It is curious why recycling bins can be so go for the environment, yet smell so bad in the process. We use these progressive bins to process a variety of food related plastic trays, cans and bottles. In the process, sugary residues and stinky food bits can quickly cover the interior walls to create an odorous situation.
Fortunately, there exist a handful of household solutions to ensure that the stench living within the recycling bin is eliminated and does not return. The below solutions will ensure that the recycling bin is smelling fresh and always at it’s best.
Recycling Bin Smell Removal Solutions
1 Hose Down
Oftentimes, hosing down the interior of the recycling bin will be enough to wash out the odorous residues and lift away the odors. During this process, be sure to scrub down any especially sticky areas with an old rag. Finalize by pouring out the liquids and leaving the top lid open to air dry any moisture.
2 Empty/Open Can In Sun
Another simple and effective solution is to place the recycling bin within a location of the yard where it is sure to receive a minimum of 8 hours of direct sunlight. Flip the top of the lid open and provide 2-3 days for the UV rays, open space and fresh air to dry out and lift away the odors. If the smell remains after 2-3 days, consider leaving it within the sunshine for another few days until it is left smelling fresh.
3 Baking Soda Sprinkle
This household absorbent powder has been used for generations to minimize and remove smelly situations around the home. Apply to recycling bin by sprinkling it throughout the interior of the bin to make sure that it covers all of the interior walls. Close the lid to the bin and provide several days for the baking soda to slowly work its magic. After 2-3 days, the the powder will have absorbed the majority of the stench and the recycling bin will be smelling at its best.
4 White Vinegar Wipe Down
This household acid can work to cut through the odorous residues that exist within the siding of the recycling bins. Mix a solution of one part white vinegar with eight parts warm water within the interior of the bin. Using a rag, wipe down the smelly residues within the bin allowing the moisture to run into the bottom containing area. Finalize by closing the lid and allowing it to sit for 24-48 hours. Once this time has passed, the vinegar mixture can be poured out of the bin with the lid left open for air drying purposes.
5 Diluted Bleach Mixture
Bleach can work well at breaking down organic bits within the interior of a recycling bin. Mix one part bleach with 10 parts water inside the bottom of the bin. Proceed to dunk a rag within the bleach solution and scrub down the interior. Once all of the residues have been washed away from the siding, proceed to pour out the contents and allow the remaining bleach moisture to evaporate.
6 Let Enzymes Eat It
If the above solutions have not been effective at eliminating the odor, using an enzyme cleaner to literally eat through the foul residues can work in removing the odors. Pour two cups of enzyme cleaner within a large bowl and proceed to wipe down the interior of the bin with the fluids. Once the entire interior has been scrubbed down with the enzyme solution, proceed to close the lid and allow 24-48 hours for the active enzymes to neutralize the odors.
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