Your Garbage on a Hot Day
Hot summer temperatures can exacerbate the problem of garbage odours wherever you keep it. However, with some practical strategies, you can effectively prevent your garbage from permeating the area, even during the hottest days of the year.
Use Airtight Containers
Invest in airtight garbage cans or containers to store your trash. These can help seal in odours and prevent them from permeating your garage. Consider double bagging your trash inside the container. Use strong, durable trash bags and tie them securely to minimize the escape of odors.
Frequent Emptying
Don’t let trash accumulate for too long especially indoors. Make it a habit to empty the garbage pails regularly, ideally before they become overly full. You could also arrange for Acorn Waste to pick up your trash more frequently in the summer months.
Keep It Clean
Regularly clean the inside of your garbage containers. Rinse them with a mixture of water and mild detergent and allow them to air dry before adding a new garbage bag. It is important to let some time pass before refilling them as moisture breeds bacteria which adds to the smell. A dry garbage container is more likely to keep odours from growing. Also, ultraviolet light from the suns rays can help as they kill bacteria.
Use Odour Absorbers or Scented Bags
Place odor-absorbing products such as activated charcoal, baking soda, or commercial odor-absorbing discs inside your garbage containers. Some garbage bags come with built-in scents designed to mask odors. These can be helpful during the summer months. These can help neutralize odours.
Consider a Compost Bin for Food Waste
If you dispose of food scraps, consider a compost bin for this type of waste. It is both environmentally friendly and can keep your regular garbage smell from getting out of control. Talk to Acorn Waste about their food waste program.
Regularly Clean and Ventilate the Area
Sweeping and cleaning your garage or garbage room floor regularly can help remove any lingering odours. Pay special attention to the area around the garbage cans. Ensure proper ventilation if you store garbage indoors, especially during the summer. Open windows or use fans to improve air circulation and reduce stagnant odours.
Consider Outdoor Storage
If the smell remains a persistent issue, you may want to consider moving your garbage containers to an outdoor location, such as a secure area in your yard or near the curb, until trash pickup day. Of course, this might mean you will need to defend against wild animals such as squirrels, racoons or skunks. Read our post “Keep Wildlife Out of Your Garbage.”
Store Hazardous Waste Separately
If you store hazardous or strongly odorous materials in your garage, keep them in a separate, well-sealed container to prevent their odours and fumes from mingling with household trash. Sometimes the combination of several odours can be a toxic mixture.
By implementing some or all these strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of your garbage causing unpleasant odours in your garbage area during hot summer weather. Regular maintenance and attention to cleanliness are key to keeping your garage smelling better.