Looking after your bins

Man wearing a grey cardigan places a garbage bag full of rubbish into a waste bin with a red lid. bin

Keeping your bins clean can help reduce odours and prevent pests.

Tips for washing your bins  

You are responsible for maintaining your Council bin. If your bin becomes dirty or develops odours, we recommend giving it a quick rinse with a hose. For a more thorough clean, follow the steps below.
  1. Empty the bin and remove any loose debris.
  2. Loosen dirt and grime by pouring in hot water and leaving it for a few minutes.
  3. Apply a cleaner using equal parts white vinegar and water, or a small amount of dishwashing liquid.
  4. Scrub the bin using a long-handled brush or broom, paying attention to the sides, base and lid.
  5. Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose.
  6. Dry completely by leaving the bin open in the sun.
  7. Reduce future odours by sprinkling a small amount of baking soda in the bottom of the bin.

Tip: Pour dirty wash water down a household drain, such as a sink or toilet, rather than into a stormwater drain. It is best to wash your bin on a sunny day so it dries quickly.

Tips to reduce odours and prevent pests in your bins

A few simple habits can help keep your bins fresher, reduce odours and prevent pests.
  • Bag and tie all rubbish before placing it in your general waste (red-lid) bin.
  • Double-bag nappies and pet waste to reduce odours in your general waste (red-lid) bin.
  • Keep the lid closed when not in use.
  • Store your bins in a shaded area where possible.
  • Sprinkle a small amount of bicarb soda or cat litter in the bottom of the bin to absorb odours and liquids, or a small amount of lavender or mint around the bin lid to help keep it fresh.
  • Rinse or wash your bin occasionally, especially if it becomes dirty or starts to smell.

Tip: Reducing the amount of food waste in your general waste bin is one of the best ways to prevent odours and pests. Use your FOGO bin for accepted food scraps whenever possible.

Tips for correct bin use

General waste (red-lid) bin

  • Ensure accepted items go into your recycling (yellow) bin or food and garden waste (green) bin. For specific items check our A-to-Z guide or Recycling Near You.
  • Squeeze any air from bags of rubbish before placing in your bin.
  • Collect your soft plastics and take them to a designated collection point to free up space in your bin.

Recycling (yellow-lid) bin

  • Place items loose in the bin, not in bags.
  • Flatten, tear or cut large cardboard boxes into smaller pieces.
  • The Darebin Resource Recovery Centre (DRRC) accepts cardboard free of charge. 
  • Soft plastics are not accepted in your recycling bin. Take them to a designated collection point.

FOGO (green-lid) bin

  • Only place accepted food and garden waste in the bin.
  • Place garden clippings loose in the bin.
  • Cut branches and ensure sticks are less than 40 cm long.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my FOGO (green-lid) bin smell?

Some odour is normal as food scraps break down, especially in warmer weather. To help reduce smells, keep your bin in a shaded area, clean it regularly, and follow the tips for washing your bins and reducing odours and preventing pests.

How can I make more space in my general waste (red-lid) bin?

Making more space in your general waste bin is often as simple as using your other bins correctly. Put accepted food scraps and garden waste in your FOGO (green-lid) bin, recycle accepted items in your recycling (yellow-lid) bin, squeeze excess air out of rubbish bags, and flatten bulky items where possible. You can also recycle various items at the Darebin Resource Recovery Centre (DRRC) or at the Recycled Goods Shop helping reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.

Can I wash my bin with bleach?

A mild detergent and water are usually enough to clean your bin. If using cleaning products, follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid letting chemicals enter stormwater drains.

 
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