COMPOST CART CARE

Tips on Keeping Your Carts Clean

Store In Shady Area & Keep Lid Closed

Reduce heat exposure to your compost carts by storing them in shady areas. The less sunlight, the fewer flies.  

Tie Compost Bag

Once you have filled your compost cart, tie the compostable bag together. The less scent, the fewer flies.  

Top Off with Carbons

Baking soda, paper towels, newspaper, leaves, and dirt are natural carbons that reduce acidity and scent. After you put food waste into the cart, top off with one of these. Flies love acidity, so let’s reduce it.

DIY Spray

There are a number of natural products you can use. Rub tea tree oil or neem oil around the lid of the cart. If making a spray, use 10-20 drops of oil in a spray bottle. Use of Dr. Bronners Sal Suds alongside the oils helps as well.

Hot Water

If maggots are developing and you’re looking for a quick way to get rid of them, use nearly boiling water to kill them.

Wash It Out

Many organizations wash their carts out as needed. After pickup day, rinse them out with soap to break up oil and fats.

Professional Can Cleaning Service

We recommend Innovative Sani Solutions to rinse your carts out. A truck lifts the bins into their high pressure wash system using hot water and a biodegradable disinfect. We can set it up for you on your behalf, or you can contact them here.

Cart Alternatives

Some of our partners, such as schools, often bring the compost carts inside for collection. If this is your organization, you may want to consider using your own containers inside and keeping ours outside.

If so, Larsen Supply Co. has cheap 23-gallon Slim Jims in green (the preferred color for composting). We can arrange for the compost bags we use in your carts to be set to the side so you can use them in your in-house container.