Follow these simple steps to help prevent some common bin problems.
Prevent pests getting in your bin or recycling box
Follow our advice to stop pests (such as flies, squirrels, cats and rats) getting in your bin:
- keep your bin lid firmly closed
- tie bin bags securely before placing them in your bin
- store your bin out of direct sunlight as the heat will increase smells which attract flies
- keep the clip-on lid tightly closed on your recycling boxes
- clean out plastic containers and cans for recycling to minimise smells that attract animals
- rinse out glass bottles
Cleaning your bin
If possible, store your bin out of direct sunlight, to avoid it become smelly, especially during warm weather.
Kill any maggots in your bin by washing it with boiling water - but take care!
Keep flies away from your bin by using a cleaning product with a fragrance - please follow the manufacturer's safety instructions.
Alternatively, contact bin cleaning companies in York who can do this for you.
Clean central collection points
To avoid issues caused by waste waiting to be collected (such as access, loose litter, and pests) do not put your waste out early. You should present your waste between 7.00pm on the day before collection, and 7.00am on your collection day.
Communal collection points and shared bin stores must be kept free from accumulations of loose waste or bulky items such as soft furnishing; ensure all waste to be collected is presented in an appropriate bag, bin or container.
Using black sacks (bagged waste collection areas)
To avoid issues with vermin and litter, present no more than three 60L black bags for collection. Use strong black refuse bags that can be securely tied; do not use kitchen bin liners, as these can be easily ripped by animals. Only present your bags on your allocated collection day - you can check your collection dates using our online waste collection calendar.
Contaminated recycling
Contamination is when incorrect items, such as non-recyclable materials, dirty fast-food packaging, or general waste, are placed in recycling containers. An item is considered a contaminant if it is in the wrong recycling stream or container, even if it is technically recyclable. For example, textiles, plastic film, or food placed in a box designated for paper and cardboard would be contaminants. Contamination also occurs when recyclable household items are not rinsed before disposal.
If a recycling box or communal bin is contaminated with incorrect materials, our crews will place an explanatory sticker on it. The container will not be emptied until the contaminated items are removed by the residents before the next scheduled collection date.
By sorting your recycling correctly, you can avoid missed collections. Check what you can and can't recycle at the kerbside before putting your waste out for a recycling collection.