Everything heats up in summer, including your compost. As the weather warms, food waste breaks down quicker, which can get stinky pretty quickly. Here are just a few ways to keep odors at bay and other tips for collecting food scraps during the summer months.
- Put a Lid on It: Inside, use a countertop bin that has a tight-fitting lid to keep fruit fly eggs off your peels. Outside, opt for an airtight container with a locking lid to seal in freshness and keep unwanted visitors out.
- Freeze Food Waste: until you are ready to dump your food scraps, store them in a sealable bag or freezer-safe bin where they won’t decompose.
- Empty Regularly: Remember to empty your collection container regularly to prevent funky odors from taking over.
- Deodorize Naturally: Sprinkle in a natural odor neutralizer, like coffee grounds or citrus peels, to minimize odors. Even though it’s a kitchen favorite for fighting smells, avoid mixing baking soda directly into food scraps!
- Keep Things Shady: Store outdoor buckets out of direct heat and sunlight. Find a shady spot or tuck it into a garage or shed.
- Clean Often: It’s a no-brainer, but plan to clean your collection bin more regularly, and hose down your outdoor bucket every time you dump it. If bugs are in the mix, give your bin a good scrub down with a water, vinegar, and lemon juice mixture.
- Soak It Up: If you notice things getting juicy in your bin, layer in old cardboard, used napkins, leaves, or other browns to absorb liquids up.
Composting in summer never looked so cool!
Further reading:
Sustainable Sleepy Hollow 