Food scraps are an inevitable part of kitchen waste, and the odors they produce can be a nuisance. Whether the odors are in your kitchen containers or an outside organics collection bin, you can follow these effective strategies to minimize unpleasant smells.
- Line your kitchen containers and organics carts with a paper bag or newspaper to absorb moisture.
- Don’t let organic waste sit for long in your kitchen collection container.
- Empty your indoor container regularly into your compost pile/bin or outside organics collection bin to prevent the accumulation of odors.
- When using a collection bin, place leaves or other yard trimmings in the bottom of the collection bin, add food scraps, and then layer more yard trimmings on top.
- Store your organics collection bin in a cool, shaded area to slow down decomposition. High temperatures can accelerate the breakdown of organic matter and intensify odors.
- Sprinkle baking soda at the bottom of your kitchen containers and organic waste collection bin. Baking soda is known for its odor-neutralizing properties and can help absorb unpleasant smells.
- Ensure that lids on kitchen containers and organics carts are securely closed to prevent odors from escaping.
- Clean your kitchen containers and organics carts as needed. Simply attach an automatic shut-off spray nozzle to your hose and use a high-pressure stream to spray the bottom and then the inside walls of the cart. Allow the water to sit for an hour. Then drain the water out onto your lawn or another landscaped area.(Don’t drain the water onto your sidewalk or driveway or into the gutter!) Allow the cart to air-dry in the sun.
- If possible, provide adequate ventilation to the area where organics waste is stored. Good airflow can help dissipate odors more quickly.
- Place citrus peels or a small dish of vinegar in your kitchen containers to add a fresh scent and to help neutralize odors.
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