Waste can sometimes stick or get stuck in the container. This can happen in any container, but with the VGF container it is just a bit more common. VGF waste is often wet and sticky. As a result, it can stick to the walls, smell faster or attract vermin.
Fortunately, you can do a lot yourself to prevent this. With a few simple habits, you can keep your container fresh and ensure that it can be emptied properly. This keeps your container pleasant to use all year round, in every season.
Tip 1: Start with dry soil
Put a page of old newspaper or some sawdust at the bottom of the GFT container. This absorbs moisture and prevents waste from sticking. The bin stays cleaner and is easier to clean. The paper or straw absorbs moisture and helps prevent unpleasant odours.
Tip 2. Put your container in a cool place
Heat and moisture make waste stick faster. Put your GFT container in the coolest possible place, preferably in the shade. Especially during hot weather. In full sunlight, waste will brew faster. Heat speeds up composting and attracts flies and maggots. By keeping the bin as cool as possible, you reduce the risk of odours and pests.
Tip 3: Keep waste as dry as possible
Moisture is often the cause of unpleasant odours and caking.
- Drain wet food waste well before throwing it in the kitchen waste container
- Let freshly cut grass dry for a day before throwing it in the kitchen waste container.
- Alternate wet waste with dry material, such as leaves
Tip 4: Pack food waste properly
Flies love meat, fish and fruit scraps.
- Wrap perishable food waste in newspaper
- Collect your kitchen waste in special compostable VGF waste bags with the seedling logo or OK compost logo. Only these bags are allowed in VGF waste.
Tip 5: Freeze perishable leftovers until collection day
Troubled by odour or pests? Keep meat and fish waste in the freezer until collection day. Throw it frozen in the container just before you take it to the street. That way it won't rot and attract pests.
Tip 6: Ventilate or seal just right
Choose what suits your situation:
- A little ventilation helps against smells. Put the lid ajar with a twig to let warm air escape.
- Are you especially bothered by flies or maggots? Then keep the lid tightly closed.
There are also special lids with a filter that block odours but still ventilate.
Tip 7. Don't press waste
When emptying, compacted waste is more difficult to detach. This applies to all containers, but in the case of VGF waste, you notice it most quickly because wet waste clumps together.
- Do not press waste, however tempting that may be to save space.
- And always make large materials small, so nothing gets stuck.
Tip 8. Unplug waste
Waste gets stuck faster than you think. Especially if it is damp or has been in the bin for a while. Before emptying, gently poke it loose with a stick or shovel. This will prevent anything being left behind.
Tip 9: Use natural remedies against pests
Natural remedies can help:
- Climbing plant (Hedera) stops maggots
- Some fresh lavender also helps reduce odours.
Place a few sprigs in the container for extra protection.
Tip 10: Clean the container regularly
A clean container prevents a lot of inconvenience.
- Clean the container regularly with water
- Use a little green soap if necessary
- Do not use aggressive cleaning agents such as chlorine, which are harmful to the environment.
Tip 11: Empty before departure
Going on holiday? Be careful what you put in the container. Don't just throw rubbish together to "fill up" the container just yet. Separate it well, even just before leaving. This way, raw materials stay clean and we can reuse them. This will also prevent your container from being left on collection day, as soiled containers will not be emptied.
Not at home on collection day? Ask a neighbour or acquaintance to take out your container and - just as importantly - to collect it again. A small effort, great convenience.
Are you helping?
With a few small actions, you can make a big difference. Together, we will make sure that containers can be emptied properly and your waste processed neatly.
For more tips, visit waardlanden.nl/tips