Twin Bin Scheme

Twin Bin Health Tips

A professional bin-cleaner in action

A small number of twin bin residents have reported seeing maggots in their grey twin bin.  It's important to remember that you will only get maggots if flies have somehow gained access to your rubbish.  Although there are professional bin cleaning companies who can thoroughly disinfect your bin, you should be able to avoid most problems if you follow these points:

• keep the twin bin lids closed
• keep the lid closed on any kitchen bins you might have as flies can lay eggs on rubbish before it goes into your twin bin
• if you put your rubbish into black bags make sure there are no holes in the bag
• use newspaper to wrap all perishable items such as food (particularly meat) and bag it before placing in the bin
• squeeze all the air out of any bags as this will slow down the decomposition and the development of any maggots as well as reduce smells
• animal waste should be wrapped in newspaper and doubled bagged
• never leave any food, including pet food, uncovered.  Flies can lay eggs on food before it goes in the bin
• if you can, store your twin bins in the shade to slow down the cycle of the fly and decrease the risk of smells
• faeces in disposable nappies should be emptied in to the WC before they are doubled bagged and placed in the bin.  Visit our nappies page for more advice on environmentally friendly nappies
• clean and wash your bin after it has been emptied
• peppermint, basil, bay leaves and eucalyptus will deter flies from going near your bin if placed on top of your rubbish
• cat litter granules can be placed in the bottom of the bin and will absorb any liquid that has escaped
• if you've already got maggots, most will be removed when the bin is emptied
• maggot and fly eggs can be killed by using hot boiling hot water.  Pour it around the edges for maximum effect

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