Hello!

I was cleaning out my garbage bin the other day after the pick up and a neighbour said to me are you seriously cleaning out your garbage bin and then started to laugh at me, Am I the only person that does this I clean it because it stinks and I don’t want maggots in there.


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  • We clean our general waste bin at least once every 2 weeks. Your neighbour is weird to have laughed at that and they obviously are a bit feral if they can’t understand why you would want to clean your bin. I don’t know what’s wrong with some people smh everyone should be cleaning their bins.


  • I *wish* I was as on to it as you. I hate having a smelly bin and have had many, many neighbours who rinse out their bin immediately after collection. We had a bin cleaning truck come out to our home when we lived in Toowoomba and needed a spruce, very smart business idea.


  • That was a bit rude of your neighbour to say that, you have every right to clean your bin if you want to. Here in WA we have companies who solely offer bin cleans so it is a thing. I personally don’t do it but that is because I can’t be bothered but good on you.


  • Ha ha, no you’re not the only one. How considerate of you so it doesn’t stink for every one else! Particularly in setting summer! I have occasionally cleaned out the bin, but should do it more often. Is like people who put the meat scraps in the freezer until bin night so it doesn’t stink… just considerate. Just remember you can only be judged by your behaviour, not others! Don’t let the neighbour put you off being a good human


  • I’ve read that while drilling holes in a council bin might seem like a good idea for easier cleaning, it’s generally not recommended as it can create issues with pests, leaks, and potential hygiene concerns, and could even void any warranty on the bin; it’s best to check with your local council regarding proper cleaning methods for your bin instead


  • It must be reassuring to know from the posted comments that you are not alone and most people also keep their bins clean. It is very easy to tell when people do not because the smell from bins wafts; particularly the green waste bin; it can be so pungent and strong. I do like the tip about drilling a hole in the bottom of the green bin. I will research this technique.


  • No Wash out your bins we double bag food waste with meat products so we never get maggots. Green waste bin with grass clippings is easy to hose off. My Dad has always drilled holes in the bottom of the green waste and the Red bin so water can drain off easily. Easier for the elderly to maneuver when washing out.


  • Nope, you’re definitely not the only one. We ( well my husband mostly) clean the green waste bin regularly or ypure exactly right it does get smelly and can get maggots even when everything is bagged. Bags still split etc. I honestly wouldn’t worry about your neighbour. They’re the ones dealing with a gross bin..


  • There are actually businesses that you can book that will come out weekly after the rubbish collection and they will clean out your bins and add deodorant.
    Look at it on the positive side at least you brought a laugh to an uneducated neighbour. Each to their own. You are not doing anything wrong.


  • Not strange at all !
    The benefits of keeping your waste bins clean is to reduce the risk of pest infestations, such as insects or rodents. Help prevent bacteria and germ build-up, safeguarding the health of everyone on-site. Decomposing and rotten food left in your bin will emit a foul smell that will put off your residence, customers and clients. Flies are attracted to rotting food and waste which can be found in the residue in wheelie bins. The flies lay their eggs and these turn into Maggots. Rodents are drawn to rotting waste.


  • Nothing wrong with washing out your bins regularly! I do it with all my rubbish bins, inside and out. Don’t let one person’s opinion bother you


  • You are not alone and we like to stay on top of all cleaning jobs which includes cleaning inside and outside of our home. Bins; both inside and outside can indeed get smelly and keeping them clean also keeps animals and unwanted visitors from investigating them and trying to get into them.


  • We clean ours on an as-needed basis. They can get pretty nasty. I like to avoid opening one and having that lingering stench if I can. Our council has fortnightly bin collection for land fill and recycling. It’s a really long time between bin emptying and it does get smelly in there.


  • You are certainly not the only one who washes out their bins although we may not clean it every week. It is the only way to keep it clean and smelling nice and to keep the flies away from the bin. This person obviously has no sense of smell and no good eyesight!!!!


  • I am sure you are not the only one. I use garbage bags inside the house so the rubbish bin is usually clean. We usually only use one per week. If it gets really dirty or smelly I would hose it out. Probably once every 4 or 5 years. The green bin sometimes needs a hose out more often though as the lawn clippings can create a smell. Each to their own.


  • Nothing wrong with cleaning out your bin if it smells. Your neighbour should mind his/her own business.


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