Managing pests and odours

How to get started

Get a small container with a lid for your kitchen such as an ice cream bucket or large yogurt container. Make sure it’s a size you can comfortably carry, and is easy to wash. Whenever you have any of the accepted food scraps, put them in the container. Empty your kitchen container in your yard trimmings cart regularly.

How do I keep away odours, insects and pests from the food scraps?

For your kitchen container:

• sprinkle with baking soda or powdered garden lime
• line or wrap food scraps with newspaper or a paper bag (DO NOT use plastic)
• empty it out and wash it regularly
• keep the lid on when not in use

For your yard trimmings cart:

• line the bottom with newspaper
• layer food scraps under yard trimmings
• sprinkle with baking soda or powdered garden lime
• keep the cart in a shady area out of direct sunlight
• keep the cart lid closed at all times
• put your cart out every yard trimmings collection day, even if you only have a few scraps
• wash your yard trimmings cart periodically with a mild, non-toxic detergent
• pour dirty water onto grass or gravel, not down the storm drain
• keep meat, bones and other organic materials in your freezer until your collection day to reduce odours

Part of the Riley Park/ Sunset pilot?

Food scraps and yard trimmings will be collected weekly and garbage will be collected bi-weekly in order to minimize odours and insects from decomposing meat, fish and dairy scraps.

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