin liner.

BROWN ORGANIC

1. Try wrapping any vegetable peelings or tea bags in a sheet of newspaper to help absorb some of the moisture. Please note that we do not actively promote newspaper in the brown bin as our processor does not want excess amounts through the composting facility, however we can tolerate a small amount in order to keep your bin clean.
2. Always keep your bin lid down. This stops flies as well as cats, dogs and birds from getting access to your compost.
3. In summer large quantities of grass clippings can go soggy and smelly. You can help prevent this by trying to layer up clippings with other types of garden rubbish. You can purchase compostable sacks and kitchen caddie liners from a number of local stockists in East Staffordshire. Call 0800 269098 for more information. Alternatively you can visit www.gardeningdelights.com

MAGGOTS ….and how to deal with them in your bin!

What are Maggots?

Maggots are the larva stage of the life cycle of the common house fly. Flies are attracted to food, and can lay up to 150 eggs at a time. These eggs can hatch into maggots within 8-48 hours. Depending on the conditions, maggots can transform into flies after a few days or several weeks.

Why am i getting maggots in my bin?

You may get maggots on your household rubbish when flies have had contact with your rubbish. If flies settle on your rubbish they may lay eggs which will then hatch out into maggots.

How can I prevent maggots?

If flies do not get in contact with the rubbish you will not get maggots!

1. Tie up any bags of rubbish tightly – it may help to double wrap rubbish if it is difficult to tie the bags up very tightly.
2. Ensure the lid of your wheeled bin is kept closed.
3. Make sure you never leave cooked food (especially meat) uncovered. Flies can lay eggs on the food before it goes in the bin.
4. If you have lots of flies in the house try using fly paper, scented fly deterrent or ‘knock down’ spray.

How can I get rid of maggots?

If maggots get into your wheeled bin, most of them should be removed when your bin is emptied.

Maggots and flies eggs can be killed by using bleach, boiling water or disinfectants.

Clean/wash your bin out – you can use professional bin cleaners if you don’t want to clean it yourself. Check local papers for details of bin cleaners in the local area.

Try using a cleaning product with a fragrance, for example Jeyes Fluid, which will help deter flies from your bin.

If you need further advice or information on recycling and waste related issues in East Staffordshire please contact our Customer Services Team on 0800 269098 or email environment@eaststaffsbc.gov.uk