Recycling and Pests
Recycling is proving to be a divisive
issue. Although we all understand that need to reduce waste, we are unsure that
reducing waste bin collection to three weeks – or four weeks in one Welsh
county – is the right way forward.
Many people question whether such measures
lead to increased fly-tipping or an
increase in pests, such as flies and rats. With local councils cutting back on
services, very few local authorities now offer free pest control for any pest
other than rodents.
Recycling and less frequent bin collections
are here to stay and until such time that we reduce consumption of plastic and
waste less, how do you keep your recycling containers and bins pest-free?
Tips for Pest-Free
Refuse and Recycling Bins
·
Undercover – there is a suggestion that
keeping recycling containers and bins in a garage, shed or basement may be the
key to keeping them pest-free. However,
some experts share concerns that rather than doing just that, it may actually
attract pests into your property.
·
Container material – most local
authorities provide residents with recycling bins and containers. In most
cases, these are suitable, heavy plastic containers but there are some design
floors. The best type of container is one with a close-fitting tight light that
locks into position preventing pests from
gaining access to remnants of food or
materials.
·
Wash your jars, tins, plastic bottles etc. – this doesn’t mean putting them through the dishwasher but rinsing
out containers so that there are no remnants of food and liquid inside makes
them far less attractive to pests. Leftover
food can attract flies and wasps, as well as opportunistic rats and mice.
·
Recycling bags – some local authorities
provide bags for some recycling or you may use these bags or cardboard boxes to
contain bottles etc. that can’t fit into the main recycling boxes. This makes
for a great short-term solution but can be attractive to pests. Use strong
durable bags that you can seal close.
·
Regular pick-up – most local authorities
pick up recycling containers weekly. But this can vary. The importance of
regularly emptying recycling bins cannot be underestimated. At certain times of
the year, some of your recycling habits will be more attractive. For example, a
mouse or squirrel nesting in early spring will look for materials to create and
line their nests. And all that lovely cardboard neatly piled for the recycling
centre is perfect material!
·
Wash the bins and containers – you may
have sealable lids and your recycling is picked up weekly, so why are still
plagued by wasps and flies? Pests are attracted to the food and drink residue
left in bins and containers. From sticky sweet jam to remnants of drinks that
is weeks old, pests will be attracted to it. Disinfect your recycling containers
and bins from time to time using an
environmentally-friendly product. Or invest in one of the many regular bin
cleaning services on offer.
Are you struggling
to keep your recycling pest-free?
We may be able to help! It may be that the
recycling containers and bin are the not the source of the problem, but
something else. Why not give our team a call?
