Making Green Less Grody: Reduce Green Bin Stink

It’s nice to know that more and more cities are getting on board with green bin programs (it might be called something different in your town – “community compost”, “green cart”, “wet recyclables” and “organic waste” collection or pick-up are a few terms floating out there. If you’re in the United States, the EPA’s website can show you what’s available in your city.). If you’re not down with the g-flow, I’ll give you a primer: Basically, just like garbage day, the city comes by and collects a special bin (or in some cases – a clear or clear green bag) that is filled with just organic waste – like scraps from the kitchen (vegetable peels, eggshells, old leftovers), garden waste (grass clippings, weeds) and soiled paper products (used napkins, cheese-crusted pizza boxes). Instead of going to the landfill with the rest of the garbage, the city mulches it into compost to make fertilizer. Nice, huh?

But, as usual, there’s a downside. Green bins and bags can fill up somewhat quickly and ooooooheeeee, they can STINK – especially in the summer months. Depending on the style of home you have, you might keep this bin outside (preferred), in your garage (if you must) or the mini version is somewhere inside your house (ugh). Regardless, keeping it as clean and stench-free as possible is something everyone’s gag reflex is aiming for. Here are some tips to reduce the odor:

Keep on fighting the good fight – for the environment and the one against the great stink!