Bin man shares how to stop maggots in your wheelie bin

A bin man's advice for a maggot-free bin

Maggots are one of the last things anyone wants to find squirming inside their wheelie bin. During warmer months, they can become a recurring nuisance as hotter temperatures increase fly activity and speed up the decomposition of food waste, creating stronger odours that attract them. To help keep these unwanted creatures at bay, a bin man and content creator known as @The No. 1Binman shared a series of tips on Instagram, advising that the final tip involves something he acknowledged "some people don't want to do".

The advice begins with a simple rule for smelly food: double-bag it, squeeze the air out, tie it tight, and then place it in the bin. This, he explains, helps contain odours that draw flies.

The bin man also recommends positioning the wheelie bin away from direct sunlight. He warns that hot weather heats up the bin, which attracts more flies due to the smell. Where possible, householders should place their bins in a shaded spot or “anywhere you can” such as under a chair, with the sole exception being collection day, when the bin must be placed out for collection.

Another key point is keeping the lid firmly shut. As the bin man puts it, "If the flies can't get in there, they can't lay the maggots to then be in the bin."

Finally, he suggests a method some people may be hesitant about: "Put the food waste in the freezer, and then on bin day, put it in your bin." One viewer commented, "food waste in our freezer wtf nah," and another remarked, "No way am I putting food waste in my [damn] fridge."

Viewer reactions

Despite the reservations, several people echoed the freezer trick and reported success. One viewer wrote, "Food waste in bags in the freezer until bin day... WORKS!!" Another confid; "I have done the freezer trick for years and it works a treat." Their experiences suggest the method can indeed suppress issues for some households.

Additional measures

Apart from the freezer tip, the bin man’s list includes double-bagging and keeping the bin clean. One alternative that has been mentioned is placing vinegar-soaked bread at the base of the bin, which may help deter flies. He also advises everyone to properly bag their rubbish to help keep the bin cleaner overall.

For those looking to avoid maggots this summer, following@The No. 1Binman’s tips and putting in a bit of extra effort could be worthwhile. While the freezer method might be unreasonable, other steps like securing bags and managing the bin’s location and lid are simple and practical.