Cleaning Garbage and Recycling Bins
Outdoor garbage bins are one of the most universally neglected cleaning tasks in Ontario households — and one of the most consequential in summer, when heat accelerates decomposition and creates the odours and pest conditions that make a neglected bin intolerable. A quarterly cleaning routine keeps bins manageable year-round.
Why It Matters More in Ontario Summers
Ontario's summer heat (regularly 30°C+ in July and August in the GTA and southern Ontario) accelerates the organic decomposition that causes bin odour and attracts insects. Flies lay eggs in food residue inside bins — in warm weather, eggs can hatch into maggots within 24 hours. A bin clean that removes the organic residue from the interior walls eliminates the breeding environment.
The Cleaning Method
- Empty the bin completely after collection day
- Rinse the interior with a garden hose, directing debris toward the drain
- Spray the interior with a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) or a dedicated bin cleaner
- Scrub with a long-handled brush
- Rinse thoroughly and tip upside down to drain and dry in the sun
How Often
Monthly in summer (May–September), quarterly in fall and winter. After any messy bag leak or raw meat disposal: clean immediately.
Odour Prevention
- Baking soda sprinkled on the bottom of the bin absorbs odours between cleanings
- Cat litter at the bottom absorbs liquids from bag leaks
- Always double-bag meat and fish before disposal
- In Ontario, using the green bin for organic waste keeps the most odour-generating material out of the garbage bin